Fifty years ago, on the 7th of January, my life changed forever. At just 3 ½ years old, I experienced my first flight, an experience so profound it ignited a passion that has shaped the course of my life. Even now, I can vividly recall the hum of the engines, the exhilaration of takeoff, and the wonder of seeing the world from above for the very first time.
That day, however, was marked by tragedy. As we flew over Hobart, I saw the devastation of the Tasman Bridge disaster. Below us lay the gaping gap where the ship had collided with the bridge, a section of roadway missing, and two cars teetering precariously on the edge. It was an image that, even at such a young age, I could not and have never forgotten. My heart breaks even now for the lives lost and the families forever changed by that tragic event.
But amidst the sadness of that day, something sparked within me a deep and profound connection to the skies. Flying gave me a perspective unlike anything else, a unique privilege to witness the world from above. That moment taught me not only the wonder of aviation but also its capacity to connect us to the gravity of life’s events, both beautiful and heartbreaking.
That first flight set me on a path that I am still navigating today. It instilled in me a passion for aviation that has taken me across countless skies, through countless challenges, and to countless moments of joy and discovery. It is a passion rooted in wonder, responsibility, and an enduring appreciation for the privilege of flight.
Fifty years on, I celebrate that little girl who first looked out the window of an aircraft with wide eyes and an open heart. That moment was the beginning of a lifelong journey, a journey I continue to embrace with gratitude and purpose every day.
Even through the tragedy of the Tasman Bridge disaster, there was a profound and unexpected positive impact on my life. That heartbreaking event gave me the opportunity to take my very first flight in an aeroplane, a moment that sparked a passion for aviation that has defined who I am today. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, there can be a glimmer of light that shapes our path in ways we never imagined.
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