Index
04 April 2011
Maha leads way for Omani women
Maha Masti has become the first female Oman Air cadet to receive her ceremonial wings after training with RMIT University.
Maha Masti is congratulated by Professor Margaret Gardner AO.
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She was one of 12 cadets sponsored by the national airline of Oman, Oman Air, congratulated at an official presentation at the 2011 Australian International Airshow at Avalon.
The event was attended by the Minister for Aviation, Gordon Rich-Phillips, RMIT's Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Margaret Gardner AO, industry representatives and RMIT staff.
Professor Gardner presented the flight wings to the cadets to recognise their completing the formal part of their commercial pilot training at RMIT Flight Training Centre in Point Cook.
She congratulated Ms Masti, noting the additional barriers to success that women still face in many fields.
Paul Gardner, who manages RMIT's Flight Training Centre, said he was proud to see a second cohort of Omani students being presented with their wings.
"This is a great achievement for all the students. They have worked extremely hard over the past 12 months to receive this accreditation.
"We wish them every success as they return to Oman as fully qualified commercial pilots, ready for their next challenge, Oman Airline training for their future role as Boeing 737 First Officers."
RMIT is working with Oman Air to prepare for a third group of cadets, who are scheduled to begin their training in the second half of this year.
Ms Masti told the Point Cook Weekly her dream of being a pilot began at the age of seven on a Boeing 737.
"I watched the pilots and air hostesses in uniform. The sound of the engine inspired me to learn how to fly.
"It's still so exciting getting up in the air and feeling the plane soar."
Not surprisingly, her parents are brimming with pride at their daughter's success.
"They are really happy and excited - not only that I've made it into a career that is very prestigious in my country but also that I am the first woman to get into the Omani Air program."
The cadets are joined by the Vice-Chancellor and training staff in front of the kind of planes they have using for training.
