Air Angels Take Flight

Air Angels Take Flight

www.airangels.org.nz

The only all-female NZ-based crew in the Around New Zealand Air Race – an international event which is attracting up to 60 planes from around the world - are appealing for support in a bid to get them airborne.

Raising money for the skylight trust, a national organisation which supports children, young people and their families deal with significant issues around change, loss and grief, Zali Brookes and Sandra Shallard are two Dunedin-based women in urgent need of financial backing.

Representing the Otago Aero Club, the women are united in their passion for flying and their competitive spirits, however the motivation to raise funds for skylight is the reason they are entering the event.

Well advanced in their planning, the women have experienced a disappointing withdrawal of a major sponsor but are determined to complete the task.

International aviatrix, Polly Vacher, was so impressed by the women’s initiative she has offered herself as patron for the team. Polly is currently the world’s foremost female pilot and has a good deal of empathy for the women’s current situation.

“We’re the only all-women crew in the full-throttle division of the air race, the only NZ-based all female team and we’re competing to win. We are confident we have what it takes to be successful and we are looking forward to working together as a team, having fun and raising money for skylight - a charity that we strongly support,” says Team Leader, Zali Brookes. Ms Brookes is in the middle of qualifying as a private pilot and veterinary science graduate, while Ms Shallard is an experienced flight instructor and holds a bachelor of aviation degree.

With the event commencing on the 29th of March, the competitors are becomingly increasingly anxious to fulfil their promise to skylight.

Anyone able to assist the crew with donations or sponsorship should contact Zali Brookes on 03 471 0944 or 0210 454 635.

© Scoop Media