On 3rd May 2024, a convoy of passionate and community spirited aviators will set off on the Sydney Flight College (SFC) Air Race for Angel Flight. One of those special Pilots who is zealously raising funds for Angel Flight through her love of flying, is Student-Pilot Nadia Ballantine-Jones.
Aviation has always been a part of Nadia’s life with her Mum working for Pan-Am. Growing up in Kyeemagh which neighbours Sydney Airport, Nadia’s favourite childhood past time was plane spotting and from a young age she became a frequent flyer of 747s. From there her passion for flying blossomed and nothing will stop Nadia from pursuing her dream of becoming a Pilot In Command (PIC).
Recently celebrating her 50th birthday, Nadia, with an equal 50 hours of flying experience under her belt, is determined to become the most respected female Flight Instructor in the world!
Not shy of a challenge and eager to do good in the world, Nadia was quick to jump on board the SFC Air Race when encouraged by Sydney Flying Club- Head of Club Events, Lynda Hamilton.
Nadia attributes the recent reignition of her flying pursuits to Lynda, saying, “In August 2023, I changed flying schools to Sydney Flying Club (SFC) and was welcomed with open arms and encouraged to pursue my aviation dream.”
“With thanks to Lynda, I was invited to join the Australian Women Pilots’ Association (AWPA) and have since applied for a scholarship to assist me in my aviation pursuits.
“When Lynda invited me to join the SFC Air Race I jumped at it, seeing it as a once in a lifetime experience, travelling across outback Australia whilst raising money for Angel Flight, who is a lifeline for so many rural Australians. The bonus is I get real-life flight planning and navigation experience.”
When she is not flying, Nadia is a Teacher at TAFE Digital (the Disability Support Unit, specialising in Mental Health) and sees her decade of teaching experience in Vocational Education as complimentary to flying. She believes through this race she can not only raise funds for Angel Flight but also encourage women aviators to pursue their dreams.
The SFC Air Race comprises of 15 race teams who will fly around Australia’s outback using their aircraft and navigational skills to compete to win each leg. The goal of the Air Race is to raise $100,000 for Angel Flight which in turn helps 200 rural families to access medical treatment, otherwise unavailable to them due to financial and logistical restraints.
Nadia is co-piloting a Cirrus aircraft SR22 model (VH-OMG) as part of Team ‘SR22 Racers’ and has to date raised $2,200 with an additional $2000 flying through the door this week with thanks to Dick Smith. To support teams partaking in the 2024 SFC Air Race head to; https://sfcairrace.com.au/
