PILOT ROSE JOURNEY
6TH APRIL TO 16Th MAY
VIC / nsw
Mallacoota
Bankstown
Tamworth
qld
ArcherfieldCaloundra
Shute Harbour
Tully
Cooktown
Horn island
Karumba
Hells gate
NT / wa
Daly waters
Darwin
Kununurra
Broome
Karratha
Coral bay
Geraldton
Jandakot
Esperance
sa / vic
Forrest
Ceduna
Parafeild
Warnambool
Bendigo
Essendon
INTRODUCING PILOT Rose
At just 13 years and 9 months old, the youngest legal age to begin flight training in Australia. Rose first stepped into the cockpit, her Dad by her side, with a dream far bigger than the runway beneath her feet. While most teenagers were still deciding what they wanted to do in life, Rose had already discovered hers: to fly.
What began as a passion for aviation quickly became a mission fueled by courage, determination, and purpose. By the age of 17, while completing her final year of school, Rose was planning something extraordinary, a solo flight around Australia.
On April 6th, from Essendon Fields Airport, 17-year-old pilot Rose took off in a Cessna 172, VH-DWE, embarking on a solo circumnavigation of Australia. But this journey was about more than setting records. Rose flew to raise awareness and funds for Little Wings, a volunteer-led charity providing free professional air and ground transport for seriously ill children across regional NSW, ACT, and Queensland.
Over the course of the adventure, Rose flew more than 15,000 kilometres, landing at 25 airports and tracing the vast Australian coastline from the sky. Along the way, she attempted to set a Guinness World Record as the youngest female pilot to solo circumnavigate Australia in a general aviation aircraft, proving that age and gender are no barriers to achieving bold dreams.
During the journey, Rose reached another unforgettable milestone. While stopping in Adelaide, she celebrated her 18th birthday far from home with a quiet celebration and a blueberry cheesecake before continuing her remarkable adventure.
With the celebrations behind her and the skies ahead, Rose pressed on, flying across Bass Strait to Tasmania before beginning the final leg of her journey home. After weeks in the air, countless take-offs and landings, and thousands of kilometres flown solo, Rose finally returned to Melbourne, where she was welcomed home by family, friends, supporters, and a nation inspired by her incredible achievement.
Rose’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and courage, a reminder that even the biggest dreams can begin with a single flight.
A mission with heart
Rose says her motivation is simple “Little Wings helps families when they need it most. If my endeavor can shine a light on the work they do and help raise funds so more kids can get to the care they need, then every hour planning and in the air is worth it.”
Flying under VFR conditions, Rose will make all decisions based on safety, visibility, and weather windows. Her journey includes daily pre‑flight checks, strict weather assessments, and planned stops at regional airports across the country to inspire supporters, sponsors and other young pilots.
Flying for a cause
Little Wings CEO Clare Pearson says Rose’s determination is already inspiring communities across Australia.
“From the moment we met Rose, we were deeply impressed with her aviation talents but more than that, her tenacity and drive to raise the flag for women in aviation and the Little Wings mission.
Little Wings is an organisation made possible by community, for community, and Rose is an extension of that concept of people helping people, making a positive change in the world.
We encourage people to track her journey, to champion her mission and to donate… every dollar supports seriously ill children in regional Australia to access lifesaving medical treatment that is only available in major cities.”
Little Wings is 90% volunteer‑led, with 100% of pilots and 100% of drivers volunteering their time to ensure families can access critical medical care, free of charge.
The Journey at a Glance
25 airports
Launch event at Essendon Airport - Easter Monday 6th April starts 7.45am.
Over 15,000 km flown solo
Attempting a Guinness World Record
Raising funds and awareness for Little Wings
Inspiring young women to pursue aviation careers
Follow the Journey
Instagram: @pilotrose.au
Media Contact
Andrew Bailey - 0429 365 381 Marketing@littlewings.org.au
THANK YOU TO PILOT ROSE partners
Your support and belief in the Little Wings mission, allows this incredible 17 Year adventurer, Pilot Rose attempt a Guinness Book record attempt, and help raise awareness and funds to support the Little Wings mission. We appreciate your kindness.
