Connection, exploration, adventure. For many people across the world, the small act of stepping onto an aeroplane represents an enormous opportunity.
University of Southern Queensland Associate Professor Tarryn Kille is no stranger to the life-changing act of flying. It was a joy flight as a teenager that showed her a future path in aviation.
"I originally aspired to study medicine and wanted to be a doctor," she said.
"However, at the end of Year 11 exams, my mother suggested I take a break and we ventured to the local airport for a learn-to-fly experience day.
"I took to the skies in the smallest aeroplane I had ever seen. After a few minutes, the flight instructor handed control over to me.
"The feeling of immense joy and excitement in flying an aeroplane across this beautiful blue sky dotted with gorgeous puffs of white clouds was completely captivating.
"After landing, I knew that aviation was going to be my life."
Associate Professor Kille is celebrating her latest achievement after recently being appointed to the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel.
The national role will help her continue to shape the industry in Australia.
"I feel honoured to be appointed to the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel which aims to assist the CEO/Director of Aviation Safety in recognising safety and regulatory issues, providing industry views on policies and regulations, recommending alternative actions to regulatory change, and providing technical input as required," she said.
"This role gives me the opportunity to engage with industry and the aviation safety regulator on contemporary issues and strengthens the connection to academic research in responding to real-world industry challenges."
During her long career, Associate Professor Kille has held roles with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization.
Her doctoral degree was conferred in 2017 and she has been an academic with the University of Southern Queensland since then.
"Engaging with industry allows us to understand the skill needs of future aviation professionals," she said.
We can use this knowledge to provide highly relevant tertiary education. I enjoy watching the aviation students transform and develop the skills and traits necessary for a professional career in the air transport industry.
"Aviation demands a strong work ethic, high technical capabilities, a deep sense of consideration and care for each other in practice and safety and strong traits of resilience, determination and teamwork."
Associate Professor Kille is now working with post-graduate students on research that will help determine education strategies to equip future aviation professionals with the skills for a changing industry.
She said developments such as unmanned aerial vehicles were leading a paradigm shift in air transportation.
"Technological improvements are also leading towards the increased use of artificial intelligence and automation, not only in technical operations, but also in passenger data analytics and preferences to improve the customer experience," she said.
"Already the post-COVID 19 era is creating greater opportunities for air transport organisations to use technology to enhance safety and security of operations and innovative approaches to safety management continue to evolve.
"I can't imagine working in a more exciting industry right now, and into the future."
Aspiring pilots and aviation professionals can study a Bachelor of Aviation at the University of Southern Queensland, majoring in Flight Operations or Aviation Management.
Postgraduate aviation courses are also available for industry leaders, specialising in Aviation Management or Aviation Human Factors.
