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Meet Molly

It’s almost like Molly was destined to be a NZ Flying Doctor pilot – her mum was a nurse, her dad is a pilot, and she knew she wanted a job helping people.

We talk to Molly about flying planes, jumping out of them, and her next aviation challenge.

How long have you been flying?

My first flight was actually when I was about two weeks old in the back of my dad’s Cessna 185. We grew up flying in the backcountry, landing on strips and riverbeds. It was a great childhood.

I learnt to fly at the Marlborough Aero Club while working on the ground at Sounds Air, checking people in and loading baggage.

After getting my Commercial Pilot License I flew skydiving planes in Ashburton and Mount Cook. It was while doing an instrument rating that I met a pilot for the NZ Flying Doctor Service. I thought it sounded like such an interesting job for a great cause, so I applied to work here. I’ve now been flying the King Air for the NZ Flying Doctor Service for just over three years.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

I love helping people, it’s a big part of who I am. Mum was a nurse and, to be honest, they’re the real heroes. It’s really interesting seeing the work the flight nurses and medical teams do to support the patients on the plane. We’re just up the front flying.

What’s the most challenging part of the job?

While there’s a level of excitement not knowing what each day will bring, it can be a bit of a challenge staying ready to go throughout the day. When we get a job we immediately start researching our location, especially if it’s somewhere we don’t go as often. We read up on runways, approaches, hazards we need to know about – stuff like that. We have some great resources with all that information at hand, which is awesome because obviously time is of the essence.

When you’re not working what do you get up to?

I’ve just started learning to fly helicopters. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do – it’s nice to have a fresh challenge. I also like paragliding, skydiving and things like that. It’s just another form of being in the air! I’ve done about 480 jumps so far. Aside from that, I love spending time with family and friends or being in the garden.