Carly Sherriff: From Air Milford to the Skies
At Air Milford, we’ve always believed in nurturing talent from within our family. That’s why we’re over the moon to celebrate one of our own, Carly Sherriff, who was awarded the 2025 Pauwels Flying Scholarship — and the award was officially presented right here at our Air Milford hangar in Queenstown last weekend.
Carly has been part of our Air Milford family since she was just 15, first volunteering to soak up everything she could about aviation. Her enthusiasm, work ethic, and genuine passion for flight quickly stood out. By 2023, she had earned a paid role as a Flight Coordinator, where she became an invaluable part of the team — welcoming guests, supporting pilots, and keeping operations running smoothly. Carly is not just part of the team; she’s truly part of the Air Milford family.
A Lifelong Passion for Flight
Carly’s love for aviation began very early. Her parents say she was fascinated with planes from age 3, and her passion was solidified at her first trial flight in Alexandra. That moment hooked her instantly, and since then, she has worked tirelessly toward her dream of becoming a commercial pilot.
She balanced multiple jobs — babysitting, kitchen work, pet sitting, and flight coordination — to fund her training. Along the way, Carly also excelled academically, receiving numerous awards at Wakatipu High School, demonstrating her commitment both in and out of the classroom.
Scholarship Recognition
The Pauwels Flying Scholarship, generously sponsored by the Hugo Charitable Trust, supports aspiring pilots who show determination, perseverance, and a true love for aviation. Carly’s scholarship was proudly presented at our Queenstown hangar last weekend, marking a special moment for both her and the entire Air Milford family.
Since July 2025, Carly has been training at the International Aviation Academy of New Zealand in Christchurch, taking the next step toward her lifelong goal of becoming a commercial pilot.
Supporting Our Own
While Carly has had to step away from her day-to-day role at Air Milford to focus on training, she remains very much part of our family. We’ve watched her grow from a passionate volunteer to a professional Flight Coordinator, and now to an aspiring pilot, and we couldn’t be prouder. Her story embodies the dedication, heart, and ambition we value in our team.
Carly is someone who literally stops in her tracks to watch a plane fly overhead — the kind of aviator whose heart truly belongs in the skies. And we know that she is well on her way to becoming an incredible commercial pilot.
Congratulations, Carly — we’re so proud to have you as part of the Air Milford family!
Find our more information about the scholarship here: pauwelsflyingscholarship.co.nz/scholarship
