The next day, Ash thought long and hard about the changes about to be made to her life. She was committed in her mind that her future was as a woman, but realised that there would be a lot of hurdles to overcome on the way.

Jo came over to see her in the evening when she got back from her flight to Zurich.

“That was a super night Ash, thank you very much, you looked stunning and totally natural in that dress, you will blossom into an attractive young woman. The other girls were so pleased that the airline are being so open-minded about it all, but then they owe you an enormous amount for bringing the aircraft and passengers down safely. Now that you have decided to continue to live as a woman, you will need a lot more clothes. As I promised in Dubai at the dinner with Kathy, Sue, and Sally, I have had a bit of a clear out and here’s a bag of stuff I no longer want, it’s all good quality. See what you think and what fits, anything you don’t want give to a charity shop.”

Over the following days Kathy Sue and Sally kept their promises to bring over the clothes and accessories that they didn’t want anymore . Ash cleared out all of Ashley’s things from the wardrobes and drawers to make way for all the skirts, dresses shoes and bits and pieces that were to be a part of her new life. There was more than enough to keep her going until she worked out her own style and topped it all up with things more suited to her taste. She spent a lot of time out and about chatting to strangers in the park in shops and cafés to get used to the different way she now had to interact with people, and was soon a lot more eat ease, realising she was just accepted by people she met as a friendly chatty woman.

Later in the week Ash took a call from Kay Abernethy to meet with her and some colleagues at the office. She managed to get a cancellation appointment at the local hairdressers and beauty parlour, she wanted to look her best for the first time of meeting with Kay’s colleagues.In the morning, dressed in a plain cream skirt and cherry blouse, looking smart but informal she made her way to the airlines headquarters, where she was warmly welcomed by Sara, the receptionist she had been greeted by on her last visit When she was ushered into Kay’s office she was relieved to find that she was warmly welcomed by Kay.

“Good morning Ash, thank you for coming in. I know that I told you to have a bit of time off, but we want to get things wrapped up as soon as possible and go forward. My colleagues here are Jo Marshall and Dr Sue Hogg, it will soon be apparent why they are here with me. Don’t worry there are no problems with what I agreed with you last week, but there are some details that need to be resolved. Now that things have settled down a bit are you still certain that you want to live your life and have a career as a woman?”

“Absolutely, I’m now living full-time as a woman and intend to continue to do so, does that give you a problem?”

“Far from it, as that’s the case I will pass you over to Jo who is from our legal team, she has been looking into the legalities and how we can advise and help you in the process.”

“Good morning Ash, Kay has explained your situation and we suggest that it will save a lot of bureaucratic problems if you legally change your name and status to Ashleigh, the feminine version, or whichever other name you prefer and go through all the legal processes to officially become registered as female. Do you agree or do you need time to think about it?”

“Obviously that needs to be done and the sooner the better as my future is as a woman, and Ashleigh will be fine. What do I need to do?”

“Subject to what Dr Hogg agrees with you, I can handle all the details, it should not take long as we need to get it sorted before you start your training to be a commercial pilot. Once I’ve organised the name change, I’ll sort out things like your passport, driving licence, tax and National Insurance records, meanwhile you need to contact your banks to organise the change of name on your accounts and credit cards and so on. I’ll now hand you over to Sue, who is the doctor leading our medical team.”

“Hello Ash, before we start I must say that I really admired the way you safely flew and landed the A350, I’ve seen worse landings from fully qualified pilots. To allow Jo to cope with the legalities we need to have you registered on a gender transition programme and apply for a gender recognition certificate. From now on I and the airline medical team will treat you as a patient and any actions we agree will be subject to medical confidentiality, however for the purpose of this meeting, Jo and Kim need to be present so that things can be agreed and set in motion. It is not absolutely necessary, but it will save a lot of problems if you actually begin the transition process. That means that we start hormone therapy which will gradually feminise you, although I must say that you are already perfectly presentable as female. In time, hopefully before you are fully qualified, if you are still certain we can arrange gender reconstructive surgery. However GRS is some time in the future, but if you are sure that it is what you want to do, I can start the hormone treatment as soon as you are ready. To confirm for you about any worries you might have, any hormone treatment is fully reversible”

“As you can see, I am now living as a woman, and fully intend to continue to do so. I have already looked into the legalities and medical procedures and am intending to fully transition in the course of time. If it can be done through the airline it will make the process a lot easier and quicker for me.”

“Ok, I’ll leave you with Kay and Jo to sort out the legalities and when you are finished come down to the medical centre and we will start your therapy.”

The morning was a bit of a whirlwind for Ashleigh, first there were all the legal forms to review and sign, before she nervously made her way to the medical centre to have a session with Dr Hogg.
Dr Hogg explained in detail what initial and long-term procedures would be involved and Ashleigh had more consent forms to sign acknowledging any minor risks involved. She was given a booster injection of Oestrogen and a supply of tablets to start and keep her on the path of developing female characteristics.

A short while later imagining that her vascular system was now flowing with the female juices and with the processes now under way to legally and medically start her on the path to womanhood Ashleigh went home to relax, contemplate her future and prepare for her first day back at work the following week.

Unfortunately until passport and security documents were modified this had to be as Ashley, but although appearing as a male, inside she was already beginning to feel mentally and physically female.

It had been agreed that until all the paperwork was cleared that pilot training would be on hold and that any flights in her current role as a flight attendant would be restricted to domestic routes to prevent any problems with travel documents.

That did not last too long and a month later She turned up at headquarters training centre to start her pilot training. She had decided to wear a skirt suit that one of the girls had given her, although a pants suit would have looked more practical she wanted to emphasise her femininity, both to herself and to others.

Nervously before going into the training centre Ash made an urgent visit to the washroom. Coming out of the cubicle there was another woman at the sink, touching up her makeup.

“”Hi there, you look as nervous as I feel, is everything ok?” Ashleigh cheerfully asked her.

“Yes, I just getting myself together to go in for pilot training. It’s daunting enough starting the course, but I’ve been told that the majority of the others are all men, and I am worried about how I will be received by them.”

“Well at least we will have each other, I’m Ashleigh Stuart and I will be on the course with you. Let’s get ourselves in there, remember we are as good as the rest of them, if not better., we have to be better to break through the glass ceiling.”

“Thanks Ashleigh, that makes me feel a lot better. I’m Karen Taylor, let’s get in there and show them what we girls can do.”

When Ash and Karen entered the training room, the general hubbub died down and there was a deathly silence as the dozen or so men in the room turned to stare at them, wondering whether they had come to the wrong room. Soon the conversation renewed, excluding and ignoring the two girls, with only occasional glances in their direction. Ash overheard a whispered comment from one of the small groups “Don’t you think it’s bad enough having bloody women drivers on the roads without having them up in the skies alongside us, let’s be thankful that they will never have to fly in reverse.” which caused a roar of laughter from some of the others nearby. Ash noticed that Karen’s nervous look had returned and was about to say something to the man who had made the comment when she noticed another woman had entered to room and had walked up to podium at the front.

“Right boys, I heard what was just said and if you keep coming out with comments like that about women, I will treat you as naughty little boys. I’m Senior Captain Sally Holliday and I will be responsible for your ongoing training and flight schedules, unless of course some of you do not think that you can learn anything from a ‘bloody woman’ and wish to leave. Please take your seats.”

Karen and Ash shared self-satisfied glances , happy that the loudmouth, who was now sitting uncomfortably and shamefaced, had been put in his place.

“Before we start, I’m sure you have all heard about how one of the flight attendants had to take over recently when the Captain and First officer of an A350 were both taken ill on a return flight from Dubai, Despite limited experience as a private licence pilot she calmly took control and landed the aircraft and passengers safely, Remember that when you have your first unsupervised landing and you might appreciate what was going through her mind and hopefully you will have more respect for your female colleagues. I am pleased to say that we have that ‘bloody woman’ in our little group, please stand up Ashleigh and let them realise the qualities that they have to aspire to.” Blushing deeply, Ash stood up to a round of applause from everyone, including the loudmouth that had made fun of women drivers.

The first session was more or less a get-to-know-you time, with everyone introducing themselves and giving a review of their flying experience and flight-log data. As Ash gave her review there was a lot of interest in her flying the A350 and the large number of flight hours that she had accrued during her time in the UAS at university and private flying time to obtain her PPL. She added that she had already applied for a Commercial Pilots Licence, she was actually the most experienced of the wannabe pilots.

When the session broke for refreshments Ash was the centre of attention with many of the men now keen to talk with her, apologising to her and Karen for what had been said about women pilots. Eventually Karen managed to get Ash away from the crowd , telling her that she wanted to have a private talk with her.

“Ashleigh, I want to thank you, you are the main reason that I am here. I had previously applied for pilot training which has been a lifelong ambition but was rejected and ended up as cabin crew just the same as you. However your success in safely landing the A350 has prompted a change in attitude by the airline and they are now reviewing the applications from women to become pilots, and in fact are positively discriminating in favour of females. I am the first of what I hope is many morenfemale pilots coming through the system.”

“I do not consider myself as a trailblazer or a role-model Karen, I am just me, hoping to end up doing what I have always dreamed of. When I took over on the flight it was just an automatic reaction, like you I have the basic knowledge and I was lucky that the Captain managed to instruct me about some of the basics about the aircraft controls before he passed out, which was then enhanced by detailed guidance from the experts at air traffic control. Now it is just a case of a lot of extra training and flying hours before hopefully getting a commercial licence and eventually an airline pilots certificate.”

Their chat was interrupted by the approach of one of the men who had been in the group that had ridiculed female drivers and pilots.

“Sorry to interrupt ladies. I apologise for the comments made about you both earlier. You did an amazing job bringing down the A350 safely Ashleigh. I have ‘flown’ one in a simulator and know how confusing the myriad of instrumentation is. Forget the others over there, I am happy, and even proud, to be training alongside you, and that goes for you too Karen. In way of an apology , after the session is over, can I take you both for a meal to prove that I am genuinely sorry. I’m Jeremy Robson, by the way.”

Although Ash had spent a lot of time with the other girls, it was the first time that she had been treated as a women by a man and she instinctively blushed. Karen, being a lot more used to approaches from men quickly accepted on behalf of both of them. Jeremy turned out to be charming and attentive and they had an enjoyable evening in his company. Afterwards he escorted them to the where their cars were parked. Seeing Karen into her car he gave her a hug and a peck on the cheek as a goodnight farewell, before walking Ash back to her car.

“I really enjoyed tonight Ashleigh, would you like to do it again sometime?”

Ash was unsure as to how to reply and deal with this situation.

“Thank you so much for asking Jeremy. However I have a lot going on at the moment and am not looking for a relationship. Let’s just stay friends and work colleagues.”

“OK, I understand, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Jeremy said as he gave her a hug and kiss as he had done with Karen. Ash was filled with confused feelings, after all her chats with the other girls she realised how ruggedly handsome and attractive she found him and caught her breath as she walked away. That night in bed she lay tossing and turning thinking about Jeremy before drifting off into a deep sleep dreaming of her first romantic kiss since deciding to live as a woman.

When she met up with Sally the following morning all the chatter before going into the training room was about their night out with Jeremy.

“He was quite a charmer, wasn’t he? If I wasn’t already happily married I would definitely make a play for him.” Sally said with a big cheeky grin.

“He was alright I suppose. He asked me out again sometime, but I’m not sure that I want to get involved at tis stage, the course will be quite intense, but particularly as I will be seeing him here every day for the next few months. Besides that I think the main reason for him chatting us up was that he was a bit starstruck with the heroine of the day.” Ash did not want to tell Sally the real reason for not wanting to get involved romantically with anyone.

“Don’t be silly ‘all work and no play makes Jill a dull girl,’ and he did seem to be giving you the most attention last night. Going out on a few dates does not commit you to anything, you go for it girl.”

Sally’s comment made Ash recall the dream she had and she blushed at the thought, which returned when Jeremy came over to greet them with a cheery ”Good morning Ladies, I really enjoyed your company last night, we must do it again.”

Over the following months, Ash went through intense theoretical regulatory and legal training while continuing to build up her flying hours to the level required for a full unfrozen ATPL licence

She was now regularly flying commercial flights, mainly transporting aircraft from one location to another or carrying cargo, many of which she was flying solo, as ‘Pilot in command’. After specific aircraft flight training she was flying airliners as first officer. which came with a substantial salary package.

As she had been told would happen by Kay Abernethy, Ash had become the ‘poster girl’ face of the airline and she featured in billboard and tv advertising which paid well and along with her salary allowed her to put money aside for her future transition, to top up the substantial contribution from the airline.

However, as Karen had told her to do, it was not all work, She still went out regularly with Jo, Kathy Sue and Sally, now joined by Karen, even though she was now more often in the company of Jeremy. There had come a time when she felt it only fair to tell him that she was still pre-op, giving him the chance to walk away. She was surprised that he took it calmly and in his stride.he was prepared to leave intimacy until Ash was fully the woman that he had always known her as, neither of them were in a hurry.

Ash completed her training and applied for her ‘frozen’ ATPL licence to be unlocked allowing her to pilot passenger airliners.

While she was waiting for the grant of her licence she arranged to complete her transition to physically become the woman that she now already was in appearance, attitudes, and emotions

When she awoke from the anaesthetic after her vaginoplasty, she saw that she was surrounded by all her friends. Jeremy now her fiancé; Jo,Kathy, Sue and Sally a who had been with her from the beginning; Karen who had now joined her group of friends along with the others.

“Finally you are now fully one of us Ash, enjoy your new life as a complete woman.” Kathy was the first to speak., with her sentiments echoed by the other girls.

“Welcome back darling, the doctors say everything went swimmingly and you will be up and about in a day or so, but you have to take it easy for a while until you are fully recovered.” Jeremy added when he was finally able to get a word in amongst all the girls’ chatter. “ The other good news is that you have been granted your ATPL licence and after your recuperation period the airline wants to get you flying again as soon as possible, Captain Stuart.

A few weeks later Ash awoke excitedly to prepare herself for her first day back at work. Although fo safety reasons it was to be as first officer/co-pilot rather than Captain of the A350. As it was to be a memorable day with the airline wanting to record their poster girl’s rise to to their top rank, Ash took extra care with her hair, makeup and general appearance, deciding to wear a uniform skirt rather than the trousers most female pilots chose. She made her way to the airport, checked in with her Captain and flight staff, which included Kathy now promoted to be the Purser/Senior Flight attendant, Sue, and Sally, and confidently made her way to board the A350. A lifelong dream was about to come true, although not totally as she had visualised it lying on the bed as Ashley staring at the models and photographs adorning the walls and ceiling.

The end.