In Reflection
Just over a week ago, I touched down at Cessnock Airport to a crowd of the people who make me feel the most loved. In some ways, it feels like everything, and nothing has happened since then. I’ve celebrated a belated Christmas and met up with people at home who I’ve missed. At the same time, I haven’t flown at all this past week, which is very, very strange given the amount of logbook time I clocked up in December.
It feels surreal to be finalising what will probably be the last blog post!
The past week has given me a lot of opportunity to think about everything that happened over the flight. Along the way, I’ve seen some incredible parts of the country and had the opportunity to improve my abilities as an aviator, exposed to different conditions and situations which pushed me to excel and grow.
I’ve had the absolute honour of meeting some incredible people. At every stop, I’ve been greeted by individuals- who offered their assistance by providing a bed for the night, transport to and from the airport, caught up for dinner, or chatted as I refuelled. People who offered to show me around and gave me the opportunity to take tours. In the air, pilots have flown in company with me for a part of the leg or wished me well over the radios. Whilst I’ve not seen your face, the kind voices went a long way.
By visiting every state of mainland Australia, I hoped to connect with people, and I really believe that we have done that. I now have over a thousand of you following along, and that means the world to me. I’ve received so many messages from people across the country- and from overseas as well! Student pilots, parents with young daughters or those wishing to share anecdotes about their own flying experiences, to name a few. I’ve read all these messages, and they’ve touched my heart. To know that you are all following along with me means the absolute world- I couldn’t have done this without you all!
The list is too long to name, but to those who were a part of this flight in any way, by meeting me and offering help, by sharing your advice and support, and by following along online, I couldn’t have done this without you all. Whilst I flew “Spread Your Wings” alone, this was not a solo achievement. This is something accomplished with the work of so many people, so to all my ‘copilots’ who have shown their support in any way, you were a part of this, and we did it!
To people who were in a position to donate to A Start In Life, I am incredibly grateful for every cent. Your generous contribution directly impacts the education of young Australians, setting up the pathways for their own achievements and adventures. Together, you were able to raise over $ 10,000!
I don’t think I could ever feel ready to give back the keys to NCO. However, I feel that it’s now important to take some time on the ground to consider the aims and, therefore, the legacy of the flight.
I set out on the Spread Your Wings journey with the aim of inspiring others, to show that it was possible to achieve anything and to raise money for an Australian charity promoting the advancement and education of young people. It’s been a struggle at times, as aviation often is, but it was made a lot more difficult, especially in the initial stages of the flight. I received a fair amount of negative attention, especially online, and had several people doubt my skills and abilities as an aviator since I am also a young woman. As a community, I know firsthand that we still have a long way to go until it is truly equal. But I now also know firsthand that we are an incredibly caring, wonderful and talented crowd, filled with individuals who are so knowledgable but also so humble and always willing to lend a hand. I feel that I’ve been inspired by all of you.
To the community that has been gathered through this flight, thank you, for your support and motivation, and I ask that you all carry this wonderful attitude with you for whatever project you pursue next.
Go out there and Spread Your Wings
-xoxo Chloe
