Taking Flight: UniSQ Aviation student shares his passion for the skies

From a childhood fascination at 30,000 feet to helping lead a thriving student aviation community, Ruween Kumarasinghe has turned his lifelong dream into a soaring reality.

Having migrated from Sri Lanka to Australia at a young age, Ruween found himself captivated by the skies early on.

During his school years at Toowoomba Grammar School, his interest in aviation continued to grow, and with the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) right on his doorstep, he first got a taste of university life through the Head Start program – a pivotal experience that confirmed his passion for flying and set him on course for a Bachelor of Aviation.

Today, Ruween is not only balancing the demands of study and flight training but is also an active and influential member of the UniSQ Aviation Club. Drawn to the club by a desire to give back, he’s focused on sharing his experiences and helping other aviation enthusiasts navigate their own journeys into the industry.

We caught up with Ruween to chat about his journey, the importance of connection in aviation, and what’s next for the club.

What’s the UniSQ Aviation Club all about?

The Aviation Club is all about having a community to share your passion for aviation. Whether you’re aiming for the cockpit or just love aircraft, the club provides a space to connect, learn, and experience aviation. We offer a friendly social environment where enthusiasts can share their experiences and build friendships, while also helping members develop their future careers through partnerships, workshops, networking tours, and industry events.

What kinds of activities or opportunities does the club offer its members?

The UniSQ Aviation Club offers a range of activities, including hangar tours, networking events, social gatherings, and simulator sessions. We want to give our members the best experiences and insights into the aviation industry.

You recently joined the club on a tour of Aerotec in Toowoomba. How did that come about?

I currently work in aviation maintenance at the Toowoomba Aerodrome, where Aerotec is based, and I’m also completing my flight training with a local aeroclub there. The Toowoomba Aerodrome is like a small community where everyone helps each other. Aerotec was more than happy to host the club for an amazing tour.

What was the most memorable part of the Aerotec tour?

Learning about Aerotec’s rich heritage was incredible. The company is deeply ingrained in Australian aviation – from their restoration of warbirds to the many awards they’ve won. It was also inspiring to learn about Guido Zuccoli, the famous Australian aviator who founded Aerotec.

How important do you think industry connections like this are for aviation students?

Connections are one of the most important things you can have in aviation. Networking opens doors to mentorship, internships, and career opportunities. It also helps students understand real-world aviation practices, industry expectations, and professional standards.

We’ve got plenty more engagements in the pipeline – more tours, workshops, and networking opportunities. We’re also planning an end-of-year gala dinner for aviation students and their families.

What excites you most about the future of aviation, and what are your goals once you graduate?

Australian aviation is rapidly growing. There have been so many advancements in technology and training, regional airlines are expanding, and new airports are being built. It’s a very exciting time to be part of the industry. My biggest goal is to fly for Qantas after I graduate – and to give back to the aviation community that has given so much to me.

Finally, what advice would you give to students just starting their aviation journey?

Starting out can be daunting, but the aviation industry is full of friendly people who are always willing to help. Reach out, ask questions, and make connections. Good luck on your aviation journey! Whether you want to be a pilot, ground crew, or work in management, aviation can take you wherever you want to go.

Learn more about Aviation and the Aviation Club at UniSQ.