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Qantas to take Mark Webber from F1 to flight cockpit

6th July 2011 Print

Qantas has announced its plans to assist Ambassador Mark Webber in his ambition to obtain his pilots’ licence.

The Australian Formula One driver, who became a Qantas Ambassador in February this year, spent some time at Heathrow airport in London yesterday in the cockpit of a Qantas A380 with one of the airline’s training captains.

Webber‘s ambitions will see him transfer his skill set from the grid to the skies.

“Flying is something that has always fascinated me. It was so exciting to have the opportunity to fly over the Albert Park Formula One circuit in a Qantas B737 simulator earlier this year and it really consolidated my passion to fly an aircraft one day,” said Mr Webber.

“This is a new challenge for me and as a Qantas Ambassador I’m grateful to have the support of the team at Qantas and learn from the best in the business,” added Mr Webber.

Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Joyce, said Qantas was pleased Mark had expressed a genuine interest in flying.

“Qantas will provide mentoring support with one of the airline’s training pilots and time in the Qantas flight simulators. Qantas will also recommend an approved pilot training organisation in order for Mark to learn to fly,” said Mr Joyce.

“I’m sure Mark’s driving skills and his excellent hand/eye coordination will put him in good stead in learning to fly an aircraft.”

For more information, visit: qantas.com.au