Nathalie
Airline Pilot
I am a pilot for Atlantic Southeast Airlines. I live in Atlanta with
another pilot and the love of my life – my dog Adrianna!
I actually always wanted to be a veterinarian but went to a
college that had a large aviation program and got interested in
flying from my friends at school. I finished my degree in
Molecular Biology and then went to flight school after
graduating. My friends were my mentors and supporters
thought my career change.
Flying with my friends is what inspired me to pursue a career
as a pilot. I had one friend in particular that instilled a lot of
courage and self confidence that I didn’t even know I had to
pursue this career. He has been a mentor for me since the
beginning. Now that I have succeeded I have a great sense of
accomplishment and fulfillment. I am a happier person because
of the things I have been able to achieve.
I went to Pan Am International Flight Academy. There I learned
to fly in Piper Archers, Arrows and Seminoles. As an instructor,
I flew Cessna 172s, 182s and Cirrus SR22s. Now I fly a
Canadair Regional Jet, CRJ200, for Atlantic Southeast Airlines. I
have been a first officer with them for almost three years.
As a first officer, my main duty is to assist the captain in all
tasks pertaining to the safe and efficient conduct of the flight. I
perform such tasks as pre-flighting the airplane to make sure
nothing is broken. I fill out all the paperwork and weight and
balance for the flight. The captain and I also check the weather
and any other maintenance issues. We take turns flying the
aircraft and when one person flies, the other navigates, runs
checklists and talks on the radios.
Airline Pilot
I am a pilot for Atlantic Southeast Airlines. I live in Atlanta with
another pilot and the love of my life – my dog Adrianna!
I actually always wanted to be a veterinarian but went to a
college that had a large aviation program and got interested in
flying from my friends at school. I finished my degree in
Molecular Biology and then went to flight school after
graduating. My friends were my mentors and supporters
thought my career change.
Flying with my friends is what inspired me to pursue a career
as a pilot. I had one friend in particular that instilled a lot of
courage and self confidence that I didn’t even know I had to
pursue this career. He has been a mentor for me since the
beginning. Now that I have succeeded I have a great sense of
accomplishment and fulfillment. I am a happier person because
of the things I have been able to achieve.
I went to Pan Am International Flight Academy. There I learned
to fly in Piper Archers, Arrows and Seminoles. As an instructor,
I flew Cessna 172s, 182s and Cirrus SR22s. Now I fly a
Canadair Regional Jet, CRJ200, for Atlantic Southeast Airlines. I
have been a first officer with them for almost three years.
As a first officer, my main duty is to assist the captain in all
tasks pertaining to the safe and efficient conduct of the flight. I
perform such tasks as pre-flighting the airplane to make sure
nothing is broken. I fill out all the paperwork and weight and
balance for the flight. The captain and I also check the weather
and any other maintenance issues. We take turns flying the
aircraft and when one person flies, the other navigates, runs
checklists and talks on the radios.
I enjoy my job because it is challenging. I also enjoy traveling to
different places and meeting new people.
There are more and more girls entering fields in aviation. Sometimes
people are accepting of that and sometimes they are not. I just
remember that, either way, I am proud of myself for the
accomplishments I’ve made and no one can take that away.
Q What role do skills in Math, Science, Engineering and
Technology play in supporting your job?
Technology and engineering play large roles in developing aircraft and
making aircraft safer, more reliable and efficient. Pilots need a
background in science and math to be able to perform their job.
There are many jobs that revolve around these four skill areas.
Q What activities do you suggest for young children or adults to
prepare them for a career like yours?
Start getting involved in kids’ camps that give an introduction to
flying. CAP (Civil Air Patrol) and NASA offer programs for kids
interested in flying and space.
different places and meeting new people.
There are more and more girls entering fields in aviation. Sometimes
people are accepting of that and sometimes they are not. I just
remember that, either way, I am proud of myself for the
accomplishments I’ve made and no one can take that away.
Q What role do skills in Math, Science, Engineering and
Technology play in supporting your job?
Technology and engineering play large roles in developing aircraft and
making aircraft safer, more reliable and efficient. Pilots need a
background in science and math to be able to perform their job.
There are many jobs that revolve around these four skill areas.
Q What activities do you suggest for young children or adults to
prepare them for a career like yours?
Start getting involved in kids’ camps that give an introduction to
flying. CAP (Civil Air Patrol) and NASA offer programs for kids
interested in flying and space.
TM
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