Patricia Graham (pilot) facts for kids

Patricia (Pat) Lyle Toole (née Graham) (November 1928 – April 2016) was an amazing Australian aviator. An aviator is someone who flies airplanes. She made history by becoming one of the very first women to fly planes for a living in Australia. She was also the first woman to be a commercial pilot in Papua New Guinea.

Becoming a Pilot

Patricia Graham grew up in Coffs Harbour, Australia. Before she started flying, she managed two hairdressing salons there. But at just 19 years old, she decided she wanted to learn how to fly planes!

She began taking flying lessons in Coffs Harbour. To get more experience, she later moved to Tamworth. This allowed her to practice flying many different types of aircraft.

Joining Other Women Pilots

In 1950, Patricia helped start a special group called the Australian Women Pilots' Association. This group brought together women who loved to fly. In May 1951, Patricia, along with Heather McDougall and Elizabeth Beeston, flew a plane all the way to Sydney. They went there to attend the association's very first meeting.

Earning Her Commercial Licence

On October 29, 1951, Patricia Graham earned her Commercial B class pilot's licence in Australia. This was a huge achievement! It meant she could fly planes for work. She was only the third woman in Australia to get this licence, after Nancy Ellis and Helen Curkett. She took her written test in Newcastle with her friend Heather McDougall.

Flying in Papua New Guinea

Even with her new licence, Patricia found it hard to find a pilot job in Australia. So, in 1952, her brother suggested she try working in Papua New Guinea. She joined Gibbes Sepik Airways as a trainee pilot. This airline was started by a famous pilot named Bobby Gibbes.

Making History

Hiring Patricia was a big deal! It meant she became the only female pilot in Papua New Guinea at that time. She was also the very first woman to become a commercial pilot in the country.

Gibbes Sepik Airways was a "bush airline." This means it flew to remote areas, carrying both people and supplies. Patricia started by flying Lockheed L-18s. Later, she became a captain, flying larger Noorduyn Norseman aircraft. She also flew Auster planes.

Life in Wewak

In 1953, Patricia married Colin H. Toole. He was the branch manager for Gibbes Sepik Airways. They settled down in a town called Wewak.

Later Life

Years later, Patricia got her pilot's licence again at Archerfield Airport in Brisbane. In 2015, she was a special guest at two important events. She celebrated the 65th anniversary of the Australian Women Pilots’ Association. She also attended Archerfield Airport’s first Brisbane Open House.

Patricia Graham passed away in April 2016. She will always be remembered as a brave and pioneering aviator.