Niamh Moss and Her Journey Into Aviation

Can you talk about your gliding experience so far? 

I started gliding when I was 13, and it’s been the most magical experience. It’s been the place I’ve managed to find my true self and grow as a person in knowledge and confidence.  I went solo at the age of 14, and I’m in the process of learning the bronze endorsement syllabus to complete my exams!  

What initially sparked your love of flying? 

Back in February 2023, I went for an air experience flight in a Grob Tutor down at MOD Boscombe Down with the cadets. I was extremely nervous, as I wasn’t the biggest fan of heights! However, it’s an amazing opportunity to get as a cadet, and one that is guaranteed fun. I really enjoyed the experience, doing some aerobatics and flying the Grob myself. It was amazing and really drove me to pursue a hobby in aviation. A few days after I had already contacted a flying club for a trial flight! 

You went solo at the age of 14, can you describe that day? 

It was in June 2024, and a pretty busy day at the club. I was running around all day on retrieval duties, launches and ground handling bits so I was a little bit tired when it came to my flight. I went up with my favourite instructor, Nick, who I’d flown with from the start, and we had a great circuit practice and a laugh to lose any fatigue I’d had. Then a more serious check flight (which I didn’t know at the time).  

My dad gave me a couple of biscuits as I got out and I sat having one with Nick. As he got up to get in, he started to lock the back canopy. Now, all glider pilots are aware of their first solo, as you do a particular part of training before, but this genuinely shocked me, as I had no idea. I was SO nervous, and I asked all the silly questions, like, “what if it all stops working”, and the usual, “what if the wings fly off”!  

It was a great day, and I nervously sang horrible out of tune songs passionately around the circuit to release the jitters. I was jumping up and down in excitement once I’d landed. It’s a truly amazing and freeing experience and I’ll never forget it.  

What is your best advice for someone wanting to start gliding? 

I think during the training, you must remember that in order to progress, you must make mistakes. A lot of people feel out of place entering aviation, as it’s an industry jam-packed with knowledge and skills, but you must remember that all these people started just like you, knowing minimal amounts. Please don’t feel overwhelmed and ashamed if you don’t know how things work. Ask all of your questions, be sociable and get to know people as it does the world of good for your experience and try attend regularly to progress efficiently.  

Can you describe your role in the air cadets? 

I’ve will have been in the air cadets for 3 years this December, and I’m a Sergeant.  

My squadron holds 30-50 cadets, and I spend 5 hours of my week down there organising the nights and how things run. I try and give cadets the best experience, with fun activities that I plan, while incorporating cadet material like leadership. I really enjoy making cadets laugh and smile, whilst teaching them to maintain discipline and respect. I’m really proud of everyone on my squadron, and I love feeling like I’ve given people the experience I had when I first joined.  

What skills have you developed from your experience in the industry? 

When I first entered aviation, I was extremely anxious and shy. I didn’t have much to say and when I did I couldn’t get the words out. Aviation has taught me so much. I can confidently say it’s changed me for the better, in ways that hold utmost importance to a young girl growing up. I’ve developed skills like leadership, communication and patience through air cadets and gliding, and a strong sense of confidence as a person. The mixing of adults and juniors, with new people and new experiences really helped me to become the young woman I am today, and I think it changes people’s assumptions on themselves and what they can achieve when they learn to let go of fear.  

Have any other women influenced you in your aviation journey? 

I think one of my first and biggest inspirations would be Mandy Hickson, whom I met at a cadet event where she talked about her life as a female fighter jet pilot. I’ve got a signed copy of her book, which is read regularly, and she was my first role model in the aviation industry, and an incredible person altogether.

Through my ambassador role at Elevate (her), I’ve also met some amazing women from all across aviation, from engineering, aerospace, private pilots and airline pilots. They’re all very inspiring women, who’ve really shown me that everything I do is worth it, and I couldn’t have kept going on social media and perhaps in my gliding, without them!  

What are your dreams for the future? 

I’m hoping to achieve my SPL when I’m old enough and complete the first steps into the SPL like the bronze endorsement. I’d like to become an instructor in gliding and provide people with the same insight I had into the experience that comes with it. I’d like to be there for people and help them become confident in their abilities, having that separate mindset from anything else going on in their lives!  

Further away from gliding, I’d like to apply for airline cadet programs after my GCSEs and 2 years of A levels, to learn how to become a commercial pilot. I’d also like to further explore my options within the military and general aviation.  

I’d love to explore my social media more and create an even better platform for young people to find and get advice for aviation.  

I want to have fun!!