The reasons behind Flying Officer Caitlin Rytenskild joining the Air Force were very simple - she wanted to fly "cool planes".
Five years after joining, she is in charge of the Air Force's second-largest aircraft, the C-17 Globemaster, which is only behind the KC-30A Tanker in terms of size.
After previously ferrying military VIPs, Flying Officer Rytenskild was posted to a C-17 squadron at the start of the year, which can transport supplies, equipment, vehicles and helicopters across the world.
"I wanted to fly cool planes and the Air Force has the coolest, that was as complex as my thought process was," she said.
"We basically carry really heavy things to where they need to be.
"We fly all over the world and we'll take whatever we need, to wherever it needs to go."
So, surely flying the Air Force's largest cargo plane must be a bit of a challenge right?
"This plane is a joy to fly, it's really quite fun. It looks like a big plane, but it doesn't feel like it," she said.
"Civilians who have been inside can't believe humans can fly such a big plane."
When asked whether she would consider changing to a different aircraft, Flying Officer Rytenskild was hesitant.
"Maybe, but my plane is really cool," she said.
"I'm quite happy to stay on C-17s, but I don't think I will go any bigger."
A range of military aircraft were on display as part of the Aviation Expo at Brisbane Airport over the weekend, including the C-17 Globemaster, C-130J Hercules, and the Air Force's newest jet, the EA-18G Growler.
Aviation Australia communications co-ordinator Zoe Kirby said the expo was "a great opportunity to showcase what the aviation industry has to offer and the career opportunities available". An estimated 9000 people attended the display.
