1 August 2025
When Squadron Leader Stephanie Hume is not meticulously testing the sophisticated systems of an Air Force aircraft, or managing the careers of fellow engineers in her current role within the Directorate of Personnel – Air Force, you will find her soaring through the skies in a rented civilian aircraft.
Determined to make a difference within the aviation community, Squadron Leader Hume, a qualified flight test engineer, will pilot a retro 1972 Piper Cruiser Aircraft in the Red Planet Software Outback Air Race 2025 to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
From August 22 to September 8, Squadron Leader Hume will fly alongside her husband, Major Matthew Hume, an Army electrical engineer, as they participate in the race as Team 19: Atmospherics.
The Outback Air Race is an aviation time trial through the remote Aussie Outback starting from Yulara, NT, just south of Uluru, and finishing in Carnarvon, WA. Participants will travel through Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Daly Waters, Katherine, Kununurra, Broome, Onslow and Exmouth.
From its inception in 1996, this charity air race has raised more than $4 million for the RFDS.
Funds from the race will go towards outfitting RFDS aircraft with essential medical equipment, vital for treating sick and injured patients across rural and remote areas in Australia.
Squadron Leader Hume said that while planning their journey she realised the importance of access to skilled and capable medical professionals, regardless of location.
“Living in a capital city, we take for granted the resources available to us practically at our fingertips,” she said.
“People living in these remote communities solely rely on services from the Royal Flying Doctor Service to save lives and keep people healthy.”
To donate to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, give directly to Team 19 - Atmospherics in Outback Air Race 2025 or purchase race raffle tickets for $20 each for a chance to win a $20,000 holiday for two provided by the Classic Safari Company (Outback Air Race 2025 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service).
