Fly Girls' Guide to Aviation Careers

Managing the Details That Keep Private Jets Moving: Megan Knox

In this episode, René interviews Megan Knox, Senior Operations Manager at a Part 135 charter company in Centennial, Colorado. Megan’s career started with a love of flying, earning her private, instrument, and commercial ratings. But after 9/11, she pivoted into scheduling, dispatch, and compliance roles. That decision opened the door to a long and impactful career behind the scenes, where she ensures flights, crews, and operations run smoothly. Tune in as they discuss: * How Megan built her aviation career from flight training into operations leadership * The skills she relies on to manage training, compliance, permitting, and insurance * Her volunteer leadership with industry associations and commitment to mentorship * The challenges of balancing aviation careers with motherhood and family priorities About Megan Knox Megan Knox, CAM Fellow, is the Senior Operations Manager at M&N Aviation based in Centennial, CO. She is involved in managing ongoing organizational planning and strategy. She oversees the Scheduling Department, manages crew training, crew scheduling, and document management. Megan has held scheduling and charter sales positions at both public and private aviation departments and has specialized knowledge in Flight Department tax and legal structure. She has managed flight department restructuring and onboarding of new aircraft acquisitions. She led a team in navigating the legal and tax complexities of operating a flight department for a publicly traded company on multiple continents. In that role, she was also responsible for IRS and SEC reporting.  She collaborated to develop the tax and legal module for the NBAA Scheduler & Dispatcher Certificate Program. She was the Co-Chair of the 2023 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee and was recognized as a “Top 40 under 40 in Business Aviation”, and currently is a Director on NBAA's CAM Governing Board.  She holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate, FAA Dispatcher Certificate, and a Commercial UAS Part 107 Certificate. Megan is an active member of the Colorado Aviation Business Association (CABA) and the Women in Aviation Mile High Chapter. She gives back to the community as Director of Operations for Hera Aviation Group, a 501(c)(3). She has a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Flight Operations from Daniel Webster College. Thanks for tuning into the show! Subscribe so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community!  https://weareflygirls.com/ [https://weareflygirls.com/]  https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/]  https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ [https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_]  https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls [https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls]  https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls [https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls]   Connect with Us Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community! https://weareflygirls.com/ [https://weareflygirls.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/] https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ [https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_] https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls [https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls] https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls [https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls]

How Media and Storytelling Shape The Future of Aviation: Liz Moscrop

In this episode, René chats with Liz Moscrop about her unique career combining aviation, messaging, and video production. From early days in journalism to building a global media company focused on the aviation sector, Liz shares what it takes to simplify complex topics, lead with purpose, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Tune in as they discuss: * How Liz turned a background in media (and even stand-up comedy!) into an aviation career * The growing role of storytelling in shaping industry strategy * What makes aviation communication clear, credible, and impactful * The leadership skills needed to thrive in fast-changing operational environments About Liz Moscrop With 20 plus years as an aviation storyteller, and the last nine focused specifically on video, Liz Moscrop has had the privilege of working with some of the biggest names in the aviation and aerospace industry, including reverse mentorship from some of the brightest young talents including social media influencers and content producers. It’s fair to say that Liz brings a completely unique perspective to video projects she’s involved with from cinematic corporate videos to a much more personal style in line with contemporary storytelling. Clients have included Bombardier, Gulfstream, Luxaviation and CAE Flight Training to name a few of the heavy hitters. Her route into aviation was not straightforward. From being an international speaker and stand-up comedian, to being part of the team that launched the first Chinese internet company on the NASDAQ, her career has been anything but ordinary. As the former president of Women in Aviation International UK, she co-organised a promo at the 2018 Farnborough Airshow in 2018 to inspire young people into aviation careers She also sat on the communications committee for the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter and co wrote best practice diversity and sustainability standards for the European Business AViation Association’s STARS Committee.. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizmoscrop/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizmoscrop/] https://www.youtube.com/@GearUpTV [https://www.youtube.com/@GearUpTV]  Thanks for tuning into the show! Subscribe so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community!  https://weareflygirls.com/ [https://weareflygirls.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/] https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ [https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_] https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls [https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls] https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls [https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls]  Connect with Us Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community! https://weareflygirls.com/ [https://weareflygirls.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/] https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ [https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_] https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls [https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls] https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls [https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls]

Reducing Pilot Workload and Keeping Flight Operations Running Smoothly: Sarah Heugel

In this episode of the Fly Girls’ Guide Podcast, René sits down with Sarah Heugel, an aviation professional whose career has spanned dispatch, operations, and leadership. From her early days in scheduling to taking on complex safety and management responsibilities, Sarah shares her path through the industry and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Tune in as they discuss: * How Sarah transitioned from dispatch into operations leadership at a major airline * What she’s learned about balancing career growth with family priorities * Why mentorship and support networks make all the difference * The leadership skills that help her succeed in high-stakes environments Sarah’s story highlights the resilience and adaptability it takes to succeed in aviation. Her perspective shows how every step of the journey, whether in dispatch, operations or leadership, builds a foundation for making an impact in the industry. Thanks for tuning into the show! Subscribe so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community!  https://weareflygirls.com/ [https://weareflygirls.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/] https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ [https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_] https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls [https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls] https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls [https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls]  Connect with Us Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community! https://weareflygirls.com/ [https://weareflygirls.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/] https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ [https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_] https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls [https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls] https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls [https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls]

Combining Software and Emotional Intelligence for Safety Advances: Kellie Roby

In this episode of the Fly Girls’ Guide Podcast, René sits down with Kellie Roby, Vice President of Polaris Aero, a safety services software company. Kellie’s career began with flying and evolved into a leadership role that now impacts how flight departments think about safety, audits, and culture. She shares how she balances technical expertise with the human side of aviation and why listening and emotional intelligence are at the heart of effective safety leadership. Tune in as they discuss: * How Kellie transitioned from the cockpit into safety leadership * What a day in aviation safety services looks like * Why communication and emotional intelligence matter in aviation safety roles * The challenges of building trust and having difficult conversations in high-stakes environments * Advice for women who want to pursue a career in safety and risk management About Kellie Roby A 2024 recipient of the Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation award, and a 2022 NBAA 40 Under 40 recipient, Kellie Roby has spent more than a decade honing her skills in Part 135 and Part 91 operations. Roby’s roles ranged from Fixed Based Operator (FBO) operations, a flight crewmember on a Beechjet 400 and Hawker 800, Safety Manager,and managing both scheduling and charter sales for a Part 135 charter and management company.  Roby has a bachelor’s degree in aerospace science from Middle Tennessee State University with dual pro-pilot and air traffic control concentrations and an NBAA Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) certification. Roby’s education and diverse aviation experience are valuable in the tactical implementation of safety best practices in her current role as Vice President of Safety Services at Polaris Aero. Roby enjoys giving back to her industry by volunteering for the NBAA Professional Development Program committee, Bombardier Safety Standdown Committee, NBAA Young Professionals in Business Aviation (YoPro) council, and the Tennessee Business Aviation Association. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-n-roby-cam-150a3674/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-n-roby-cam-150a3674/]  Thanks for tuning into the show! Subscribe so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community!  https://weareflygirls.com/ [https://weareflygirls.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/] https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ [https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_] https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls [https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls] https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls [https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls]  Connect with Us Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community! https://weareflygirls.com/ [https://weareflygirls.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/] https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ [https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_] https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls [https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls] https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls [https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls]

What It Takes to Keep F-35 Fighter Jets Mission-Ready: Ryan Bass

In this episode of the Fly Girls’ Guide Podcast, René sits down with Ryan Bass, who began her aviation career as an F-18 engine mechanic in the Navy and now works on Lockheed Martin’s F-35 flight line. From helping launch the very first test aircraft to supervising a team of maintainers, she shares how grit, technical skill, and determination shaped her path. Tune-in as they discuss: * How she went from a small-town graduate to working on F-18s around the world * The process of building, testing, and launching the F-35’s three models * The challenges of proving herself in male-dominated maintenance and management roles * Advice for anyone considering an A&P license or a military-to-civilian aviation career Ryan’s career highlights the skill and discipline it takes to keep some of the world’s most advanced aircraft mission-ready. From Navy flight lines to the F-35 program, her perspective shows both the challenges and the pride of working in aviation maintenance. It’s a look at the people and processes behind the jets that define modern airpower. About Ryan Bass Ryan Bass grew up in the small town of Ridgway, Colorado, where her graduating high school class had just 14 students. At 16, she left school and made the pivotal decision to join the U.S. Navy, knowing it was her path to a bigger future. By 17, she was in boot camp, and in 2003 she was stationed in Japan. Her years at Lockheed were marked by both challenges and milestones, including working on the F-16 program, enduring layoffs and a strike, and eventually becoming a leading mechanic on the flight line. In 2018, she achieved another breakthrough—earning a promotion to become the only female supervisor on the flight line, overseeing ground operations where jets are broken in and readied for flight. Inspired by her work, Ryan decided to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. In 2024, she began flight training while continuing her full-time role at Lockheed. By shifting to a three-day workweek, she was able to balance her career with training, flying four days a week. After two years of dedication, she earned her Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine ratings. Today, Ryan continues her leadership role at Lockheed while building flight hours to prepare for her next chapter as a professional pilot. Thanks for tuning into the show! Subscribe so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community. https://weareflygirls.com/ [https://weareflygirls.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/] https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ [https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_] https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls [https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls] https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls [https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls]  Connect with Us Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community! https://weareflygirls.com/ [https://weareflygirls.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/] https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ [https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_] https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls [https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls] https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls [https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls]