HOLLY HOUSSARINI
a 19-year-old licensed pilot.
Through an intense 55-week flight school Holly gained her comercial pilots liecence and 19 years old. Inspired at age 10 by a flight on a C-130 Hercules with her aunt, Holly’s passion for aviation has only grown. Now, she’s pursuing aerobatics and tailwheel training.
What inspired you to become a pilot?
When I was 10, I had the opportunity to fly onboard a C-130 Hercules as apart of a Family Open Day at the Royal Australian Air Force Base Richmond. My Auntie, who served in the Air Force, sat beside me, and from the moment we took off – I was hooked! From there, my passion for aviation only grew stronger and the thought of becoming a pilot excited me more than anything.
Tell us about your experience in pilot school?
It was the most rewarding year of my life. I was accepted into a flight school just after I completed the HSC and moved to Queensland last year. The course that I completed was 55 weeks long. It took students from 0 flying hours to graduating as a qualified commercial
Long story short, the course was incredibly fast paced. Living on campus allowed me to stay focused, but also allowed me to form life-long friendships. The training required us all to support each other, and I couldn’t have done it without them. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to fly almost every day, and train with great instructors alongside my best friends.
What is it like as a woman in the industry?
Obviously, we are the minority. In Australia, under 10% of pilots are female, but even throughout my short time as a pilot I’ve noticed more and more women becoming involved in the industry. When I was younger, I struggled to envision myself as a female pilot, because I never saw any.
Rarely, I have negative experiences as a female pilot. Mostly, people are just surprised when I tell them I am one, which comes from the industry being male dominated. I believe that the biggest roadblock in flight training can be yourself. So, as long as you have the confidence to be a pilot, no one else’s opinion matters.
What are your looking forward to in your career?
I’m looking forward to a new challenge. I graduated from flight school in June and I’ve recently started Aerobatics and Tailwheel training in an aircraft called a Pitts S-2A. It’s definitely the most difficult flying that I’ve done but that’s why I love it. I’ve grown to appreciate that I learn the most through challenging myself.
What is your most asked questions a pilot?
I often get asked if I get nervous when I fly and what my advice is for a nervous flyer. From my experience, a fear of flying generally stems from uncertainty. So, my response is often the same; the more you know, the less you have to fear.
What is your favourite aircraft?
My favourite aircraft I’ve flown on is the Dash 8 Q400, as it would bring me home from Queensland.
However, If I could go back in time, my dream aircraft to fly would be the incredible Concorde.
What are the best and worst parts of flying?
The best parts are succeeding, like passing a flight test or a written exam. The worst parts are falling short. But ironically, the ‘worst parts’ turn out to be the most valuable parts – so I’ve grown to embrace the mistakes and bad flights. I failed a check flight for the first time last year and I was devastated. Looking back now, I’m glad I didn’t pass. Because of it, I got rid of bad habits and learned a valuable skill of staying calm in the cockpit.
Although, my least favourite thing about flying is having to clean ice off the planes at 5am in the morning.
What is something you always take with you when you are flying?
I always take a water bottle. Its really important to stay hydrated as more often than not, light aircraft aren’t air conditioned. It can get pretty hot, especially during summer. I also always have a pen in my pocket. At first, it surprised me how much there is to write down. I’ve only forgotten my pen once at the start of my training, and let’s just say I never forgot it again.
What are some misconceptions about pilots you want to debunk?
The most common misconception that I hear comes from my age. I got my commercial license when I was 19, which often surprises people as many airline pilots are older.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you to my incredible mentors and teachers for your wisdom and guidance. To my friends and family for your support, understanding, and patience. To my parents for believing in me and supporting my creativity.
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