Tracy is a senior flight instructor (Grade 1 multi-engine IFR) at Air Gold Coast, Coolangatta airport. Flying started as a hobby 7 years ago, and soon after developed into a passion and a career. Tracy loves flying and people and says, "I am looking forward to many many years of Angel Flight missions, meeting some special people, and using my passion for flying to help those in need." When Aviation Pioneer, Nancy Bird, used her flying skills to help the disadvantaged living in outback Australia reach medical help, little did she know that she would inspire another female pilot seventy years later. But on Tuesday 9th March, a young Gold Coast woman, Tracy Bray, will follow in Nancy’s footsteps when she flies a sick thirteen-year-old girl home to Chinchilla from Brisbane, and by so doing complete her first "Angel Flight". "I know this is something I’m meant to do," Ms. Bray said. "I love flying as well as teaching others to fly too. But nothing could be better than using my experience and qualifications to help others."

Ms. Bray said that from when she was quite young she had always admired Nancy Bird and impressed by how she pioneered helping those living in remote communities by using her flying skills.

"Being an Angel Flight pilot is a dream come true for me," she said.

"One of Nancy’s favourite sayings was 'whatever you can do or dream, begin it'. I have dreamed of helping in this way and this flight on Tuesday is the beginning of what I hope will be many Angel Flights for me. I have found my calling in life."

But this is not the first dream that has been fulfilled for Tracy. Just over 10 years ago she was involved in a horrific car crash that nearly claimed her life, leaving her in hospital for twelve months and then in a wheelchair.

"I was told I should have died and then that I would never walk again," she said.

"However, I didn’t give up and the desire to fly came out of this trauma."

Tracy said that about two years after the accident a friend gave her a "joy flight" as a present to help lift her spirits, and from that moment she knew that more than anything else she wanted to fly.

"It started off as a wonderful hobby but when it got to the stage that I wanted to fly every day I just knew I had to do it for a living," she said.

"Within 6 months I got my licence, then my commercial licence and now I am a Flight Instructor and just love teaching people and helping them get their commercial licences too."

Tracy is now a senior flight instructor at Air Gold Coast, Coolangatta Airport.

www.angelflight.org.au