What inspired you to pursue a career in aviation?
I’ve loved airplanes my entire life and as a child I was fortunate enough to travel by air, at a time when it wasn’t as common for kids to travel on planes. I considered other careers, but at the end of the day, flying was the thing that held my interest the most.
Can you describe your journey to the cockpit?
I began flight training for my PPL when I was 17, and knew it was what I wanted to do. However, I also knew enough about myself that I took a pause to complete a degree and get a little bit more life experience under my belt prior to pursuing my commercial license.
I completed my Commercial Pilot’s license in early September 2001, just a few days prior to 9/11. It wasn’t the best timing, but I managed to get a job flying cargo and held onto that for a few years until the industry began to recover again.
I came to Perimeter in 2005, and planned to stay a year, but I liked what I was doing so much that I stayed put for 11 more years! At that point, I needed a change, and explored regional airline life for a while, as Captain on the Embraer 175 and the Q400. I enjoyed it, but I realized that I prefer flying in the North, so I made the move back to Manitoba again. I flew Medevac, including Critical Care, for a few years and during the height of the pandemic.
Those opportunities allowed me to grow as a pilot, for which I am grateful. However, I missed the classic Dash 8, as well as Perimeter. We have amazing people, and you can never get bored with the flying we do. I returned as a Dash Captain in 2023 and joined the Flight Ops management team as an Assistant Chief Pilot in 2024.
When I was starting out as a pilot, I couldn’t wait to be an “elder”, with all the stories to show for it. Now that I’ve been flying for 30 years, those decades of experience are very useful to draw from in my current role!
What is your favourite part of being a pilot?
The physical act of flying an airplane remains extremely fun. Even on super early mornings, or during very cold winter days, as soon as you’re airborne, all the sacrifices are worth it. Both getting places quickly and accessing fly-in only locations add to my job satisfaction
What career moment are you most proud of?
I’ve made sure to celebrate every milestone along the way, so really, all of them. I realize that’s not a very exciting answer, but it’s the truth. Every day that I get to fly (or train or help our current pilots with a situation) is a good day for me. I’m proud of the flying I’ve done, and of the knowledge I’ve been able to pass along to the next generation of aviators.
What advice would you offer to young girls who are interested in aviation?
Flying is a wonderful career, although it can be challenging, especially for those who pursue motherhood. That shouldn’t deter you; many women have children and successful pilot careers (even if it’s not always easy). While aviation is notorious for weird schedules, it also allows a lot of free time, which translates into a really unique and enjoyable lifestyle.
These days, it’s as easy as logging onto social media to find inspiration and mentorship from other women in the industry. While that is great, I recommend taking the time to go to in-person events and to meet and speak with other pilots along the way. Everyone you speak to will have at least one piece of good advice for you!
