After graduating from St Andrew’s, Micheala wasted no time chasing her dream. She was accepted into an Aviation Cadetship with CTC Aviation and by 2013, found herself in Hamilton, New Zealand, undergoing an intensive flight training program. It was there she earned her Private Pilot’s Licence, with her father proudly riding along as her very first passenger.

Returning home to Australia, she completed her Airline Transportation Exams and Flight Instructor training, climbing quickly through the ranks. Her proudest moment came at 28 years old, when she captained her first commercial flight with her parents and husband sitting proudly among the passengers.

But Micheala’s story isn’t just about personal success, it’s about giving back too. She’s now part of the Resilient Pilot Program, mentoring and coaching fellow pilots as they chase their own aviation dreams. Inspired by the mentors who helped shape her career, Micheala is passionate about paying it forward, and has her sights firmly set on becoming a Training Captain at Jetstar.

Her path hasn’t always been smooth. Reflecting on the challenges of aviation, Micheala shares:

"Flight training is tough. Failure is part of the process, but learning to pick yourself up and keep going is everything. Having good people around you, family, friends, mentors, makes a huge difference. Talking to others who’ve been through it too really helps."

Long before the pilot’s uniform, Micheala was already setting herself on a path to success at St Andrew’s. She excelled in Physics, earning Top of Class, and was also a talented musician, leading the College band and receiving Top of Class in Music. Her love of music hasn’t faded, Micheala still plays the clarinet and performs with local Concert Bands and Orchestras whenever she can. She has vivid memories of performing at Eisteddfods and ANZAC Day services, and fondly credits the Music Department and her teachers at St Andrew’s for shaping both her confidence and her drive, relationships she continues to value today.

Asked what advice she would offer to current students and young alumni, Micheala keeps it real:

"Self-reflection is key. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve when you really get to know yourself."

With sky-high ambitions and a grounded sense of gratitude, Micheala is a proud example of our Diamond Strong Alumni.