I had been around vehicles and all sorts of machinery all of my life, so I saw flying as a bit of a challenge. In fact, ever since I was young, I had an urge to go flying . . . even though I never had any relatives who were pilots, or anything like that. But I came out of school a couple of years ago and went straight in to working with my father in his recycling business. I wanted something different, so I did about 20 hours of flying before I came over here . . .

although I was always looking for a flying course, something to get me away from work.

And now that you are flying, are you enjoying it?

I went into it to enjoy it.

Some people become pilots for the money, but I see it more as a leisure activity . . .

although if I can get a career out of it, all the better.

Is there a good spirit of camaraderie between the trainee pilots?

There are four of us in one room, as well as three others, and we all have a good laugh. We socialise together, and I am always playing soccer with the other pilots. I'll definitely miss the camaraderie when it is all finished.

Is there much time to socialise?

Well, we are usually flying in the morning, but you can check the weather for the next day to see whether you will be able to go out the night before. And during the summer, you could be up at six in the morning, so you have to be at least a bit awake for that.

How did you get saddled with the handle "Cougar"?

Is it in recognition of John "Cougar" Mellencamp? Or maybe in the Top Gun spirit?

It wasn't my idea . . . the others gave the name to me. The rest of the guys don't have handles, just me. It's a thing in Canada . . . something about older women who go for younger men.

Best left alone, then. So where does Cougar see himself when he graduates?

I just got my commercial licence this week. But I eventually hope to be flying with the airlines.

And what sorts of planes would you like to fly? Maybe an F16?

Actually, I'd most like to fly a 737. I really like Boeing aircraft, and the 737 is one of the more popular planes.