Last weekend, I had the pleasure of presenting our Flying STEM workshop and motivational keynote at Recreational Aviation Australia’s Fly’n for Fun fly-in in Parkes.
One of the real highlights for me was meeting Jennifer Hunt — the youngest pilot to fly solo around Australia.
At just 15 years and 8 months old, Jennifer completed an extraordinary journey, flying more than 30,000 kilometres around the Australian coastline as Pilot in Command of her seaplane.
Take a moment to really think about that.
This wasn’t a short cross-country or a controlled training environment. This was a full circumnavigation of Australia — managing weather, navigation, fuel planning, decision-making, and fatigue. Alone in the aircraft, carrying the full responsibility of the role.
Her parents supported the journey from a distance, flying a couple of hundred miles behind as a safety net — but make no mistake, this was Jennifer’s flight.
And perhaps the best part? She had her dog along for the adventure.
It’s an incredible achievement at any age — let alone at 15.
Stories like this are a powerful reminder of what young people are capable of when they’re given the opportunity, support, and belief to go after something big.
Naturally, I had to make Jennifer an Honorary First Officer.
A small gesture — but one I hope reminds her that she’s already well on her way in aviation.
Jennifer, you’ve got an incredibly bright future ahead of you.
A massive thank you to Recreational Aviation Australia and the AMDA Foundation for creating the environment where stories like this can be shared and celebrated.
