To celebrate International Women’s Day, we caught up with our female students about their journey to becoming a pilot in a male-dominated industry.
Emily Horne, was lucky to receive a trial lesson at her local flying school at the age of 17. Since that day she has been ‘obsessed’ with flying!
Here she shares her story about why she chose to become a pilot, her experience training with Bristol Groundschool and what advice she would give to other women looking to become pilots.
Why did you choose a career as a pilot?
My grandad often used to talk about his dream of becoming a pilot. He had a PPL, but couldn’t pursue it further. I really want to make him and my family proud by turning our dream into reality. Flying for a living would be a dream come true, and it’s so exciting to think that I am on the path to making that dream come to life.
What’s your favourite part about being a pilot?
I feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to pursue flight training. I’ll be forever grateful to my family for making it possible. It’s a source of immense pride for me to step out of my comfort zone and go after my dream. The support and encouragement I receive from others when they find out about my aspirations is truly heartwarming. It motivates me to work hard and succeed, especially because I want to inspire younger girls and show them that they can achieve anything, regardless of their gender. It’s an important message to spread that is close to my heart and I aim to do more to promote females in aviation as my career progresses.
What’s been the best part of your pilot training so far?
I am so grateful for all the incredible experiences I’ve had over the years. Before beginning my ATPL’s, I had the opportunity to work at ACS Flight Training in Perth. It was such a privilege to fly with a colleague in the DA42, which gave me a real insight into what’s in store after completing my exams. One of the absolute highlights for me was doing aerobatics with Dai Heather-Hayes, a highly respected examiner who many admire. The knowledge I gained from that one flight was absolutely unparalleled, and it remains my most unforgettable flying experience to this day.
How are you finding/did you find studying for your ATPL theory exams with BGS?
Distance learning can be tough and I have struggled in the past, especially with all the material to cover and the challenges of studying from home. But, when I joined BGS, it was a game-changer for me. The course structure and materials they provided were absolutely fantastic, like no other. I can’t recommend them enough. Thanks to BGS, I’m nearly one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a commercial pilot, and I couldn’t be more appreciative.
What are you plans for the future?
Pursuing a career in aviation and flying the A380 has been a lifelong aspiration for me. The prospect of piloting long-haul flights and exploring the world in such a fulfilling manner is captivating. I very much look forward to the day I can proudly say that I have accomplished this.
What advice would you give other women looking to become a pilot?
It can be quite intimidating to enter a predominantly male-dominated field, but I encourage you to take the first step, you won’t regret it. I’ve made incredible friends throughout my journey, and the support I’ve received has been phenomenal. Everyone starts somewhere, and you’ll never be alone. It requires dedication and perseverance, but the rewards are immeasurable.
