Our People in WA
Dinda Vasile - Wilson
For Dinda Vasile of the Perth suburb of Wilson the sky is literally the limit. The 21-year-old Royal Australian Air Force Flying Officer is an aeronautical engineer, once the domain of men, and works on fighter jets and other military aircraft.
The former Rossmoyne Senior High School student and dance teacher has completed a Bachelor of Engineering, specialising in aeronautics, at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in Canberra and is currently posted to the RAAF Base at Williamtown near Newcastle.
Breaking into traditionally male roles appears to be a tradition in Dinda’s family. Her mother, Astrid, is in a male dominated profession, being one of the only a few female qualified builders in Australia.
Dinda, who is a Muslim Australian and proud of her Indonesian and Italian background, joined the RAAF in 2009. She wears the Australian Defence Medal after completing four years of service and has a string of ADFA commendations. She is currently undertaking the Professional Junior Engineers Development and Training program which involves spending three months in different units within the RAAF Base at Williamtown.
“The program gives exposure and hands on experience in the different engineering roles that can be carried out. I shadow the current Aircraft Maintenance Officer and I am given an opportunity to act in that role,” Dinda said.
“I also move around the Systems Program Office and I get to work in the design engineering and logistics engineering fields,” she added.
“I love working with fighter jets. It’s not everyday you are surrounded by amazing military aircraft and get to see a FA-18 Hornet taking off followed by a couple of Hawks and a Wedgetail aircraft,” she said.
Dinda said she enjoys the RAAF lifestyle.
“I love meeting people from all over Australia and the world. People in the RAAF are very helpful.
There is a big support network with people of all ages, experience and backgrounds,” she said.
Dinda said the RAAF also offers a good work-life balance and supports sporting and social activities.