Private Pilot, Flight Attendant

Hi everyone! I'm Gabrielle. I've been flying since I was 14 years old. I
started working at a flight school on the weekends to afford my flight
lessons. I was affectionately called the "Donut Doll" because my job was to
go on a golf cart around the airport and pass out coffee and donuts to all
the hangar pilots. While working at the airport for flight time, I met so
many wonderful role models and go to see so many beautiful planes.
That's really when the love for aviation set in. My goal is to continue to
move girls and boys toward aviation so it doesn't become a stagnant
industry. There will ALWAYS be a need for pilots! I'm a college student
right now and just got hired on with US Airways as a flight attendant. My
training starts April 21st. (Wish me luck!!) I decided to become a flight
attendant so I could work my way into the airline industry. I am going to
continue working on my ratings and am planning on flying for an airline or
corporate company some day. I just received my Private Pilot's license on
March 6th and the day I took my mother flying is a day I will never forget!
Currently, I'm working on my tail wheel endorsement in a Piper Super Cub!

I am not from an aviation family. As a matter of fact, nobody in my family
is a pilot. My uncle and I used to go to air shows when I was younger and
his knowledge of the older planes sparked my interest.  When I was 16, I
soloed for the first time. I remember singing "All By Myself" in the cockpit!
My mother was very nervous when I decided to start flight lessons, but
she eventually came around and would watch me fly around the pattern
every solo.

I didn't know any female pilots until 2 years after I initially started training.
I knew I needed to stand out among the boys, so I worked hard on my
flight homework and my ground school classes. I remember sitting in the
airplane on the weekends, going over checklists and stall recovery
procedures. I knew I had to be a good pilot. I needed to gain the respect
of my fellow pilots and coworkers. Now, there are more female pilots in the
industry, so the playing field is a bit more leveled out. It still shouldn't stop
anyone from trying their best and giving 110%!

I learned to fly at KSEE, Gillespie Field in El Cajon, California. I started in
Cessna 152s and accomplished my first solo in a 152. When I moved out
to Arizona for college, I started flying planes with more horsepower
because of the hot summers. I started flying Cessna 172s and Piper
Warriors. Out of all 3 planes, I really adore the Warriors the most. They're
so stable and easy to land. Now I fly out of KCHD, Chandler Municipal in
Chandler, Arizona. (Great little airport!)

My career goals for right now are to achieve the next ratings I need, which
are my Commercial, Instrument and Multi Engine ratings.  

I often get a shocked reaction from people when I tell them I am a pilot.
They say, "But you're so young! How is that possible?!" Many people do
not know that you can get started at a young age. I have so much ahead
of me to accomplish and starting young will really help me get it all done
quicker!

What activities do you suggest for young children or young adults
to prepare them for a career like yours?
 I think bringing children to
the local airport and flight school and teaching them that it is accessible to
them is very important. The owners of flight school and the flight
instructors are willing to give Introductory Flights to walk-in customers.
(Aviation isn't as intimidating as it seems!) Around age 14-16 is a good
time to bring children for these flights because they are more likely to
grasp the knowledge and take an interest to it. Many flight school still offer
small jobs to help teens pay for flight time, just like me. Children and
teens can wash planes, answer the phones, and organize the pilot shop.

If ever you wish to contact me, please do not hesitate.
TwiliteFlyer@gmail.com or on MySpace at MySpace.com/bellabimba.
Email Gabrielle!
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Comments:
Email Gabrielle!
Your name:
Your email address:
Your phone number:
Comments:
Using aviation to entertain
and educate girls about
their limitless
opportunities...
Using aviation to entertain
and educate girls about
their limitless
opportunities...
Using aviation to entertain
and educate girls about
their limitless
opportunities...
TM