Megan Gray (Class of 2009)

A single trial flight at the age of 17 altered the course of Megan’s post-school pathway dramatically.

“Before that trial flight, I hadn’t even considered a future career for myself,” Megan reminisces. “But that one experience sparked a passion that has carried me through over 12 years of flying.”

In 2012, Megan achieved her Commercial Pilot Licence, embarking on her first flying job conducting scenic and charter flights around some of Western Australia’s most iconic landmarks. Over the next years, Megan developed as a Commercial Pilot. She began working at Air Australia under the mentorship of renowned aviator around Jandakot, Chuck McElwee, which proved instrumental in her growth as a pilot. Transitioning from scenic tours to more complex operations, Megan expanded her skill set, adding ratings and certifications to her repertoire, including a Flight Instructor Rating which was a huge challenge but also highly rewarding, training students to obtain their licences and take their first solos.

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The challenges only intensified when Megan ventured into night freight operations, navigating the treacherous Bass Strait in a Piper Chieftain. However, it was her time with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in Kalgoorlie that left an indelible mark on her career. Flying the Pilatus PC12, Megan found this work highly rewarding, serving remote communities alongside dedicated medical professionals.

In 2018, Megan was offered an opportunity to work overseas, but unfortunately the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to these plans. Returning to Perth, she seized an opportunity at Air Australia International, this time in a management capacity as Chief Pilot and Head of Operations of the Flight School.

Transitioning to the WA Police Air Wing, Megan embraced a new eye-opening role supporting law enforcement efforts across WA. Now, as a First Officer at Alliance Airlines on the Fokker 100, Megan faces the challenges of commercial aviation with determination and enthusiasm.

“I’ve been very lucky with my career path and to have the unwavering support of my parents. Working in an airline environment has been a great challenge and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for me.”