William was successful in gaining entry into the Defence Force Pilot Selection Screening held in Tamworth in December 2010, where he spent two weeks with a group of nine4 competing pilots.

After just a few lessons in flying and controlling a plance, William was handed the controls. In the second week he underwent two flight assessments on his capability as a pilot where he had to complete manoeuvres.

He was also assessed on his ability to retain information.

A raft of other assessments followed including a five minute oral presentation on a topic henhad to research.Team work activities and impromptu speeches also completed the round of assessments.

Will said he held a few “just in case palm cards” during his oral presentation but in the end didn’t need to use them.

Surpisingly it was one of the best speeches the Officers’ Board had heard in while.

Of the nine people in the group competing for pilot selection, Will was the only one selected as a pilot.

This meant his name went in to the pilot pool, while he waited for an offer to come in.

That offer came in January last year. Firstly Will received an offer to work as an Armtek engineer orAircraft engineer. Later the same day he received another offer of an air combat officer with the RAAF.

He also received an offer from the Navy for a position as a chopper pilot. Will didn’t have to think twice before accepting this second offer.

After flying to Brisbane, Will was sworn in on January 20 before flying to Sydney and on to HMAS Creswell at Jervis Bay.

After further training Will graduated as an officer of the RAN in June last year with the new title of Midshipman, the first of an officer’s ranking in the Navy.

A well deserved two weeks holiday was snapped up by Will before he was posted to HMAS Albatross near Nowra for last half of 2011.

Will’s mother Linda said Will’s exploits are a constant source of admiration by family and friends.

“Will received a wonderful education which placed him well for the future he wanted,” she said.

“He had the drive and determination to work hard for what he wanted.”

Will plans to further his studies in 2012 attending study in Canberra for a three-degree in Aviation technology.