Jamie hits the heights early in career

The young Pakenham pilot is already licensed at just 19 years old.

By Kyra Gillespie

The sky’s the limit for 19-year-old Jamie Brady, who is now a licensed pilot only one year out of school.
After graduating from Pakenham Secondary College in 2016, the former College captain’s hard yards of study to meet entry requirements have started to pay off.
Having already attained her private pilot’s licence in her first year of her Bachelor of Aviation at Swinburne University, her next goal is her commercial pilot’s licence which will allow her to take paid flights.
“Navigating flights can be stressful, there’s a lot of planning involved,” Jamie said.
“Everything is so much easier on the ground; when you’re in the air it’s a completely different story.
“It’s quite startling but also really fun.”
Jamie’s passion for flying started when her parents got her a gliding voucher when she was just 12 years old.
“As soon as I tried gliding I was glued to it, there was no shaking me from it.
“The easiest way to describe gliding is that like flying an actual plane, but with no engine.
“There are two methods of getting into the air on a glider: the first is a massive winch along the runway where you get released like a giant slingshot, and the other is where another plane takes you up, but that can be quite expensive.”
Of the 60 students enrolled in the course, Jamie is one of only a handful of female students.
“Being a female in that environment can get a bit of attention.
“I’ve received some messages from the other boys in my class who seem to think a female pilot is a bit of a catch.
“But in the course everyone is treated equally and everyone is on the same level of learning.”
Being the minority in a male-dominated industry has never fazed the young pilot.
“I’ve always been really driven and independent.
“You are in control of your own fate and you can’t let anyone change that for you.
“If you want something, do it.”
The teenager’s ultimate goal is to become an aerobatic pilot.
“I want to compete in the Red Bull Air Race one day.
“I love the adrenaline rush and the pure fun of being in the air.
“I know its years away but if I did I would want Milo to sponsor me. I have a Milo just about every day so it only makes sense!”