Pauline Vahey becomes first Goodwood Aero Club ambassador
Pauline Vahey, whose formidable CV makes her one of the most influential people in the General Aviation industry, has been announced as the first ever ambassador of the Goodwood Aero Club (GAC).
Pauline is the Director of Aviatrice Ltd, is a Board Director of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, a former Chairman of the British Women Pilots’ Association, Chairman of GAIN (General Aviation Infrastructure Network) and a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Ambassador. Pauline has arrived in these positions because of her passion for aviation and her desire to encourage more people – particularly women and young people – into the industry, a passion that is shared by Goodwood Aerodrome and the GAC.
Her love of flying was born out of admiration for her late Father, who flew Wellington Bombers during WWII. She was invited to fly for the first time with a friend and, after many years flying gliders, took out her Private Pilot’s License (PPL). Though a career as a commercial pilot was not possible, that did not curtail Pauline’s desire to work in aviation; Roles in sales and business development in the software industry were followed by providing sales consultancy to SMEs, but after working independently she chose to apply those skills and experience to helping clients in GA.
As a former Chairman of the BWPA, her objective was – and remains – to encourage women into aviation, either as a career or as a recreational activity. “Women have broken into all sorts of professions,” Pauline says, “but aviation still seems to be a bastion of male dominance. I often go into schools and other places where there are young women and speak to them about the opportunities that are out there to become pilots.”
As well as encouraging women into aviation, Pauline also champions the rights and privileges of all those in the GA sector. Chairing the members’ working group and the corporate members’ committee of the AOPA, she works to lobby at European Aviation Safety Authority and Civil Aviation Authority level.
Ensuring that the infrastructure for GA continues to remain strong in the UK is another of Pauline’s focus areas, through her role with GAIN. The organisation works with planners and local communities to show the positive economic effect that an airfield has and will continue to have. “Some 38,000 people are employed in GA and it contributes £3bn to the economy,” says Pauline. “Having these small airfields makes aviation accessible at a grass roots level.”
Despite so many commitments, Pauline has agreed to become the first ambassador for the GAC. On the appointment, she said; “I used to be a GAC member and what I like most about Goodwood is the people, they really do want to help, they’re not just trained to do so. I am greatly looking forward to helping Goodwood with its vision of nurturing a vibrant and enthusiastic Club, where new and existing aviators are actively welcomed and encouraged.”
Her role as ambassador will entail being a judge at the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation exhibition at the Goodwood Revival, being a guest speaker at GAC events and social occasions and helping to guide and improve the GAC for its members.
For further information on the Goodwood Aero Club, please visit Goodwood.com
ENDS
About the GAC
The Goodwood Aero Club is a community of people whose passion is flying – pilots, former pilots and those wishing to meet like-minded people. Members receive a range of exclusive benefits, from discounted and complimentary landing fees to use of Goodwood’s stunning Kennels Clubhouse. A varied social calendar includes on-site events, fly-outs and the chance to visit some fantastic places.
The GAC, alongside the Goodwood Flying School, provides a welcoming gateway for anyone wishing to experience flying, become a pilot or continue their aviation journey.
For press and media enquiries, please contact:
Sam Hanson, Sport PR executive
E: sam.hanson@goodwood.com
T: 01243 755000
M: 07790 921688
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