Quinn Yeager, Class of 2021, is bringing to life his dream of working in the aviation industry. His story is one of passion, overcoming setbacks, and making the most of opportunities for professional growth.
Quinn's fascination with aviation, particularly the vintage military aircraft called Warbirds, traces back to his childhood days spent gazing at the skies above Pauanui, where he was mesmerised by the power and grace of vintage and wartime aircraft.
While in early Year 13 at Dilworth, Quinn decided to depart from a traditional academic route, as he believed strongly that a job would aid him more in reaching his end goal. He left Dilworth after securing a position at a racetrack as a mechanic for the Go-Karts. Not long afterwards, he enrolled in an aviation course in Blenheim for 2022, setting the stage for the next period of his life.
However, when visiting his family back home, Quinn had a chance to meet with an employer who was restoring a warbird. That encounter resulted in a job offer to work at Ardmore Airfield, something he couldn’t refuse. Although he had completed only nine months of the aviation course, he left to enter his dream job, where he found himself immersed in the restoration of a legendary De-Havilland Mosquito, this exact aircraft being the ex-RNZAF Mosquito, NZ2308. Working as an apprentice aircraft technician, Quinn not only gained the opportunity to work on this iconic warbird but also earned the distinction of being one of the youngest individuals to do so in the “modern era”—a testament to the skills honed through years of tinkering with cars and bikes and his resourcefulness.
Despite setbacks, including a heart condition that prevented him from pursuing a commercial pilot's licence, Quinn remained undeterred, embracing alternative pathways to fulfil his passion for aviation.
Quinn harbours ambitious goals for the future. His past project, the restoration of NZ3208, was completed at Ardmore Airfield and is now at its new home in Texas, USA, marking another milestone in his journey. Quinn is currently restoring another Mosquito destined for Biggin Hill in the United Kingdom. Looking ahead, he envisions establishing his own warbird restoration and maintenance business. He also aspires to become a test pilot for completed restorations around the world. This endeavour will require obtaining his pilot license and ratings on the specific aircraft he would test fly.
Quinn remains committed to giving back to Dilworth, recognising the importance of providing opportunities for aspiring aviators. His courage to consider alternative paths to success serves as an inspiration to fellow young alumni and future generations, reminding us all that the sky is not the limit—it's just the beginning of what's possible when passion meets perseverance.