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

The annual Pacific Airshow made a triumphant return to the Gold Coast this weekend after a year-long break. One of the highlights was the debut of jet suit demonstrations, led by British pilot Paul Jones from Gravity Industries. Jones described soaring through the air with the crowd as "surreal" and expressed delight at being back on the Gold Coast.

Australian pilot Emma McDonald, who holds the distinction of being the only female stunt pilot at this year's show, shared her love for the adrenaline rush of flipping planes and performing daring maneuvers. Growing up in a family of pilots, McDonald credits her father, an aerobatic display pilot, for sparking her passion. Despite her fear of heights, McDonald feels most at ease when she's soaring through the sky in an airplane.

Other key participants included the Royal Australian Air Force's aerobatic display team, The Roulettes, and Top Gun impersonators Pete "Maverick" Mitchell and Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw. McDonald also noted other women making strides at the event, including Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the first Australian astronaut to formally represent the country. Bennell-Pegg, who hasn't yet flown in space, spoke to around 5,000 school students about inspiring young girls to pursue careers in aviation and space.