What inspired you to pursue a career in aviation?
Out of high school, I wasn’t sure what direction to take. I took a variety of classes at the University of Manitoba, mostly geared towards math and arts. From that time, I still remember when the seed idea of flying was planted in my mind. I was sitting in my environmental design class, and my professor showed a video of artist James Turrell, and his work on Roden Crator. Watching how he was able to manipulate the landscape to change your perception of the sky, it was then that I thought, “How cool would it be to fly a plane?” At the time, I dismissed the idea, thinking a career in that field was for the wealthy. However, life had other plans. Later that week, sitting at a red light on my way to class, I noticed Dan Reeves’ big blue truck in front of me with the words, “Learn to fly with Winnipeg Aviation.” And so, I did.
Can you describe your journey to the cockpit?
My parents were first generation immigrants to Canada, moving here when I was two. We weren’t wealthy by any means, but when I told my dad I wanted to learn how to fly, he said go ahead, with no hesitation. My parents helped me a lot when I first started taking lessons. Flight training is expensive. I did the Aviation Management course at Red River College, completing all the academic requirements, but my training stopped after getting my private license. I just couldn’t afford it, but I was determined. Eventually I got my foot in the door with Perimeter. I started out in the Technical Records department with the goal of reaching the flight line. I volunteered with the Manitoba Ninety-Nines and the Women in Aviation, to keep the dream alive, but after 5 years, the dream felt unattainable. Just when I thought I’d have to reconsider my career, the Life in Flight program was announced. It was now or never. I moved across the country, completed my flight training at Moncton Flight College, and instructed for a year. I was finally making progress towards the flight deck! I was offered a position flying the Metro with Perimeter but I wasn’t ready for that transition, and I didn’t make it through training. It was a hard lesson, but I knew it wasn’t the end. I instructed again for the Atik Mason Pilot pathway program in Thompson and gained valuable skills on the ramp at Perimeter, before I got another chance to make my dream come true. Now I fly the Dash, living out my dream, a decade in the making.
What is your favourite part of being a pilot?
The challenge and the constant learning. I’ve been flying the Dash for two years now and the excitement of flying still hasn’t stopped. It’s not just a job to me, it’s my passion.
What career moment are you most proud of?
Not a specific moment, but just the fact that I never gave up.
What advice would you offer to young girls who are interested in aviation?
The world of aviation is amazing. There are so many areas you can get into. If you want to be a pilot, don’t give up. The road has many challenges. It’s expensive, the training is hard, but it is absolutely worth it.
