All Applicants - Outstanding Aviators

Applicants

Gonzalo Zulueta

Name
	Gonzalo Zulueta
Gender Pronouns
	Male
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	Minority
Current Employer
	Self employeed
Instagram
	https://instagram.com/gonzalozulueta
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
	Im humbled to be considered an "outstanding aviator" While I don't think I am perfect and understand I have a lot to learn, I can guarantee you I give my 200% into being the best pilot I can be. I go above and beyond in any way to further enrich my aviation knowledge.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
	I put piloting aside for many years for personal reasons. Once I made the decision to begin training it went uphill from there. I'm blessed to say it has been a smooth ride. juggling my acting career, my company, social life and fitness life has definitely been a challenge while obtaining my licenses however, it has just made me work harder to fulfill my goals.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	As an actor, creating content is very important to me. I'm stoaked to be able to create unique content that inspires others to fulfill their aviation dreams. Inspiring aspiring pilots or simply educating and entertaining aviation enthusiasts is truly fulfilling.

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Savanna Claiborne

Name
	Savanna Claiborne
Gender Pronouns
	she/her
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	Female LGBTQ+
Current Employer
	University of North Dakota
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
	I moved from the extremely diverse and accepting Southern California to the majority straight white male city of Grand Forks, North Dakota to pursue my passion for flying. In four years and through the pandemic I have gotten the following ratings and endorsements: Private, Commercial, Multiengine, Instrument, CFI, CFII, complex, and spin. I am currently going through the hiring process at the University of North Dakota to start flight instructing. My goal as a flight instructor is to show other LGBTQ+ and women that even though we are not the majority, we too can make our dreams come true through hard work and dedication.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
	As a pansexual woman in the aviation industry, throughout my training, I feel as though I have been held to a higher standard than my male counterparts. Ever since my instrument training, it has felt like I cannot make a single mistake for fear of failing. I have quite a bit of experience being asked uncomfortable questions regarding my gender and sexuality while in the flight deck. In a place where learning is supposed to take precedence, I often feel judged based on my gender and sexual orientation instead of my skills as a pilot. I do have hope that once I fly for the airlines this discrimination will be less common as I do currently live in North Dakota.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	As I stated earlier, I am currently in the hiring process with the University of North Dakota. Working as a flight instructor as a masculine presenting LGBTQ+ woman shows my students, my coworkers, and my bosses that a pansexual woman is capable of achieving everything that a straight man can in the aviation industry. I often post pictures on my Instagram of two aspects of my life: aviation and the gay culture that I have immersed myself in. I have also been an active member of NGPA since 2019 and have recruited quite a few new members throughout my years as well as holding an office position in 2020.

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Paul Wilson

Name
	Paul Wilson
Gender Pronouns
	He/Hims
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	LGBT+
Current Employer
	Flight Instructor
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
	Ever since I can remember I've always wanted to be a pilot! I never thought I would enjoy sharing aviation with all my students. Of course, sometimes it is not easy but I still get a tremendous sense of satisfaction when they solo! Giving back and sharing aviation is why I truly enjoy instructing. I feel that I am an outstanding aviator because of this sentiment. I feel through instructing I am removing barriers to "I can't" and giving reasons and motivations for "I can!"
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
	Being gay in a predominantly heterosexual industry as you can imagine comes with some animosity. I've encountered my fair share of homophobia during instruction to become a pilot and even instructing students. At the end of the day the plane doesn't know if you are gay or straight and all those fears and feelings need to be left out of training. While I would prefer to keep specific scenarios private, I can tell you that I have requested to switch instructors during training and have also had students request to have a different instructor than me due to my sexual preference (even if they didn't specifically say that was the reason). It's sad but it's the world we live in. The important thing is that we overcome. We have the courage to stand up and keep moving forward navigating the skies no matter what!
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	Being an instructor I believe I am paving the way for future pilots and also inspiring others to join by sharing my love of aviation. Flying is elusive for many people but it's so rewarding and will make you a better person in many ways. I am always sharing aviation from this perspective. It's not just training to fly a plane, it's training for life! I use ADM in my practical world also and it works. Being a pilot allows me the ability to multitask, mitigate risks and be present.

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Natalie Kelley

Name
	Natalie Kelley
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	Female Minority
Current Employer
	Self
Facebook
	https://www.facebook.com/flyGIRLKelley/
Instagram
	https://www.instagram.com/flygirlkelley/
TikTok
	https://www.tiktok.com/@flygirlkelley
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
	I try to be an outstanding supporter for those in aviation, especially women. There are many obstacles that women face when breaking into the aviation community and I try to help by being a friend, supporter, and guide. My one-woman operations, flyGIRL LLC, and the non-profit 501(c)(3), the Fly Foundation, Inc. has worked hard over the past seven years to offer products for women in aviation, whose sole purpose is to generate funds for flight training scholarships. I'm very proud to say I have raised enough money through sales and private donators to provide just over $30,000 in flight training scholarships to over six women. Each year there are nearly 300 applicants hoping to be the next scholarship winner. I love being able to help one woman and let them know there is someone who believes in them, and their dreams.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
	As a stay-at-home mom to three young men during my flight training, I had to continue to manage the household while going "back to school," after nearly twenty years. It was very difficult for me to go back to learning after being out of a school environment myself AND to keep life as normal as possible for my family. Managing my time and my children's time was very challenging. There were sacrifices made economically, and personally. On top of this shift in our lives, learning was very difficult. As we age, it gets harder to learn. I had to study a lot! That was something I was not prepared for.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	My contribution, I hope and believe, is through the flight training scholarship offerings. flyGIRL offers apparel and some accessories, which women love to wear. However, the heart of what I do and love is changing someone life with financial assistance they would not have otherwise. It is the greatest feeling to be able to offer someone help. I keep a close relationship with each scholarship winner and am always available to offer advice, or connect an individual to someone who may be able to help with a particular question or struggle they may encounter.

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Jared Hodge

Name
	Jared Hodge
Gender Pronouns
	He/Him/His
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	Minority
Current Employer
	Delta Air Lines
Instagram
	https://www.instagram.com/pilot_hodge
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
	I understand the abilities needed to be a successful, professional pilot. I know how to apply those abilities required in the flight deck and the game of life. Being an outstanding aviator is not just correctly manipulating aircraft controls or getting the aircraft to the destination. To be an exceptional aviator, you must accept that you are responsible for always making progress and improving. Learn from mistakes and share your learnings with others so they can improve and get better. Being an outstanding aviator is not being selfish, prideful, or egotistical. Accept compliments but always show humility and appreciation. I live and fly by all these qualities, which is why I am an outstanding aviator.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
	Financial woes to pay for flight training. Finding myself in a non-diverse community and job field.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	In years past, I volunteered, organized, and directed youth aviation camps for minority teenagers through the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals. I have visited schools to promote and educate students about the many benefits and opportunities available to them in the field of aviation.

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Jessica Burch

Name
	Jessica Burch
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	Female
Current Employer
	CBS
Instagram
	https://www.instagram.com/jessica.burch/reels/
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
	I have been flying since I was 15. I have been an advocate for women in aviation my whole life, and continue to encourage women of all ages to pursue their interest in flying!
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
	I was the only female to commission in my Army ROTC class, one of two female aviators in my Flight School course to fly Blackhawks, and currently am the only female in my MEDEVAC Unit based out of Sacramento, CA. I would love to see the numbers of women increase.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	Constantly engaging with the community, in person through Women in Aviation events, 99's local meetings, advocating stories at the news station that I work at, and being a voice on social media for those who haven't been heard!

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Cooper Payette

Name
	Cooper Payette
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	Female Minority
Current Employer
	self
Add Social Links
	@cooperthepilot
Facebook
	https://facebook.com/cooperthepilot.usa
Instagram
	https://instagram.com/cooperthepilot
TikTok
	https://tiktok.com/cooperthepilot
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
	Being an outstanding aviator is more than what I have accomplished. It is also about encouragimg and assisting future aviators. I raised and awarded over $20,000 in funds and flight gear this past year to females in flight training through my scholarship program Hangar 22. I created four different scholarships and work with many brands to get these ladies everything they need during training from courses, flight jackets, aviation eyewear and more.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
	My plans were often put on backburner because of my responsibilities as a divorced single mom. I had been primed to go to the Air Force Academy and not going has been my biggest regret. I was young and naive when people told me that flying isnt what women do.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	Through my scholarship program and going to high school career fairs

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Kate Gunderson

Name
	Kate Gunderson
Gender Pronouns
	she/her
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	Female
Current Employer
	National Test Pilot School
Instagram
	https://www.instagram.com/theplanekate/
TikTok
	https://www.tiktok.com/@theplanekate
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
	I've had my eyes fixed on the sky for as long as I can remember. I used to stand in the driveway with my dad growing up in Fargo, North Dakota staring up at the dark night sky and dreaming of being part of humankind's journey to discovery. Since then I have never stopped dreaming of becoming a NASA astronaut and chasing the human curiosity that pushes us to expand the boundaries of life as we know it. A lot has happened since then on my journey including a stint as a NASA engineer and NASA Johnson Space Center's youngest Flight Science Officer aircrew member, flying aboard Gulfstream aircraft on missions all around the world. I left my dream job at NASA about a year and a half ago to pursue an all expenses paid fellowship as a Flight Test Engineering student at the National Test Pilot School.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
	Countless times throughout my journey I've been met with skepticism from those telling me my dreams were too big and they'd never come true. From classmates to college professors, it was always heart shattering. But instead of listening to these comments, I used them as motivation to keep pushing harder and prove to myself and other young people that when you work hard, no dream is out of reach. There are still so many places that women are told that they belong but they are not made to feel welcome and so we are left with the same imbalance. I hope to change that environment and make things easier for anyone who comes along behind me.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	I spend much of my free time using social media and public speaking platforms to reach tens of thousands of people around the world with the mission to empower everyone, but especially young women, to thrive in STEM fields. I have worked for years now to create a welcoming and encouraging community for women to know they aren't alone as they fearlessly pursue their dreams and make them a reality.

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Gabrielle Gibson

Name
	Gabrielle Gibson
Gender Pronouns
	she/her
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	Female
Current Employer
	Airshare
Instagram
	https://www.instagram.com/gabbyintheskyy/
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
	Gabby is an outstanding aviator because of her kindness, drive, focus, and incredible interpersonal skills. I worked with her for over a year and she was an amazing coworker.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
	She overcome gender discrimination in her training and instruction. I witnessed countless times she was made fun of or ridiculed during instructing by people who were disrespectful and rude.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	Gabby contributes to the community by first of all being a good flight instructor and second by having social media accounts to inspire and connect with fellow aviators.

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Meghan Rice

Name
	Meghan Rice
Gender Pronouns
	She/Her
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	Female Minority
Current Employer
	Self
TikTok
	https://www.tiktok.com/@callsignfirecracker/
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
	As a pilot and CFI, I am always striving to learn from others & teach where I can. I created videos on social platforms under @callsignfirecracker that focused on education & humor to provoke more conversations surrounding safety & best practices for flight training. I also run the Instagram account @skytrailsaviation, where I share the same sentiment in my content creation. As a CFI, I go out of my way for students to create documents such as radio call notecards, kneeboard cheat sheets, & also send articles outside of training to assist the students in absorbing the information.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
	As many pilots can understand, the financial burden of flight training is a huge factor in continuing training. I applied for scholarships, as well as worked two jobs to afford my training. Additionally, as a woman of color, there is an unofficial responsibility to act as a good role model for other women in aviation & help continuing to pave the way for more diversity in the industry. My mentors have all been men, & their experience is very different from mine. I work hard to be an accessible resource for other women in my flight community & online as we navigate the challenges together.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	As mentioned above, I run callsignfirecracker & sky trails aviation on social platforms. My educational content provides more personal knowledge of aviation to those who are thinking about getting involved, & my humor makes it a more inviting & digestible topic. I also am a CFI for a nonprofit, Girls Love to Fly, where we work to provide more opportunities for women.

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Joan Melendez Misner

Name
	Joan Melendez Misner
Gender Pronouns
	she/her
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	Female
Current Employer
	NASA
Add Social Links
	https://www.instagram.com/YourFemaleEngineer https://www.tiktok.com/@YourFemaleEngineer https://www.facebook.com/yourfemaleengineer https://www.youtube.com/@YourFemaleEng
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
	I am currently a student getting my private pilot's license and I have been interested in aviation from a young age. I started my career working in Navy aviation helping support our warfighter specifically on the F18 super hornet's and the CH-53J helo's. Since then, I have worked on PASSAGE (Providing Aid and Science to South America's General Education) raising over $50k of funds to provide Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) supplies to unrepresented populations. We flew our own place (The Spirit of Science) and delivered the supplies by hand.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
	As a first generation college graduate, I have dealt with many financial barriers to even get to this point of getting my private pilot's license. Many people in my community don't pursue their dreams because of their background and financial hurtles. I am the first one in my family to not only graduate with a Bachelor's degree, but the first one in my family to have a job outside our small town in Puerto Rico. I will also be the first one in my family to achieve getting a pilot's license.All of this ways heavily on me and I know that I will be the first to break generational hurdles. This is why it is important that I utilize my social media to talk about my struggles, failures, and hurdles because representation matters. We need to be the change we want to see in the worlds. Whether seeing a female engineer at NASA to seeing a Latina Pilot in the sky, it is equally important to showcase ho far we can go even with the cards that were dealt to us at birth.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	I utilize my social media to showcase my journey and encourage others to pursue their dreams. I also do a lot of outreach in my community, as well as be part of organizations (Women in Aviation, Society of Women Engineers, etc.) in order to give back to my community.

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Samanta Cristina Chan de Mello Castanho

Name
	Samanta Cristina Chan de Mello Castanho
Gender Pronouns
	She
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	Female
Current Employer
	LATAM Airlines
TikTok
	https://www.tiktok.com/@samantachan4
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
	Today I have the purpose of encouraging girls to become aviators. We are only 6% worldwide, we need to increase that number. Unfortunately it is still a mostly male profession. We have exactly the same competence and capacity as men.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
	When I started my career, unfortunately, several air taxis did not hire women. Some because they didn't want to pay for two hotel rooms and others because they simply didn't want women. It took 5 years to start working professionally as a pilot and 8 to join an airline.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	Today I am part of two associations that encourage girls and women to become pilots and within my company we campaign for more women to migrate to flying as a pilot. We have internal migration programs. We do workshops, meetings, lectures to explain more about the career.

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Avalon Hobson

Name
	Avalon Hobson
Gender Pronouns
	She/Her
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	Female
Current Employer
	Cirrus Aviation Services
Instagram
	https://www.instagram.com/avi.aviatrix
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
	I’ve never twisted metal as a pilot! Asides from never having crashed a plane, I feel that I am an outstanding aviator because of my diversity within the field and my commitment to helping others. To start my career, I worked as a manager of a part 61 flight school for a total of 7 years while working on my ratings. As a manager of the school I was able to learn all the ins and outs of an aviation business. I also was witness to hundreds of students training paths and gained a very in depth view of flight training to be able to assist and give honest advice to other prospective students, which I still thoroughly enjoy doing. On top of my pilot certificates, I also earned my Airframe & Powerplant mechanics license in 2017. Since then I have been working freelance and part time at a local shop in KVGT. This side of aviation is very comfortable for me and I am thankful to have this knowledge as it has come in handy multiple times when I am flying corporate and our plane is in need of a quick fix, and I know it will always be a great ticket to have as a back up or retirement job. I also am a proud 99 of the Las Vegas Chapter and I am on the board as the Social Media Manager and mentor. And lastly, two years ago I dedicated myself to creating a social media page to help inspire younger aviators, specifically females, to pursue aviation which has opened the doors to many friendships and opportunities in aviation.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
	The most obvious obstacle was financial. This is something that the majority of all pilots encounter. I was lucky enough to find a flight school that was willing enough to trade work for flight hours. So I spent 7 years at this school managing it and making it a better functioning school system to be able to fly on the side. This time of my life gave me valuable information on the many different routes a pilot in training can take which allows me to properly help new incoming student pilots to gain a footing that would be most beneficial to their specific situation. Another obstacle that all minorities in aviation must face is the fact that they are a minority. This means having to deal with the handful of other aviators that are stuck in the past and unwilling to accept change or who are ignorant of how their actions effect others. The best way I have found to conquer this is by first, being and remaining a competent and hirable pilot. The second way is to educate them on my history and how their actions negatively effect others. And lastly, there will be less obstacles like this when there are more minorities and aviation is no longer the stereotypical boys club. This I work to fix by using my work on social media and within the 99s, by spreading the idea of aviation as a possible career path to the younger generation of females.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	As a member of the 99s, acting on the board as the social media manager, I have the opportunity to help fellow female aviators young and old. The 99s is a large network of support where each member is working to help their fellow aviators to the next level. I started in the group as a mentor, and helped and motivated younger girls to stay on track and acted as a role model for them. As the social media manager, I advertise our weekly and monthly events and share accomplishments of our members to the world to help motivate other ladies to not only join in aviation but to join the 99s.Through my personal social media, with the goal of inspiring the younger generation, I have worked hard to grow the page with motivating and educational content. With this account, I have received countless messages of ladies having a positive response to my work. Some have taken discovery flights and some started training because of my page. There have been times where I was requested to send an uplifting voice message to a son or daughter who may be struggling with training. I have even had the opportunity to be a volunteer for Pilots to the Rescue. Overall, I believe my work in the 99s and on social media have not only been rewarding to me, but have help others to gain motivation or take action within their path of aviation.

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Maddie Miller

Name
	Maddie Miller
Gender Pronouns
	She/Her
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	Female
Current Employer
	Self
Instagram
	www.instagram.com/thefitaviatrix
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
	I don’t see myself as outstanding but I think I am someone who does what they say they will do. I am someone who follows through. I think that is to be admired at least. I chose to take flight lessons this year because I wanted a challenge. Something that scared me, and that’s exactly what has happened. I don’t have the hopes of becoming an airline pilot, I just love to fly. I do have dreams of owning a small piper or Cessna with my husband so we can putz around the San Juan Islands until we are old as dirt. It’s been a joy to fly the friendly skies, I just wish my Dad was here to be on this journey with me.
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
	For the longest time I didn’t think I had what it takes to be a pilot. I thought that was a male dominated career for a reason. Until my dad passed away in a plane crash, and I had just dipped my toes into working at an airline. I was a customer service agent and I loved the atmosphere. Losing my dad pushed me to cling to aviation even more and ten years after losing him, I’m going after my wings.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	I began as a customer service agent for Horizon Airlines, where I met my husband who is now a Captain at a major airline. When he became a Captain, I really started focusing in on his health, because losing my dad was so traumatic it really made me scrutinize all the flaws of the airline industry. Public enemy number one was airplane food. So, I started meal prepping and curating workouts for my husband to do on the road. This led me to make an app-based training program for cabin crew. After doing that for a few years I shifted into podcasting into a more niche area of aviation. Mental Health for Pilots, specifically The Pilots Pandemic Podcast.I’ve recorded over 80 episodes, detailing the inequities aviators face while suspended in the aeromedical process. I’ve also pushed for congressional change of the aeromedical system pertaining to the special issuance process. Calling for action on transparency, cost, and time to be taken into consideration for a better aeromedical system. I formed a stakeholder group to call on the aviation subcommittee to push the FAA for change through their written affidavits and we believe the May 31st aeromedical changes were due to those letters. I continue to fight for change of the aeromedical system by sharing aviators stories and exposing the honest truth about the aviation industry. Pilots are people, they deserve preventative and proactive care.

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Ariel Horton

Name
	Ariel Horton
Gender Pronouns
	Female
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	Female
Current Employer
	Self
Instagram
	https://www.instagram.com/from.the.ariel.view/?hl=en
Why are you an outstanding aviator?
	I think any first generation pilot is an outstanding aviator because aviation can be very difficult to navigate alone for the first time without the understanding and support of your family. I also consider myself an outstanding aviatrix because I am the only active female pilot within a 50-mile radius of my local airport. Despite the lack of female mentorship, I also call myself brave for being instructed by my own husband (not an easy thing!).
What obstacles did you have to overcome to become a pilot?
	Since my husband is one of the only CFIs in the area, he was my only flight instructor. As an airline pilot, he is frequently gone, so I found it difficult to schedule consistent lessons. Flight training really taught me how to maximize my time on the ground so that when my husband was available to fly, I had already done the prep work and was ready.I am also a perfectionist by nature and learning a new skill and making lots of mistakes each flight proved to be difficult. However, this journey has taught me to focus on progress over perfection and to enjoy the learning process.
How do you contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	As a woman in aviation, I seek to use my channel to inspire the next generation of female aviators. As a first-generation pilot with no exposure to aviation before my adult years, I especially want to advocate for younger girls and teens to explore the paths that aviation could open for them.

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Shauna Parish

Name
	Shauna Parish
Gender Pronouns
	She/Hers
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	Female
Current Employer
	PSA Airlines
Add Social Links
	https://www.tiktok.com/@pilotshauna
Why are you (or the person you are nominating) an outstanding aviator?
	My goal in aviation is to experience as many different corners of this career and passion as possible, while simultaneously shedding light on these opportunities with those who are interested in breaking in to the field. As women in a heavily male dominated industry - it’s so important that we keep this environment uplifting and encouraging. There is so much room for all of us to succeed - and as creators it’s our responsibility to make this an inviting space to lift each other up. That is my goal with my content!
What obstacles did you (or the person you are nominating) have to overcome to become a pilot?
	Growing up next to a small strip in Wisconsin, I’ve been obsessed with airplanes since I was a young girl. When I got my first computer, I’d spend time watching videos of Navy pilots landing on carriers. However - in all of the videos, in all of the GA near me, and on all of the commercial flights I was on as a kid; I never once saw a female pilot. Because of that, I pursued a career in business instead. Whenever asked: “what would you do if you didn’t have a career in HR?” I’d respond with “pilot,” and myself and the other person would laugh, because it never felt achievable. During COVID a lot of people found themselves exploring what their values were in a career, and thus researching and pursuing new opportunities. I went on a discovery flight and never looked back. I worked my business job full-time while starting training at an aggressive pace in order to accomplish as much training as I could while still having an income.
How do you (or the person you are nominating) contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	The less portrayed side of social media is the amount of judgement and hate that creators receive. For every nice comment or message I receive, there are ten negative or critical ones. However - I keep and use my channels as a way to spread knowledge and encouragement to young women who are interested in the career, but haven’t seen people like them in these shoes. I love connecting with and inspiring any current and future aviators, but especially young women.

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Lea Komaromi

Name
	Lea Komaromi
Gender Pronouns
	she/her
Do you consider yourself (check all that apply):
	Female
Current Employer
	In home care for a private individual
Instagram
	https://instagram.com/thebarefootflyer?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==
Why are you (or the person you are nominating) an outstanding aviator?
	Hello! My name is Lea Komaromi!As a female in the aviation community, I have faced obstacles as any other pilot but some gender specific. Since I was 15 I knew I wanted to be a pilot and from the moment I started driving myself I started working on my pilot rating. At age 17 I earned my PPL. Following that I accomplished my IFR, Commercial, & CFI. In 8 months. My CFI rating over all has taught me the most and I have worked as such on & off since I received it March of 2022. One of the hardest things I have dealt with as a pilot are peoples options on if I am qualified to have all my ratings, since I am young and female. But also failing my first Checkride for my CFII ticket, was extremely humbling. It caused me a lot of self doubt. But I am continuing to pursue it post a year since failing to retrain myself to be sufficient in IFR flying to earn my CFII. At the moment I am also attending a University working towards an Aviation Management degree and part of Air Force ROTC to earn a pilot slot with them hopefully. If the AF doesn't work out I will continue to fly as much as I can to eventually fly cargo or for Private individuals.
What obstacles did you (or the person you are nominating) have to overcome to become a pilot?
	I overcame some learning obstacles which in the past had an effect of my school work. Therefore even though my brain doesn't work as in the same way an average person, I outworked my peers, studying and flying everyday in high school. So while also maintaining a high GPA in school I worked hard to be the best pilot I could be. The other obstacles have been other pilots and my own students doubt in my ability to be qualified to in regard to flying, and failing a Checkride which was super humbling. I think it was one of the best things to happen to me though! Because it have me a different perspective, and helped me realize my own limitations. Relating to others around me who also have gone through hard training and failed, it makes us better pilots teachers, and human beings.
How do you (or the person you are nominating) contribute to the aviation community and inspire others to join?
	I contribute to my community by having different aviation based social media accounts. Tryin g to inspire you g adults but especially females that they are more then capable and deserving of being a part of the aviation industry. Working as a CFI my greatest joy is taking someone on their very first flight in a plane! The smile on their face reminds me of my first time and the unmatchable joy I experienced that day!

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