CAREER SPOTLIGHT
Emma Swift (She/Her) First Officer, Virgin Australia
What does a normal day look like for you?
The days vary depending on the role I’m performing. When I’m flying on the Boeing 737, my day typically begins with reviewing the weather, flight plan, and operational notices with the crew. We finalise the flight plan and confirm fuel requirements before heading to the aircraft to complete our pre-flight checks. Once everything is set, we brief the departure and emergency procedures, discuss potential threats and how we’ll mitigate them, and then operate two to four short-haul sectors, working closely together throughout the day before completing post-flight duties.
What is your favourite part of the job?
What I enjoy most about my role as a pilot on the Boeing 737 is the constant variety – no two days are the same, which keeps the work both engaging and rewarding. I’m fortunate to work alongside a great group of people, and the view from the flight deck is hard to beat.
If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that choosing to pivot into aviation will be one of the best decisions of your life and will lead to an incredible journey
What advice would you give younger girls wanting to start a career in Aviation?
Never give up on achieving your dreams. For some, your path towards that dream may look different to what you imagined but that is what makes the journey more exciting and fun. Believe in yourself, work hard and enjoy adventure!