Luke Schembri has dreamed of being a pilot for so long as he can keep in mind, impressed by his father, Jetstar captain John.
"I all the time wished to fly with my dad however I by no means anticipated it to essentially occur," the 23-year-old advised 9News.
The indicators Luke wished to observe in his father's footsteps had been there from the start, based on his dad.
"When youngsters like one thing, you possibly can inform, as a result of their eyes mild up after we'd be within the yard and the aeroplane would fly over," John mentioned.
"I knew then that Luke had the bug, as a result of I nonetheless try this."
Luke began his coaching with the Air Power Cadets when he was 14 and that led to a cadetship with Jetstar.
He was getting nearer to his aim however hit a snag in 2020.
Stood-down over COVID-19, he labored at Coles, stacking cabinets.
The aviation fanatic was capable of return to work and proceed coaching and is now a totally fledged business airline pilot.
Within the lead-up to his first flight, Melbourne to Sydney, he was nervous however then, a shock lifted his spirits sky-high: Luke can be making his debut on the flight deck alongside his father.
"I freaked out and gave him a fast name and requested him 'how did this occur?'" Luke mentioned.
"He advised me the story, that he is been planning it for 3 months."
The primary flight was a hit, Luke incomes 5 stars from his dad.
"[He] picked me up on a couple of issues I missed. He did a extremely good job," a beaming John advised 9News.
Requested if he was proud, the Jetstar veteran replied: "100 per cent.
"[I] Needn't add any extra that, very proud, how might you not be?" he mentioned.