Women in A/AA welcome you to join us for an evening of networking with our outstanding and accomplished speakers to explore the various experiences and tips to succeeding in our male dominated industry. 

The only female Australian pilot to Fly for Commando Helicopter Force

Lieutenant Kate Munari, Operations Officer at 808SQN, Royal Australian Navy

Kate is the only female Australia Navy pilot to fly in Afghanistan. Joining the Royal Australian Navy at the age of 18, through the Australian Defence Force Academy, Kate completed a Bachelor of Science degree. Qualifying as a helicopter pilot in 2006, her skill and dedication to flying led to her being selected for a four and a half year posting to the Royal Navy, UK. There, Kate flew as part of Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) who fly in support of the Royal Marine Commandos.

Kate served in Afghanistan three times as part of CHF, flying day and night, in all weather conditions as aircraft captain and formation commander. She led teams in some of the toughest conditions any workplace can present. On several occasions, Kate’s aircraft came under enemy fire and she was responsible for making the tough decisions as to what to do in those critical moments.

Alexandra Le Fevre, C-130J Systems/Structures Engineer, Airbus Group Australia Pacific

Alex has always had a passion for the aviation industry, learning to fly light aircraft at 17 years old and completing her Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace) from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 2012. While at UNSW, Alex was president of the Mechanical Engineering Society and was involved in ambassador work for the school. She started her career at Airbus Australia Pacific as a work experience student and has been there ever since. Alex works at RAAF Richmond and her role involves designing repairs and modifications for the RAAF fleet of C-130J Hercules aircraft, with specialisation in aircraft structures and mechanical systems. She has worked on a number of large-scale fleet modifications and maintenance activities that have had both capability and maintenance cost-saving benefits for the platform. Alex is currently Chair of the Airbus Australia Pacific Diversity Committee and is an active member of the aerospace community in Sydney, she particularly enjoys speaking with high school and university students at networking events.