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Top Gun Ruby gets the chance to feel the need for speed

Justin BianchiniThe Advocate

WANTING to get a taste of Air Force life, Ruby Trevor got the chance to make her dreams a reality at the Girls Flight Camp, held at RAAF Base Pearce earlier this week.

Supported by the Defence Work Experience Program, Ruby was chosen from more than 30 applications.

During her week in the life of the Air Force, Ruby experienced everything from flying a PC-9/A aircraft herself to flying in a C-27J Spartan, various leadership activities and physical training.

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“I’m hoping to become a pilot once I finish school,” she said.

“I’d heard so many things about how amazing the Air Force is but there wasn’t really any chance for me to look into the Air Force piloting until this camp.

“When I was accepted, I knew that my decision would be a lot easier.

“My favourite activity was when we were taken up in the air on a C-27J aircraft. We were in the sky for almost two hours, they even opened up the back of the plane mid-flight as we went over the coastline, it was just unreal!

“Aviation was something I overlooked as a possible career for many years. In the past 12 months or so, I kept coming back to piloting and I found it better suited me over other roles in not only aviation but other careers as well.

“Flying in a plane is the best experience in the world. The feeling you get looking down at the clouds and the excitement of using the controls is something that will stay with you for life.”

Air Force Girls Flight Camp is an initiative to increase capability through diversity and female recruitment. The camp, attended by 13 girls aged 16-22 years, was held at RAAF Base Pearce from October 3 to 6.

Whilst being exposed to military aviation operations, the participants also experience the day-to-day routine of an Air Force base and have several opportunities to engage with current Air Force members and Defence Force Recruiting specialists to discuss possible careers within the military.