Capturing sweeping scenic shots of the shorelines and waterways of the Manning region has always been Sam Coleman’s dream and, after months of hard work, meticulous study and practice, he has struck gold.
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Currently a year 12 student in the support unit at Tare High School, Sam is a prime example of the success hard work brings, having recently completed his Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot), the equivalent of four units of year 12 study, in one year.
Sam is now a fully qualified drone pilot with CASA approval and licence, and is looking to get his drone business up and running in Taree.
For this, he needs some community support.
“I was first interested in helicopters, then I discovered drones, which were easier to fly, so I focused on them,” Sam explained.
“Now I’m hoping to start a business taking aerial photos for people and businesses, real estate agencies and that sort of thing. I always wanted to be a pilot so this has been great for me.”
To earn his Certificate III in Aviation, Sam undertook a number of extensive theoretical and practical courses, learning the civil aviation rules, how to use a drone correctly within the rules, and VHF radio.
Sam’s spotter, Steve Pugh has been there for all the ups and downs of the journey.
“I’m Sam’s “Goose”, his wing-man,” Steve laughed.
“As a teacher’s aide, I’ve been with Sam since year seven.
We are looking for a business mentor to help Sam with what steps to take and guide him through the process of setting up his business.
- Teacher, Glen Bowman
“Over the last three years we realised we had this joint interest. I have drones as well, so that shared interest has helped us create a good bond.
“He’s worked hard and the next step is to get him up and running and get his name out there.”
After spending each Tuesday of the last year travelling to Raymond Terrace for the course, Sam has well and truly paved the way to success, and is now looking for a mentor.
“We are looking for a business mentor to help Sam with what steps to take and guide him through the process of setting up his business,” Sam’s teacher, Glen Bowman said.
“He’s a very methodical person, very careful and good at following technical instructions and rules, it’s got to be perfect. He has a very suited personality for what he’s trying to do.
“At the school, we are very proud, he’s done a pretty cool thing and that’s what we want from vocational education.”
“We have started setting up the business, with business cards designed, an email account organised, making a Facebook page, and we are looking into a web page too,” added Steve.
“That’s what you need to do, it’s all about word of mouth.
“We thought his business name could be Sierra Alpha Mike Drones, based on the phonetic pronunciation of his first name, commonly used in aviation.”
For those looking to get professional drone footage, email Sam at outdroningwithsam@hotmail.com and anyone who is interested in guiding or mentoring Sam with his business should email Glen Bowman at glen.m.bowman@det.nsw.edu.au.
