Celebrating Emma’s First Solo Flight
We’re thrilled to celebrate a huge milestone for our incredible Professional Wingwalker, Emma, who has just completed her first-ever solo flight! Training for her pilot’s licence at the Shropshire Aero Club at Sleap Airfield, Emma has shown extraordinary dedication, passion, and determination throughout her journey. Shortly after completing her training, she confidently took to the skies alone – an unforgettable moment for any pilot.
Emma joined our team as a Professional Wingwalker back in 2021, quickly becoming a core member of our elite crew. Her love of aviation has only grown through her wingwalking experience, inspiring her to take the leap into piloting. Seeing her transition from performing on the wing to taking command in the cockpit has been nothing short of inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Reflecting on her big moment, Emma shared:
“Going solo was an amazing feeling. It’s one of those moments you never forget. It was fun – and strange – to be up there entirely on my own. The adrenaline was pumping, and even with my experience on the wing, this was a whole new rush. When I landed, it took a while to process what I’d just achieved, but I was so chuffed!”
Since early 2024, Emma has also been an Ambassador for Pooleys, the well-known aviation equipment provider. The Ambassador Programme brings together aviation enthusiasts from all backgrounds and Emma has loved the sense of community, motivation, and opportunity it has given her. This year at Eastbourne, Emma and our Display Pilot, Dave, had the pleasure of meeting Robert Pooley, the founder of the company, whose aviation legacy began after leaving the RAF in 1957.
More recently, we were delighted to help Sam Pooley – Robert’s daughter – return to the skies for her first Wingwalk in decades. Having first wingwalked on a Tiger Moth at age 11, it was a joy to fly her again, this time on a powerful Stearman at Sleap.
We’re also celebrating fellow Pooleys Ambassador Malk, who was recently awarded the Gallagher Fundraiser of the Year Award for her charity wingwalk supporting Aerobility.
If Emma’s wingwalking journey has inspired you to push your own limits, we’d love to welcome you to experience wingwalking with us. For those dreaming of flying themselves, be sure to check out Pooleys’ online academy and equipment store and use code “emmawingwalker” for a discount.
