SILVA MCLEOD’S STORY OF LOVE, DETERMINATION AND CHASING DREAMS
In Island Girl to Airline Pilot, the inspiring Silva McLeod details her extraordinary journey to become the first Tongan female airline pilot. Recounted with candour and wit, McLeod takes the reader through the trials and tribulations that guided her to success.
Born and raised on the island of Vava’u in Tonga, Silva was born into a life abundant with traditions and customs. Growing up, she hoped for a life beyond marriage and motherhood, dreaming of becoming a doctor or – even better – a pilot. When Ken McLeod, an Australian electrician, showed up in Vava’u one day however, those dreams were put on hold. Despite their social, cultural, and family differences, Ken and Silva married and started a life together in Australia.
Living in Australia as a woman of colour was not without its challenges, but through hopefulness and sheer grit, Silva persevered. The biggest challenge of all came when Ken was diagnosed with cancer. Through his diagnosis, Ken encouraged Silva to follow her dreams of becoming an airline pilot, so she did just that. Love, sacrifice, and ambition transformed her fantasy to reality, and Silva became the first Tongan woman to be an airline pilot, flying for Royal Tongan Airlines, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Virgin Australia.
If you’re in the market for an invigorating and heartwarming autobiography, full of flying inspiration, Island Girl to Airline Pilot is the perfect fit for you. Made for women from all walks of life, Silva’s triumphs are sure to leave a mark on your mind and in your heart.
