Crossword Genius

Midway, by way of mirages, said pilot (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aviatrix

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'pilot' is the definition.
(I know that pilot can be written as aviatrix)

'midway by way of mirages said' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'by' could be 'via' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'via' is present in the answer.
'said' could be 't' (I've seen this in other clues) and 't' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aviatrix that I've seen before include "A female pilot in early days of flying" , "eg Amy Johnson" , "She flies" , "Female flier" , "Pioneer travelling" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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