Latest News

Meet Ellie

Ellie has wanted to work for the NZ Flying Doctor Service since she was at high school in Gisborne. So, is the job everything she hoped it would be? We talk to NZ Flying Doctor pilot Ellie and ask her just that.

When did you first become interested in flying?

When I turned 15, I was given a trial flight as a birthday present. I loved it, and ever since then it was in the back of my mind that I wanted to fly. When I had an interview with my high school careers advisor, I remember telling them I wanted to work for the NZ Flying Doctor Service. The idea of helping people was the biggest attraction, and I love flying — so it seemed like the perfect fit!

Where did you learn to fly?

After high school I worked for two years to earn some money, then moved to Christchurch to train at the International Aviation Academy. There I received my Diploma in Aviation and my commercial licence. I trained to become a flight instructor and worked for the Canterbury Aero Club before joining the NZ Flying Doctor Service.

And is working at the NZ Flying Doctor Service the perfect fit?

Yes! The job is definitely as awesome as I hoped it would be. We get to go to so many cool places. I love the spontaneity of not knowing where we’re going — one day we might go to Greymouth and the next day we’ll be at the Chatham Islands. I love the variety and the positive impact we have on patients and communities.

I also love the team I work with and the interactions we have with the nursing crew — they do an amazing job.

How do you cope when there’s a critical case on board?

I’ve had a few jobs where there’s been a bit of pressure to get the patient to specialist care as quickly as possible, but we can only do so much. We can never compromise the safety of the flight. However, on those jobs we are able to call priority and ensure the air traffic controllers give us as many shortcuts as they can so we get the patient on the ground and to specialist care as quickly as possible.

What’s your favourite destination to fly to?

Greymouth! It’s one of the more rural areas we go to, and it’s lovely to be able to bring West Coasters to Christchurch so they can receive the care they need. It feels really great to be part of the team helping rural communities have equal access to health care. The flight to Greymouth also has the best views — you can see down the Alps and along the coastline. It’s beautiful.

Outside of work, what’s your go‑to activity?

I like to go the running, pilates, and the gym – I love a good group fitness class!