Emily pictured with her Grandfather John Gilrain after her first solo flight in February this year.
In a world where passions often spark from unexpected places, Emily Fry’s love for flying began not with childhood dreams of the skies, but with the infectious enthusiasm of her grandfather.
Emily Fry, a Year 11 student at Hennessy Catholic College in Young, who will be entering Year 12 next year, and is the daughter of Dr Daniel Fry and Stacey Fry.
What started as a thoughtful Christmas present in 2023 has quickly evolved into a dedicated pursuit of the skies, highlighting the growing role of women in aviation and the transformative power of mentorship.
Aviation wasn’t always on her radar, but her grandad’s lifelong passion proved contagious. That Christmas, she received an introductory flight experience with Fly Riverina, a flight school in the Riverina region of New South Wales—a gift that ignited her curiosity.
Eager to embrace the opportunity, she took her first steps toward becoming a pilot. Her inaugural flight as a student pilot came in April 2024, at just 15 years old. Since then, she’s logged 26 hours in the air, including 4 hours flying solo as pilot in command—a milestone that demands confidence, skill, and trust from both the student and instructor.
Central to her progress has been her instructor, Jen, whom she describes as an outstanding role model for women in aviation.
“Jen has been an incredible role model for me as a Woman in Aviation,” she shares. “I’m so grateful to be guided by someone like her who has never made me question my ability, and has had faith in me throughout my entire journey.”
This mentorship is particularly meaningful in an industry where women remain underrepresented, though steady progress is being made through initiatives like those from the Australian Women Pilots’ Association.
Currently, she’s working diligently toward her Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC)—a qualification in Australia administered by Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) that allows pilots to fly light aircraft for recreation, often serving as a stepping stone to more advanced licenses. Each lesson brings her closer to that goal, turning what began as a simple gift into a profound passion.
“What started as a gift has grown into a passion,” she reflects, “and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.” Her story is an inspiring reminder that aviation is accessible and rewarding, especially for young women encouraged by supportive figures. As she continues to climb toward her certificate, the skies ahead look limitless.
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