Her Life, In Flight

Perspective Series: From Homeschool Mom to Chief Pilot

Host Jessica and guest Elayne Humphrey share Elaine's journey from homeschooling mom to a chief pilot and aspiring DPE, offering honest insight into starting a flying career at any age and balancing family and aviation. Listeners will get practical advice for older and younger students, why small schools and varied experience matter, the risks of fast-track programs and debt, how to handle check ride setbacks, and ways to get mentorship and community support.

Options in Aviation Careers with Laura from The Aviation Vault

Jessica interviews Laura Laster about career paths in aviation beyond flying: aircraft dispatch, airline operations, airport roles, maintenance, network planning, and Laura’s YouTube courses and resources. They also discuss practical steps for becoming a dispatcher, tips for training and scholarships, air racing experiences, and how to balance family life with an aviation career. https://youtu.be/_8knGWsY28k [https://youtu.be/_8knGWsY28k] http://www.airraceclassic.org/ [http://www.airraceclassic.org/] https://www.theaviationvault.com/product-page/bottles-swaddles-auto-throttles-unisex-jersey-short-sleeve-tee [https://www.theaviationvault.com/product-page/bottles-swaddles-auto-throttles-unisex-jersey-short-sleeve-tee] https://youtu.be/_8knGWsY28k [https://youtu.be/_8knGWsY28k]

Perspective Series: Captain Stefanie the Author

Jessica interviews Captain Stefanie about her aviation journey from a flight-family childhood and Purdue’s flight program through regional flying to a major airline, and how she balances a demanding pilot career with raising four children. The episode also covers maternity leave, childcare strategies, perseverance in aviation, and Stefanie’s new children’s book Passport to Sunshine, plus resources and community support for women in aviation.

Episode 4: IBCLC Sheila & Breastfeeding while flying

In this episode pilot-host Jessica speaks with IBCLC Sheila King about breastfeeding while working in aviation. They cover practical strategies for pumping on the road, milk storage and transport, maintaining supply, preventing mastitis, and using wearable pumps and coolers. Sheila also discusses emotional challenges like postpartum mood disorders, miscarriage, unsupportive partners, and how partners and employers can better support pilot moms. Resources and steps to plan schedules, build a reliable village, and normalize breastfeeding in the aviation workplace are provided.

Perspective Series: Lori’s Step-by-Step Rise from In Flight to First Officer

In this episode Jessica interviews Lori, who shares her journey from flight attendant to flight instructor to first officer at a regional airline. Lori discusses early influences from her pilot mother, earning a scholarship, navigating training setbacks, and moving through industry programs with humility and hard work. She also talks about volunteering during the pandemic, the importance of mentorship and support networks, and practical advice for women pursuing aviation careers, including where to look for scholarships and how to stay resilient through training.