AOPA Welcomes Michelle Packwood as Air Safari Co-ordinator

AOPA Welcomes Michelle Packwood as Air Safari Co-ordinator

AOPA Welcomes Michelle Packwood as Air Safari Co-ordinator

November 28, 2019 By Kreisha Ballantyne
AOPA Australia welcomes MICHELLE PACKWOOD to the team.
“On behalf of the board and the membership, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Michelle Packwood who will be working as part of our team in delivering an...

“On behalf of the board and the membership, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Michelle Packwood who will be working as part of our team in delivering an expanding AOPA’s air safari and events calendar,” said AOPA Australia CEO Ben Morgan.

“Our members may recall that Michelle featured on our first digital edition of AOPA Pilot back in February 19. Michelle comes to us with an extensive background in social media, marketing, and event management and is a qualified pilot who shares AOPA’s vision for general aviation,” he continued.

A private pilot who completed her training in Chandler, Arizona, Michelle is currently working on her CPL and has a passion for flying tail-draggers, in particular the Piper Super Cub.

“I’m unsure exactly where this aviator life will take me, but I’ve already met so many incredible people and done things I never imagined doing,” said Michelle. “I never set out for some grand career in aviation; I just knew I would never regret going for my private licence.  I’m happiest when I’m flying and learning, and I want to continue to do so for as long as I can which is why I’m really excited to step into the role of Air Safari Co-ordinator.”

“Following on from AOPA’s inaugural air safari this year, I will work to include invitations to our international partners of USA and NZ, both of whom have expressed interest and desire to participate,” she said. “I’d like to invite our members to come forward with any input or recommendations. Feel free to reach out to me at michelle.packwood@aopa.com.au.

“I look forward to being part of the AOPA family and contributing to the great adventure that is general aviation in Australia.”


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Kreisha Ballantyne

Kreisha’s experience across various sectors of the aviation industry reflect her passion for general aviation. In previous editorial roles at AOPA Australian Pilot, Sport Pilot and AirSport, Kreisha has had the privilege of flying in – and writing about -a multitude of aircraft types, from a powered parachute to a PC12. Kreisha is currently a feature writer for Australian Flying magazine, as well as CASA’s Flight Safety Australia. As a private pilot, Kreisha has experienced an incredible array of aviation adventures, including flying solo across Australia in heels and lipstick to influence young female pilots; wing-walking on a vintage Stearman; flying in New Zealand, the UK, the USA and Austria; and interviewing a diverse and incredible cross-section of aviators. Now in her tenth year in the industry, she is delighted to continue her passion for writing about aviation as one of AOPA’s new digital editors.

Topic: Community

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