Pacific Airshow brings jet suits, stunts and space pioneers to Gold Coast

The Pacific Airshow made a spectacular return to the Gold Coast, Australia, drawing huge crowds with a dazzling display of aerial acrobatics, cutting-edge technology, and aviation pioneers. Among the performers was Gold Coast local Emma McDonald, the sole female stunt pilot at the event, who navigates the skies at speeds up to 400 kilometers per hour, experiencing forces up to 10 times gravity.

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If you stick me on top of a building without a rail, unless I've got wings strapped to me, that's actually my little secret.

McDonald, who admitted to having a fear of heights when on the ground, finds her true comfort in the air. "If you stick me on top of a building without a rail, unless I've got wings strapped to me, that's actually my little secret," she shared. Coming from a family of pilots, she hopes her presence will inspire more girls to pursue aviation careers, urging them, "Don't let anything hold you back."

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Being the only one out there, I hope to inspire more girls to have a go. Don't let anything hold you back.

This year's airshow also marked a significant milestone with the debut of jet suit demonstrations in Australia. Two pilots from the UK-based Gravity Industries soared and spun over the ocean, powered by compact engines. Paul Jones, a lead flight instructor with the company, described the experience as "surreal" and "mega to be here." The event, which ran for six hours daily from Friday to Sunday, also featured the Royal Australian Air Force's aerobatic display team, The Roulettes, whose pilots described the high-stakes routines as "good old-fashioned fun."

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It's surreal to soar through the air with crowds watching. It's mega to be here on the Gold Coast. We've been trying to do this for a couple of years and fortunately, we've been able to make it happen.

Adding to the excitement, impersonators of "Top Gun" characters Maverick and Rooster were present, engaging with crowds during ground entertainment. The airshow, billed as Australia's largest, showcased a variety of aerial feats, including flips and vertical climbs, highlighting the thrill and precision of modern aviation.

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But once you get used to it and you've done a few, it just becomes good old-fashioned fun. I really enjoy it, sitting there and singing to myself … sing a bit of Creed, sing a bit of Oasis, whatever the vibe is of the day.