I currently fly Kc-135s in the Air Force Reserves and I am transitioning to the KC-46 at the end of the year. I also am a Captain in Embraer 170/190s. I have been flying since 2009. I started flying while a senior at Clemson University through the Clemson Flying Club. I instantly became hooked and decided to make it my career.
I had a non traditional route through aviation. I obtained my flight ratings at Airline Transport Professionals in their full time Accelerated Career Pilot Program while simultaneously enrolled full time at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University for my Master of Business Administration.
After that, I landed my first flying job which was aerial survey single pilot in a 172. With that job, I traveled the country for 8 months just me, my airplane and my small suitcase. Occasionally, I was paired with other pilots and their airplanes to team up on large projects. It was an amazing first flying job. I learned a lot about myself as a human being and as a pilot!
After that, I got my second flying job flying King Air 200’s doing aerial mapping. I flew the King Air for 2 years while also volunteering for Wings of Hope flying charity missions to help terminally ill children and veterans that couldn’t afford transportation to and from treatment.
Then in 2014, I made the transition to the regional airlines. I had also been trying to join the guard/reserves since I began flying and finally in 2015 I interviewed and accepted a flight slot with the 77th Air Refueling Squadron. In 2016 I went on military leave from my regional airline to attend OTS (Officer Training School) and then UPT (Undergraduate Pilot Training). I earned my Air Force wings in 2017. Finished follow on training at Altus and then returned to my airline career as a First Officer for a short period before upgrading to Captain.
What got you interested in aviation?
When I was a little girl, I would stay with my grandmother while my parents worked. My earliest memories are of her picking me up and sprinting outside when we would hear the roar of the fighter jets from the local base practicing overhead. We would lay in the grass for hours looking up at the airplanes and talking about what it would be like to fly through the clouds. I think that sparked the flame and then throughout my life things just sort of pointed me in the direction of flying.
How did you get started flying?
I always wanted to be an astronaut or pilot but had been discouraged by teachers throughout my life who said it wasn’t a job for “little girls.” Then, while in college a guy friend of mine was taking lessons. He asked me to go up on a flight with him and his instructor. I mentioned that I had always wanted to be a pilot and that it was sad that I couldn’t be. They both looked at me shocked and I said “you know because I’m a girl.” At this point they laughed and said “girls can be pilots” and that was it. I saved my money and started taking lessons from that instructor. Funny side note- my friend took me flying in hopes that I would fall in love with him- instead I fell in love with flying. We always joke about that now.
What was your first flight like?
Exhilarating. From the minute that I started the engine I was head over heels! Love at first flight!
What’s your typical day like?
I don’t have a “typical” day. For the airlines, I fly 15 days a month and a normal day in the airline is 3-5 flights of varying length. Often we have great overnights but we also often have very short overnights where you only have time to eat and rest. In the Air Force, I typically try to fly for them 5 days a month or do at least one trip per quarter. It’s a dynamic environment and we have so many different missions that no flight is ever the same. Typically the missions involve air refueling but sometimes it’s a business effort or aeromedical training mission.
The best part of both jobs are the crews! I love flying with new people and making new friends constantly through both jobs!
What do you like about flying?
I love the freedom it gives me. I feel 100% at home in the sky. I love the challenge of dealing with weather and changing environments and conditions. I also love the freedom of being able to jump on an airplane and non rev anywhere in the world for free. I get paid to vacation and do exactly what I love to do. My grandfather always told me “find a hobby that you can make a career and you’ll never work a day in your life. If it’s something you love so much that you’ll gladly get up at any hour to go do it- that’s your calling.” I took that to heart.
What’s the most challenging part about your job?
The commute and being away from family. It’s often very stressful trying to get home or get to work. You have to simultaneously prioritize work and maximizing your time at home. It is also stressful juggling both jobs and having to know so many different aircraft and all of the operating specifications and procedures for each company. It is important to keep them compartmentalized and figure out ways to ensure that you are always up to date on all new procedures and maintaining safe operation. The two jobs are a lot alike but also very different. I always have to figure out ways to juggle my time between both jobs, my family, friends and also having me time. It can be overwhelming but it is worth it!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in aviation?
Do it! If you have something that you can’t stop thinking about it, whether it’s aviation or any other career field or hobby- go for it! Find a way. Find mentors, google, research it and make it happen!
