Carine Senior High School

Former Carine SHS Student talks about the Adrenaline Rush of being a Pilot!

By Michelle Cabrera

As I arrived at Carine Cafe, I was greeted by the radiant smile of Fenwick East, a former Carine SHS student, now in his early 30's. Seated beside him was his equally amiable wife. During the meeting, we discussed his life as a student, his early endeavours and perseverance as he pursued his life-long dream of becoming a pilot.

"If you are big on travelling, highly adventurous and aroused by challenge, then being a pilot is the profession for you," confesses Fenwick East, now a successful pilot travelling around Australia as well as around the world.

Determination to Take Off

Fenwick graduated from Carine Senior High School in 1982. After ten years of training at the Aeroclub at Jandakot airport, his determination, skill and obsessive interest in plane handling were rewarded with a very satisfying job as an airline pilot with Ansett Australia.

VH-EWA (cn 11195) Departs Essendon Runway 35 which was then vectored South for a long final Rwy 34 at Tullamarine - Thanks to Fenwick East for the update. ( The Captain for this flight )

During his years of training, Fenwick tackled numerous obstacles. He confessed that in achieving his ultimate dream in becoming an airline pilot, he had to be prepared to live in isolated areas and to have patience in obtaining a job. He admitted that perseverance was definitely the key in finding employment in such a competitive profession.

Since then, he has travelled extensively around the world including interesting places such as Colorado (where he absolutely enjoyed skiing), Hawaii, London and Germany just to name a few.

He also visited various places in Australia such as Broome, Cairns, Sydney and parts of Queensland. However, he admitted that the best place he has ever been to was doubtlessly his home town, Perth.

Looking Back with a Smile

Fenwick's five years as a student at Carine was certainly one of the great times of his life. He remembers his role in "the muck-up day", the traditional custom practised by Year 12's during their final days of high school where, along with his friends, he apparently created a chipboard sculpture in the shape of a male sexual organ with wings bolted at the top of the flag-pole. The event caused uproar and amusement, highlighting his last days at Carine SHS.

As our meeting reached its end, Fenwick called out his parting words:

"Do whatever you please, if it's not quite what you want, don't be afraid to change!"