The promotion to pilot officer and assignment to the 34 Squadron in Canberra is the realisation of a childhood dream to become an Air Force pilot for the 24-year-old.

Born and raised in Nimmitabel Hayden attended primary school at Saint Patrick’s Parish School in Cooma and then went onto Monaro High School (MHS).

Hayden’s father David Wicks said his son’s interest in the military and aviation was spurred on when he completed work experience in year 10 at the Navy’s Fleet Air Arm near Nowra and then at the 34 Squadron in Canberra.

“Little did he know that he would be posted back to 34 squadron as a qualified Air Force pilot, eight years later,” Mr Wicks said.

Mr Wicks flying career began early in year 11 with a series of intensive flying courses at Narromine and Merimbula funded partially by a scholarship offered by Canberra Airport owner, Terry Snow.

“Hayden became qualified to fly solo in aircraft before he was old enough to obtain his driver’s licence,” Mr Wicks said.

Hayden recalls the Defence Force would fly a chopper into MHS on recruitment drives where he and fellow classmates had the opportunity to ask questions of the service men.

Hayden has some advice for young school leavers to reach for the stars and they will succeed.

“The thing is you’ve got to be willing to put your hand up and say I’ll have a go,” Hayden said.

“We’re just ordinary people that had the courage to say I’ll give it a shot. There is hard work involved but if you have a try you might be surprised by the results.”

Hayden’s family will travel to Perth at the end of November for his wings graduation parade, flyover and other related functions.

Pilot officer Wicks will commence his new posting early in 2010 in Canberra, where he and partner Zoe are looking forward to taking up residence in the Snowy Mountain once again.