A passionate pilot from Wynyard, Gretta has soared through notable achievements this year, including competing in an air race for charity and advancing her qualifications.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in Wynyard on the northwest coast. As to where I live now: somewhere between Western Australia (where I work); Tassie (where my hangar is); and New South Wales (where I have been doing my instrument rating and a few other endorsements).

When did you know you wanted to be a pilot? I didn’t have any particular inclination to be a pilot until I was in year 11. My house in Wynyard is fairly close to the airport so I was always used to the sound of aircraft coming and going. Around the time I was in college, I started to pay close attention to the actual aircraft themselves and I found myself watching a white Foxbat darting around the sky. This piqued my interest. I quickly sent off some emails to Skyflyte (the local flight training organisation) and booked myself a trial flight as soon as I could. My first flight was at the Wynyard Aero Club on 17 December 2017 and I have been abso­lutely in love with flying ever since.

What part of Tasmania do you like flying over the most? There are so many great places around Tasmania to fly over that are all so different, yet all beautiful. However, one of my favourite spots in particular is Strahan Airport and the coast­line around Macquarie Harbour.

You’ve accomplished a lot this year. Tell us about that. Yes, it’s been a huge year! My time has been thoroughly taken up by aviation and it has been most wonderful. Some of the activities I have been up to are: attending the Australian Women Pilots Association annual conference in Mildura, and competing in the Sydney Flying College Air Race. The Air Race had a group of pilots racing around Australia’s outback in a variety of aircraft using their piloting and navigational skills to win each race leg between each outback town. The overall goal was to raise funds to support Angel Flight. Angel Flight is a privately funded charity that provides life-saving support to rural and remote Australians to gain access to medical treatment that would otherwise be unavailable. In between this, I have also been working on my own skills and qualifications. I have been staying at Warnervale on the Central Coast of NSW, and working with the amazing Central Coast Aero Club. During this time, I have completed my formation endorsement, my floating hull endorsement and a multi engine instrument rating. I’ve had so much fun and it has allowed me to gain many new skills and experiences and to grow as a pilot.

You’re also a Detection Pilot for Parks and Wildlife in Western Australia? I sure am. My main job is flying light aircraft over south-western WA to detect and monitor bushfires and prescribed burns.

Who do you admire? Anyone who follows their dreams and passions without letting life get in the way.

Favourite tv show? I’m not usually one for watching TV, but I have been getting into Call the Midwife lately.

Secret vice? Now that would be telling! But I am partial to eating a whole block of frozen Cadbury Snack chocolate in a sitting though.

What are you reading now? Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert.

Do you have any pets? Two dogs.

What was your first job? A retail assistant in Shiploads.

What are your daily news/social media habits? I make a habit of not watching the news but I am very guilty of too much Reddit time.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: The Vault in Wynyard.

Lunch: Gyoza Gyoza in the Emporium Melbourne.

Dinner: Cilantro’s in Manjimup.

Favourite team? Sport isn’t something I follow.

Dream holiday destination? I would love to be able to visit Egypt to see the ancient temples and artwork.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? The pies at French Sticks Bakery in Wynyard, so very very tasty!

Parting words? Never talk yourself out of doing something you’ve always wanted to try or do or achieve. You’ll most likely find it was easier than you imagined it to be.