At a small countryside air show in Central Queensland, pilot Emma McDonald revs up the engine of her stunt aircraft, preparing for a thrilling performance from a modest grass runway. Though the setting may be humble, her skills are anything but — McDonald executes flips, dives, and rolls at speeds of up to 350 kilometres per hour and rotates at a staggering 400 degrees per second in her Extra EA-300 monoplane.
“I love the freedom,” McDonald said. “Flying offers a three-dimensional experience — and aerobatics really lets you feel that from every angle. I’m happiest whenever my feet are off the ground.”
Performing at The Old Station Air Show near Rockhampton holds special significance for the 35-year-old, who comes from a family of aviators. After earning her pilot’s license in 2016, she flew to the event with her father and friends, where she saw a display by Matt Hall Racing — a top Australian aerobatic and air racing team.
“That’s when I knew I wanted to do that professionally,” she recalled. “I spoke with Matt, and he gave me a detailed path to follow if I wanted to get into the sport.”
Since then, McDonald has progressed from working as ground crew to performing in aerobatic shows. She has recently ventured into air racing, representing Australia at Japan’s Air Race X where she competed against seven male pilots and finished fifth.
“I’ve been able to cross off a lot of the goals I set back in 2016,” she said. “And I’m still working toward more.”
The term “aerobatic pilot” blends “aeroplane” and “acrobatics,” and describes a pilot capable of maneuvering an aircraft in complex patterns such as spins, loops, and climbs — all executed with precise control and calculated g-forces.
At this year’s event, spectators lined the grassy fields, cheering as McDonald soared overhead. Her friends, family, and supporters proudly watched from the sidelines.
A Unique Tradition in a Unique Setting
The Old Station Air Show is unlike any other aviation event in Australia. Held on a private cattle station in Raglan, the venue clears paddocks of livestock to create a makeshift runway for the festivities.
The station has been owned by the Creed family since 1869. George and Leonie Creed, passionate about aviation, helped turn the property into a flying hub for visiting pilots. What began as a casual barbecue in 1989 gradually evolved into a full-scale air show, drawing thousands of visitors.
Helen Creed, a member of the family, recalled how the event grew: “It started small, just friends dropping in for a smoko. The next year it expanded, and from there, it just kept growing.”
Now organized by The Old Station Flying Club, the event continues to serve the local community, with all proceeds reinvested locally. Since its inception, the show has raised over $500,000 for community initiatives.
