World Pilots’ Day 2025: Celebrating women’s voices in aviation
Happy World Pilots’ Day! In the lead-up to this celebration, we invited our members to share what being a pilot means to them, showcasing the diverse experiences of female aviators and those who support them. Their responses reflect the beauty of aviation and highlight how flying can inspire and uplift us all. Join us in celebrating these inspiring pilots and their amazing journeys.
Helen Hennessy:
Flying is freedom to me. The sky is my happiest place.
Vero Pepperrell:
Learning to fly has been so much more than I expected; Beyond gaining new skills, it’s the incredible community, the shared experiences and a never ending opportunity to stretch my ability to learn and trust myself.
Amanda Harrison:
Freedom, adventure, challenging is how I describe being a pilot. As a woman the most empowering thing I have ever done. If I can, you can!
Graham Smith:
To me being a pilot is about freedom and accomplishment. The freedom to go places, further and faster than I can by car. The sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering a new skill and having a great flight.
Maya Komolafe:
Flying is an amazing privilege! Being a pilot represents freedom, diligence, responsibility, and fulfilment. As an aspiring pilot, I look forward to inspiring others and achieving my dreams in aviation.
Rania Regaieg:
Being an aspiring commercial pilot means everything to me – bridging distances, reuniting families, and spreading joy. One day, I’ll be flying people home to those they cherish most.
Annabel Cook:
It’s about community built on shared passion, and constant learning. But also switching off from everyday life through focusing completely on something that demands your full attention.
Jane Giffould:
See the world from the air. Alpine mountain flying. Float plane at Biscarrosse. Gliding in Egypt. Autogiro in France. Norwegian fjords in military aircraft. Pleasures of new skills and challenges.
Kayleigh Kirk:
As a pilot, this means constantly striving to be the best pilot I can. Be proud, be courageous and stay humble.
Claire Hatton:
Excitement, fun and a challenge, as there are always things to learn. Aviation never stands still. A personal achievement, which is something that all pilots should be proud of.
Allie Dunnington:
Oman, country number 120 by balloon. Airline captain Apryl’s first time up in a hot air balloon. Sunrise over sand dunes, wild camels roaming, vast horizon, peace in the sky!
Fiona Macaskill:
I learnt to fly a light aircraft when I was 60. This opened up a new world and I’ve now flown around much of Europe with my husband.
Amy G:
I live with chronic illnesses and every day is a pain. When I fly, my pain is non-existent in my thoughts. I cannot believe I am flying a plane.
Compiled by Maya Komolafe.
