CANDICE MARRIES - THREE TIMES!

It was a thrill for Mike, Jan (plus the girls) and Maraina to be celebrating the marriage of Candice and Rowan at Twin Waters last month. Candice worked at Becker Helicopters as our student liaison until just a few years ago. She was well-liked, cheerful and just a joy to the students and everyone in and around the school. Candice still lives and work on the Coast. Here's her story ...

Have you ever heard of three weddings and to the same man :-) Well Rowan and I wanted to make our marraige legal in Australia so on the 20th February 2008 we went to Nambour Court house with Dad and Step Mum as our witnesses. We wanted it to be really simple so not to make it any better than the big day, so just to get the legal stuff out the way.

I then flew to South Africa on 22nd February to get things ready for the big day on 8th March. The day was beautiful with all our friends and family at San Lameer Golf Estate on the South Coast of South Africa (what a beautiful spot). We had the wedding at 5pm on a beautiful Saturday afternoon were I was escorted to the venue on a Yamaha maroon golf cart and with my girls also in a golf cart. Dad drove me and Shan (my sister) got her boyfriend to drive Shaz (maid of honor), Shan (sister) and Roxanne my cousin.

After the ceromony (signing a play play paper as we had already legally been married) we then had to do all the photos, which took some time. We relaxed and enjoyed a wonderful roast followed by 5 cakes and a chocolate fountain. Rowan and I then had to do our dance which we really enjoyed so much. We did the ramba (a good friend from South Africa who lives across the road taught us).

We then went on our honeymoon on the following Tuesday, to a private game reserve called Amakhosi Safari Lodge. We got to see Lion, Cheetah, Elephant, Bullalo, got stuck in a huge storm too. We had a great time though and stayed for two days.

We then went to Cape Town for my sisters graduation and got to see some really great scenic and mountainis settings.

ADAM GETS HIS NEW HELICOPTER

Where do you live?
Twin Waters, Sunshine Coast,Queensland,Australia

What’s your occupation?
Businessman with a variety of interests.

Why do you want to fly helicopters?
I have had a fixed wing license since 1987 and always promised myself to explore the “other” and now finding it absolutely great! The ultimate convenience of not having to find a suitable runway will be fantastic.

Why did you choose Beckers?
Firstly the welcoming enthusiasm as I would come through the door for the last few years to enquire after I shifted down here from Emerald. Secondly the availability, presentation and professionalism of the initial information provided including “Mike Becker’s Helicopter Handbook”.

When did you start training?
December 2007

What are you flying?
Commenced in R44 Raven 1 and now in R44 Raven 2.

How many hours have you flown?
Approximately 1500 hours Fixed Wing (but mostly 10 – 15 years ago). 33 hours so far in helicopter and loving it.

Best flying experience so far?
In the helicopter it was going into confined areas and realising the capability and manoverability of the aircraft more.

Not so best flying experience?
Non so far in helicopter … all been great. In fixed wing it was an off runway landing in a paddock in a Pitts Special nearly in the dark. Something I would recommend not to do.

How many hours do you have to go?
Thousands …… to go where??

What are your flying plans for the future?
Hopefully progress to PPL in the near future, start get a lot of flying time and experiences happening in the R44 undertaking lots of distance trips and progressing steadily through commercial study to gain Commercial License in the coming months. The purpose of gaining the Commercial license is not driven by career aspirations but rather than by personal interests in attaining particular measured levels of competency.

Where did you get your new helicopter?
A suitable specified machine was available immediately through Helibiz at the Gold Coast so rather than wait for one to be imported I took the opportunity to get it now.

Anything else to add?
Since commencing the training at Becker’s the biggest stand out points for me has been the quality of instruction and in particular the manner in which is communicated (no screaming instructors) and also the overall camaraderie of all staff and current students. It is an atmosphere that encourages great and successful outcomes for all.