Airline Pilot
My hometown is Richmond, VA, and I am a First Officer on the Airbus
319/321 for Spirit Airlines. I do a great deal of volunteer work in the area,
love staying active and brining my family and friends together. I do not have
children, but I have 2 cats that are wonderful and loving.
My mother was the one convinced me that being a pilot was something I
could do; she pushed me in the right direction and completely supported me.
I have a memory from childhood of seeing a female pilot and having no idea
girls were allowed to fly – it became my goal to live and dream outside the
box.
I was convinced to become a pilot when my high school guidance counselor
told me I couldn’t. Many teachers told me “no,” but that simply proved
wrong and fueled my fire. The lessons I learned on my journey to becoming
a pilot were - be strong, have tough skin, and know that you have to give
110% because you are a woman.
I do not own an airplane… I learned to fly in Manassas, VA… I have flown
Cessna 172s, Mooneys, Pipers, Cirrus, Barons, Cessna 310s and
CRJ200/700s. I currently fly the Airbus 319/321.
As a pilot – it’s necessary that I understand the components and capabilities
of the aircraft. I need to know the weather and all the information pertinent
to the airports and route of flight. I chose flying because girls didn’t do this.
It was an instant challenge.
I enjoy the everyday challenge of being a pilot. No day is the same and I am
constantly learning and seeing the world. Life is short; flying allows me to
lived it to its fullest. The best part of my job is the thrill of landing and the
challenge to make them perfect.
A funny story – when I got to college, I opened my dorm room door to find
guys! The school gave me male roommates because of my major (airline
pilot) and my name (Dawn) – they thought I was a guy named Don! No one
believes me when I say I’m a pilot – they think I am working on my ratings,
not an airline First Officer.
Bonus:
Q What role do skills in math, science, engineering and technology play in
supporting your job?
Math – knowing the characteristics and numbers of any aircraft allows you to
predict performance and its capabilities.
Science – understanding weather and physics are vital to aerodynamics of
what we do when we fly.
Technology – is always changing and learning it is best to make yourself a
better pilot.
Q What activities do you suggest for young children of young adults to
prepare them for a career like yours?
Children: Ask questions and be curious. Listen.
Young adults: Don’t take no for an answer. Know that you can do this. Ask
questions.
My hometown is Richmond, VA, and I am a First Officer on the Airbus
319/321 for Spirit Airlines. I do a great deal of volunteer work in the area,
love staying active and brining my family and friends together. I do not have
children, but I have 2 cats that are wonderful and loving.
My mother was the one convinced me that being a pilot was something I
could do; she pushed me in the right direction and completely supported me.
I have a memory from childhood of seeing a female pilot and having no idea
girls were allowed to fly – it became my goal to live and dream outside the
box.
I was convinced to become a pilot when my high school guidance counselor
told me I couldn’t. Many teachers told me “no,” but that simply proved
wrong and fueled my fire. The lessons I learned on my journey to becoming
a pilot were - be strong, have tough skin, and know that you have to give
110% because you are a woman.
I do not own an airplane… I learned to fly in Manassas, VA… I have flown
Cessna 172s, Mooneys, Pipers, Cirrus, Barons, Cessna 310s and
CRJ200/700s. I currently fly the Airbus 319/321.
As a pilot – it’s necessary that I understand the components and capabilities
of the aircraft. I need to know the weather and all the information pertinent
to the airports and route of flight. I chose flying because girls didn’t do this.
It was an instant challenge.
I enjoy the everyday challenge of being a pilot. No day is the same and I am
constantly learning and seeing the world. Life is short; flying allows me to
lived it to its fullest. The best part of my job is the thrill of landing and the
challenge to make them perfect.
A funny story – when I got to college, I opened my dorm room door to find
guys! The school gave me male roommates because of my major (airline
pilot) and my name (Dawn) – they thought I was a guy named Don! No one
believes me when I say I’m a pilot – they think I am working on my ratings,
not an airline First Officer.
Bonus:
Q What role do skills in math, science, engineering and technology play in
supporting your job?
Math – knowing the characteristics and numbers of any aircraft allows you to
predict performance and its capabilities.
Science – understanding weather and physics are vital to aerodynamics of
what we do when we fly.
Technology – is always changing and learning it is best to make yourself a
better pilot.
Q What activities do you suggest for young children of young adults to
prepare them for a career like yours?
Children: Ask questions and be curious. Listen.
Young adults: Don’t take no for an answer. Know that you can do this. Ask
questions.
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| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
| Using aviation to entertain and educate girls about their limitless opportunities... |
TM