Name: Mike Nerandzic, 43.
Occupation: airship captain with the Lightship Group, currently on contract in Hong Kong to fly the PT100 airship for a corporate advertiser.
Where did you spend your early years? I was born in Worcester in England but my family migrated to Australia before I finished primary school. I went to a state school in Sydney.
Did you enjoy school? Initially no, because in Australia in the 1960s and 1970s foreigners were not readily accepted. It was racial prejudice and I felt an outsider for a long time. It was only after I physically matured that I gained self-confidence and felt more settled. Then I had a lot of fun.
Were you a good student? I worked diligently but was not particularly good. I was more of a hands-on, practical type.
What subjects did you like best? I did well in history and English but I tended more towards the technical subjects.
What about career ambitions? I didn't consider flying until my final two years at school, but in the end I opted for the University of New South Wales to do a degree in aeronautical engineering. I spent much of my time learning to fly. I was hedging my bets, as I did not know where flying would take me.
