A cancer diagnosis in 2009 gave Yolande Woods the push she needed to fulfil her lifelong goal of obtaining her private pilot’s licence.
Now based in Goondiwindi, Yolande’s childhood was spent criss-crossing central Queensland in her father’s fixed-wing aircraft as they visited the family’s various Brahman cattle properties.
“My father has been flying on the land since he was 16-years-old,” she said. “I, therefore, have been flying since I was very young and have always loved it.
“When I got cancer aged 30 I thought, ‘Oh, what am I going to do for six weeks while I receive radiation treatment? I know, I’ll get my pilot’s licence’!”
As her burgeoning flying career was taking off, Yolande struggled to source refined and beautiful accessories to match her single engine Cessna 182, Millennium edition.
So, a business idea was born.
Aerohart is a collection of stylish, sophisticated pilot accessories, bags and gifts Yolande has created with an industrial designer to enhance the inflight experience, from take-off to landing.
“Feel good flying” is its catch-cry.
“While I was studying to fly this last round I needed a flight bag and accessories,” she said.
“Everything I tried to buy was black or clunky or designed by a man for a man.
“There was nothing refined or beautiful like the aircraft I fly and I saw a big gap in the market.
“There are a lot of females starting to learn to fly and there’s many stylish men as well. So I created a range of aviation products that are practical yet stylish.”
Yolande said the Aerohart Flight Wipes Dispenser epitomised Aerohart’s practical yet stylish product range.
She said it was the “premium” solution to concealing the unsightly wet wipes pilots needed to keep their hands and cabins clean while also allowing passengers to freshen up before disembarking.
“So, when I used to refuel my aircraft I’d always have to go to the back pocket of my plane and get out these dry baby wipes and thought, ‘Surely I can design something better than this?’
“Aerohart has designed a dispenser that features curved details inspired by aircraft wings and a polished aluminum edge.
“Conveniently, it hooks over the back of the seat and keeps wipes moist.”
Yolande, a fifth generation beef producer, has four children and, aside from her youngest son who is still at school, all are pursuing careers in agriculture.
Her oldest is studying Farm Management at Marcus Oldham College in Geelong and two are working on cattle stations near Cloncurry.
“You have that pride because it’s generational and I think Aerohart definitely has that same feel,” Yolande said.
“It’s family-owned and -operated. We’re just starting small and then hopefully growing.
“Looking forward, I see Aerohart going global as there is a more lucrative market overseas.
“And, my hope is that one day Aerohart is so successful that it can sponsor other younger girls in rural regions and allow them to pursue their dream of learning to fly.
“That is the ultimate goal.”
For more information, please visit aerohart.com.au
