General News
15 May, 2026
Epic solo journey for teen pilot
THERE was plenty of hype at the Warrnambool airport earlier this week with the arrival of teen pilot Rose Donald.
The 18 year-old from Melbourne is nearing the end of her 15,000km solo flight around Australia to raise awareness and vital funds for ‘Little Wings’ – and in the process create a new Guinness World Record as the youngest female pilot to fly solo around Australia in a general aviation aircraft.
“For me this isn’t really about the world record, it’s about promoting Little Wings and raising as much money as I can for the charity,” she said.
“I’ve had some great support along the way so far, from cash donations, help with fuel and accommodation; I really appreciate it all.”
Little Wings is a charity that provides free air and ground transport for seriously ill regional children.
Aiming to raise $100,000 during her epic journey, Rose’s tally was sitting at just over $72,300 on Wednesday morning – and she was thrilled.
“I hope my trip not only raises some funds for Little Wings but it also inspires the next generation of female pilots around Australia,” she said.
“Age and gender are no barrier to achieving your dream – this is a great adventure for me but it’s all about making a difference for kids who need urgent medical care far from home.”
Rose’s adventure began on April 6 when she took off from the Essendon Airport in a Cessna 172 (VH-DWE).
Her route will see her fly more than 15,000 kilometres, landing at 25 airports along the Australian coastline.
From Warrnambool, it was anticipated she would head to Tasmania (weather permitting) before making the trip back to Essendon – where she is expected to make her final landing this weekend.
According to proud dad and fellow pilot Warren, who flew in to Warrnambool from Melbourne on Tuesday to greet his daughter, the trip has been well planned and well executed.
“Rose has been flying since she was 13 years and nine months old – she’s always wanted a career as a pilot.
“She has done all the planning for this trip, has worked out all the routes she needs to take and has been very well supported and coached along the way,” Warren said.
“We’ve all been blow away by the support she has received, the donations made to date and how well she has been welcomed at each stop.
“We’re very grateful to everyone who has made this trip possible and has welcomed Rose with open arms – from InterAir Melbourne where she charted the plane, to her instructors and maintenance crew, to Air BP and World Fuel, and everyone in between.”
While Rose’s trip has certainly gained strong media attention across the state, her dad said her feet remain firmly on the ground – “when not in the air.”
“Rose is a very down to earth, studious teen who wants to finish year 12 and work towards her commercial pilots’ licence.
“The world really is at her feet and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Little Wings chief executive officer Clare Pearson said Rose’s determination was already inspiring communities across Australia.
“From the moment we met her, 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,” Ms Pearson said.
“This 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.”
She encouraged people to track her journey, champion her mission and 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 per cent volunteer-led, with 100 per cent of pilots and 100 per cent of drivers volunteering their time to ensure families can access critical medical care, free of charge.
Anyone wishing to donate towards Rose’s fundraising campaign can head to www.givenow.com.au/girls-can-fly and follow the links.
