The annual International Womens’ Day Women in Aviation – Evening in the Hangar, on the 11th of March, 2020 was, as always, enjoyable and informative.

This year we were joined by guest speakers Ms. Kylie Milne, Senior Supply Manager – Air Combat Electronic Attack Sustainment Program – Boeing Defence Australia Ltd., who shared her knowledge and experience from a career that started in 1995 and included both the military and civilian aviation industry. She talked about how aviation can take you anywhere in the world and the wonderful experiences that brings with it.

We were also joined by Ms. Colleen Kitson, Acting ATS Specialist Team Leader Airservices Australia. Currently she is working at Brisbane Air Traffic Control Centre as Shift Manager but, what interested us all the most, was that Ms. Kitson was not only a member of the Australian Air League and Sergeant, but she was also Cadet of the Year in 1987!

The cadets also enjoyed hearing from Ms. Amy Lafferty who is a current Avionics Student at Aviation Australia. Amy shared her journey in aviation, starting from working with her mother who was a Licensed Avionics Maintenance Engineer in New Zealand, through to her experiences working in aircraft maintenance hangars prior to securing her apprenticeship. Amy’s story was an inspiration to many of our cadets especially those that are looking to have a career in aircraft maintenance.

Mr. David Toll, an instructor with Aviation Australia spoke with us about learning at Aviation Australia and the types of courses that are available. Forest Lake Squadron currently has one cadet studying there and he is enjoying it.

It was a wonderful evening, with a very hotly contested Giant Bag of Snakes as the first prize for the Pink Paper Plane competition. Congratulations to Cadet Rabenhorst for her winning design and longest flight. Thank you to Air Services for providing shirts for the winners of each round of the paper plane competition…don’t be surprised if you see some of our cadets in one of those!!

Thank you also to Aviation Australia for providing the Door Prize of a 60 Minute Flight Simulator Experience at Aviation Australia.

Regardless of whether you are a girl or a boy, aviation is an exciting industry to be involved in, and we are so proud that our cadets have the opportunity to meet and hear from such inspirational women. Thank you for your support of our Squadron.