At an age when many are still deciding what they want to be when they ‘grow up’, Georgie Arnold already has her dream career off the ground.
Named the CASA/Australian Flying Wings Awards Young Achiever of the Year, Georgie earned her commercial helicopter licence at just 20. She now works for her family’s business, Townsville Helicopters, which provides air work, joy flights and flight training in north Queensland.
‘I was born and raised in the aviation industry,’ she explains. ‘My dad and brother are both helicopter flight instructors, and my mum is the founder of Aviatrix International – so aviation has always been in my blood.’
While Georgie initially saw flying as a hobby, she quickly discovered it was much more. ‘I started studying for my commercial licence about four years ago and thought I’d just do it for fun – now, I’m working full-time in the industry and absolutely loving it.’
Her passion for aviation is obvious – and infectious. Georgie’s bubbly personality and boundless energy are hard to miss, whether she’s in the cockpit, online or behind the scenes running multiple operations.
In addition to her flying duties, Georgie is the business manager for Aviatrix International, which supports and promotes aviation as a career pathway for all. It was created to help close the gender gap in aviation – a sector where women made up only around 7% of pilots globally when the organisation was founded.
Georgie is playing a key role in changing that narrative. ‘Winning this award shows that the work we’ve put in as a small business over the past 7 years is being recognised,’ she says. ‘It also shows that we’re on the right track to ensuring Australia’s pipeline of future aviators stays strong.’
If that wasn’t a busy enough schedule, Georgie’s also the social media and marketing manager for the family run business which also includes the National Aviation Academy and ZephAir Australia.
She’s determined to challenge outdated perceptions of the aviation industry. Through her work as a brand ambassador, she’s delivered wide-reaching marketing campaigns and awareness initiatives, all with a strategic, professional approach.
She’s also built a strong online social media presence that helps her connect with aspiring pilots – and, with the stunning images and videos she shares, it’s not hard to see the appeal.
And Georgie is the creative mind behind the Aviatrix Airwaves podcast, which shares stories and interviews from across the industry. She’s also authored an aviation-themed activity book for young children, Hayley the Helicopter, and regularly attends career fairs and aviation events to inspire the next generation.
‘I would definitely recommend aviation as a career for anyone who’s passionate about it,’ she says. ‘Just get in, get it done – and more importantly, have fun along the way!’
Georgie’s already achieved more than most at her age, and she’s not slowing down.
Her next goal? To continue to grow strong connections in the industry – with an eye to one day managing the family business.
About the Wings Awards
The Australian Flying/CASA Wings Awards celebrate the achievements of exceptional individuals and organisations in the general aviation sector.
The awards are run in partnership with Australian Flying magazine and recognise those who go above and beyond to make general aviation safer, stronger and more connected.
Nominations for the 2025 awards are now open, and more information is available on the Australian Flying website.
