Pilot Spotlight: Cody Clark
Follow Cody and his Hawaiian livin’ here @Codytclark
Tell Us About Your Aviation Journey:
How did you get into aviation, and what inspired you to become a pilot?
From a young age, I was fascinated with airplanes and travel. However, being a pilot was never a thought that crossed my mind. I was initially studying economics and thought I wanted to be a lawyer. In 2017, my dad got his private pilot's license. Watching him go through training and seeing all the fun he had with it inspired me to begin flight training. From there, I was hooked and never looked back.
Current Status
I am working in the aviation industry. Presently, I am flying the Airbus A330 for Hawaiian Airlines.
Career Highlights:
What have been your aviation career's standout moments or achievements so far?
I have met so many incredible people and have visited some amazing places. I never thought that at 25, I would be able to fly wide-body international routes with my destination carrier.
Cody with his parents in the flight deck.
Fun Aspects of Flying: What do you enjoy most about flying? Share your favorite moments or experiences in the air.
I love that every day can present a new set of experiences or challenges. With this job, you are always learning and adapting to constant change. Back in March, I was able to ferry the 330 from Honolulu to Singapore with a fantastic crew. Together, we navigated various situations ranging from severe weather to operational constraints at an unfamiliar airport. It was a cool experience.
Advice for Aspiring Pilots: What tips or advice would you give to someone just starting out in their flight training or aviation career?
Starting off it is very important to have a solid support group. Training can be lengthy and challenging in addition to there being various paths to take depending on the kind of job you want. The aviation community is very welcoming and we are always looking to help and pay it forward.
Favorite Aviation Tips and Tricks: Do you have a favorite aviation hack or tip that improves your flying experience?
With the type of flying I am presently doing, I have found that hydration and rest are the biggest hacks to having an overall good experience. My rule of thumb is 1.5 liters of water every 5 hours of flight.
Aviation Organizations: Are you a member of any aviation organizations (e.g., Women in Aviation, Women in Corporate Aviation, NGPA, OBAP, PAPA)? If so, how have they supported your journey?
I am a member of NGPA. Being the first person in my family to pursue an airline career, I was unsure where to start. I received mentorship from other NGPA members with an array of knowledge and different experiences. Through this I was able to make more informed career decisions and overcome some challenges that I faced in training. I now also volunteering as a mentor in hopes that I am able to pay it forward.
Follow Cody on IG @codytclark
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Follow Cody on IG @codytclark 〰️
I’m on a mission to gather some incredible pilot stories to feature on the On Final blog. Whether you’re just beginning your flight training or you’ve been soaring through the skies for years, I want to hear from you!
Your experiences and stories can inspire others in the aviation community, and I’m excited to share them on the blog. If you’re up for it, please send me your story and some photos through the link below:
