Page 15 - Cadet Review Spring 2021

probably the most dangerous situation I had ever found myself in, due to the close proximity to the ground when it happened.
One of the detachments that we went on was to the Arizona desert in America. We were based out
of Nellis Air Force Base just outside Las Vegas. The flying was at a very low level all over the desert, dropping live weapons on targets. The area was
very similar to that of the Grand Canyon. When it came to flying the aeroplanes home we used air
to air refuelling to get as across the Atlantic, flying behind a large tanker which looks like a commercial airliner. This has a hose and a basket on the back and you have to extend a probe that you place in the basket. Immediately following on from take-off we flew straight over the top of the Grand Canyon; it was certainly an incredible sight.
WHAT IS THE MAIN THING THAT KEPT YOU CALM IN THOSE HARD SITUATIONS?
It is essential to remain calm, think logically and use your training to maintain a really good situational awareness, to make sure you fully understand what is happening.
CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING MORE ABOUT YOUR RAF FIGHTER PILOT EXPERIENCE, HOW IT ENDED AND WHAT IT TAUGHT YOU?
The favourite part of my job was the fact that no
two days are ever the same. It could be incredibly challenging but also very rewarding. I loved being part of a really close-knit team, a team that would go the extra mile for each other in any situation.
It came to a natural end, when I hit the end of my 16 year contract. I had learned so much in
the RAF, especially about leadership, teamwork, decision making, goal setting and culture, that I set up my own business sharing my experiences with businesses and schools all over the world.
BEING THE ONLY WOMAN THERE...
HOW DIFFICULT WAS IT?
Sadly, when I was interested in fulfilling this as
my career there were no other female pilots in the military, and very few in the commercial sector too. It was my parents that encouraged me, my Mum always told me that “if it was going to be someone, why shouldn’t it be me?”
It was sometimes difficult being the only woman on a squadron, but I had very supportive friends and colleagues that made it much easier.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE BETWEEN YOUR PRIVATE LIFE AND CAREER?
My family have always supported me in my career,
they’ve been 100% behind me. Now, as a motiva- tional speaker I have found a great balance between work and my home life. I do love the fact that I am now in charge of my own diary and agenda, so I can fit it around family life too.
BEING A MUM AT THE SAME TIME. HOW WAS IT?
Very challenging, as it is for all parents who are balancing children and their careers. It’s easy to believe that you are not succeeding, feeling guilty about either not being at work enough, or not seeing the children enough, but it’s important to be kind to yourself. We are all doing the best job that we can!
WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION IN LIFE?
To live life to the full. To have no regrets. To love those around me unconditionally. To be happy!
HOW DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK?
There is no typical day, which is why I loved it! If you are based at home, each day starts with a ‘Met brief’ where we find out about the weather for the day and what areas of the UK are more suitable to fly in. You then plan your mission with the rest of
My family have always supported me in my career, they’ve been 100% behind me
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