It was a proud moment for Churchie Old Boys as two distinguished alumni from the Class of ’92, Captain (Retd) Cameron Marchant and Captain Adrian Young, recently caught up at an aviation event. The occasion celebrated Cameron’s exceptional contributions to the Australian aviation industry and his recognition by the Honourable Company of Air Pilots (HCAP). Cameron was awarded the prestigious Master Air Pilot (MAP) certificate, a rare and high honour conferred by the UK-based HCAP, a livery company with King Charles III as its Patron. This elite recognition, only awarded to 1,300 pilots worldwide since 1929, acknowledges aviators who have reached the pinnacle of expertise and are truly “masters of their craft.”

Cameron’s aviation journey has been extensive, encompassing both civil and military roles and mastering both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Today, he serves as a Director and the Head of Operations for Flight Standards, a premier training organisation with facilities across Australia. He is also the Head of Operations for both Kakadu Air Services & Northern Territory Air Services – companies that provide air transport capability in some of the country’s remotest areas & which, under Cameron’s stewardship, proudly engage pilots in their first employment in the aviation industry.

Meanwhile, Adrian continues to make significant contributions to Australian aviation as the Chair of HCAP’s Australian Region. With 25 years of service within the Qantas Group, Adrian has held numerous senior leadership positions, including Chief Pilot, and AOC Accountable Manager. Currently, the Head of Safety and an Airbus pilot, and his influence extends beyond the cockpit. Adrian also serves as an Adjunct Professor and is a board member of multiple aviation organizations across Australia.

Together, Cameron and Adrian bring more than 70 years of experience and over 35,000 flying hours to the aviation field. Both discovered their love for aviation whilst at Churchie, a passion that propelled them into their impressive & diverse careers. Over the years, they have maintained contact & developed the friendship that was forged during their years at Churchie. Their accomplishments highlight the potential that Old Boys can realise, in no small part due to the enduring influence of their early years at Churchie.

Their reunion serves as an inspiring testament to the ongoing achievements of Churchie alumni and a reminder of the shared foundations that have guided them in reaching remarkable professional milestones.

Adrian Young
Old Boy (1992)