Chloe Wilkin is a 15-year-old with a passion for flying.
Her love of exploring the thermals stems from her dad, who took her up in a glider when she was young, after which she decided she had to learn.
Benalla Airport is home to the Gliding Club of Victoria and members love to encourage young people from the Rose City, and across the state, to learn the art of controlling a ‘sailplane’.
Chloe is one of these juniors and is having the time of her life after taking up the hobby.
She is focused on obtaining her gliding pilot’s licence, then moving on to a power licence.
“I love flying and fly for the enjoyment,” Chloe said.
“I am very focused on my learning and feel free after I release from the tow plane.”
Chloe said she would love to see more women, especially girls her own age, take up the sport, which is not physically demanding.
“To be able to talk to girls my own age to discuss our flying experiences would be great,” she said.
A GCV spokesperson said as a club of volunteers, there were plenty of people happy to help.
“(We can) provide assistance in developing skills and teaching our juniors on how to be in control of a sailplane,” the spokesperson said.
Chloe agreed, and spoke of the supportive atmosphere of the club.
“There is always someone that I can talk to, that is happy to give me advice,” she said.
“And everyone is so friendly.”
When asked about the experience of flying an unpowered glider, she said it was like nothing else she has experienced.
“It is like being on a roller coaster,” she said.
“Especially in lift, but when it isn’t windy, it feels like being in a car”.
GVC runs flying courses, not just for juniors, but for anyone who has always wanted to experience what it’s like to fly.
If you would like to see what Benalla looks like from above in the peace and quiet, it also provides experience flights and gift vouchers.
For more information, call 5762 1058, email gliding@glidingclub.org.au or visit glidingclub.org.au