A little ode to two of my favourite people in Aussie aviation.
On Amanda Deed – for HeliOps Magazine
On Natalie Davies-White – for HeliOps Magazine
The twists and turns of one's career and life are always a curious thing. Is it best to act through conscious choice? Do we subconsciously open ourselves to opportunities based on our thoughts and beliefs at a given time? Or is it all just a collection of happy coincidences? Whatever it is, Natalie Davies-White's life so far has been immense and an interesting one to watch...
On Mona Seeberger – for HeliOps Magazine
Mona Seeberger is a Commercial Helicopter pilot and Fluggerätmechaniker (helicopter technician). She spoke to me for HeliOps Magazine, where we discuss the importance of knowing your aircraft, utilising social media to gain leverage in the aviation industry, adventure flying all over the world and the special thrills of taking to the air as a fresh PPL.
On Wing Chan – for HeliOps Magazine
Wing loved machines and the ocean as a kid. Growing up, her family home was on the coast of Hong Kong, right in front of a spot where fire-fighting helicopters would pick up their water. She spent a lot of her time watching helicopters loading their buckets and wondering what it would be like to be in the pilot seat. As a teenager, she decided that she wanted to be a marine scientist and a helicopter pilot. Nobody believed that this was possible, but Wing loves a good challenge. I spoke to her about combining unlikely passions and the importance of preparation and support in facilitating success.
King Island, TAS: An Accidental Photo Essay
Writer and accompanying-imagery provider, Bronni Bowen, hitches a lift over the dark seas of the Bass Strait armed only with a Canon EOS M50 and two lenses, to capture a special space to which few from the mainland will venture. She begs to ask the question – “Is it audacious to have one’s camera set to automatic, for the time being, and still refer to oneself as a photographer?”
On Bibianne van Latum – HeliOps Magazine
They say find your niche and roll with it - well, mine's telling stories of rad girl pilots. Bibi Anne's my Dutch treasure, and profiling her for 'A Greater View', my reg column in HeliOps Magazine, was a genuine delight.
Counter-Poaching from the Air – HeliOps Magazine
Ever since she can remember, Jana Meyer wanted to be a 'Wildbewaarder' - a game ranger, or nature conservationist, in Afrikaans. In my first full-sized feature for HeliOps Magazine (secretly - ever), I look at the events that sparked Jana Meyer's passage into aviation, and what it is like to be one of South Africa's very few female specialised game capture helicopter pilots. An EPIC.
The Conception of the Virtual Nav Challenge
The latest issue of Airnews Magazine landed in PO Boxes 'round Australia this week. For those of you who don't receive it, here's a jolly ode to the Virtual Nav Challenges that have been replacing the traditional Sunday social event, thought up and executed by one of our Victorian members (Australian Women Pilots' Association).
Winter Places in the Summer
A musing on not having to share in summer.
On Sabine Buehlmann – HeliOps Magazine
I make wonderful mates with German commercial heli pilot and instructor, Sabine Buehmann, for 'A Greater View', my reg column profiling women in all facets of the helicopter industry, all over the world.
Bronni Bowen 