Pierre-Noel flying high thanks to CQU and MAF

28 November 2024
Pierre-Noel Guntendorfer (centre) with MAF Training Centre's Matt Painter and Janne Rytkonen
CQU Aviation student Pierre-Noel Guntendorfer (centre) with MAF Training Centre Manager Dean Giles (left) and Senior Flight Instructor Joe Knighton (right).

By Greg Chapman

CQUniversity Aviation student Pierre-Noel Guntendorfer is literally on cloud nine after he successfully passed his Private Pilot Licence (PPL) flight test recently.

The 19-year-old completed the test at the MAF Training Centre in Mareeba where his training and studies at CQU helped him soar.

“(This) is a massive milestone in my aviation career - one I am extremely happy to have finally achieved,” he said.

Pierre-Noel completed his flight test in a light single engine aeroplane Cessna 172, VH-WMC, but while he’s currently on a high, he’s already thinking about the next stage of his training.

“I will be working hard towards the next milestone in my journey which will be my Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL),” he said.

Image of a young man flying a light aircraft with the landscape below.

He said travelling the world with his family inspired him to want to become a pilot.

“I’ve always been fascinated about planes and wanted to become a pilot,” Pierre-Noel said.

“It has always been my dream and once I have completed my Bachelor in Aviation, I plan on flying in General Aviation (GA) and then work towards becoming an airline pilot.

“It’s great that CQU offered this type of program as it gives students across Australia the chance to complete a high-quality pilot training program. I have found CQU to be very helpful with great staff who always try their best to accommodate their students.

“I have been doing all my theory for my CASA CPL theory exams with CQU, and have been receiving all of my flight training through MAF. 

“Throughout my flying training, MAF has been providing me with the best quality training that I could receive.” 

He said anyone with a dream of becoming a pilot should consider CQU’s Aviation program.

“I would highly recommend joining CQU. This program provides students with an aviation program that partners with flight schools that are spread across the country at most larger airports, which gives students a chance to study without needing to move far from home,” he said.

Learn more about CQU’s Bachelor of Aviation