Pilot Spotlight: Leila Moradi
Follow Leila on instagram at @_leilamm
Fun Aspects of Flying: What do you enjoy most about flying?
I enjoy sharing this passion with my father. He had no idea this would spark a whole new career for me (I didn't either!), so being able to fly around with him in the plane that started this all for me is always incredible. My first passenger was my father; that flight alone was always my top priority. Recently, my first 0-hour private pilot student landed unassisted for the first time, which is up in my favorite moments. Seeing the "aha" moment click for him and knowing that I guided him to that point will always be my favorite!
Tell Us About Your Aviation Journey:
For me, aviation was never even something I even thought about until just a few years back. I hold a Bachelor's of Science in Food and Nutrition and got into the field of Nutrition Education through private practices and the community aspect serving underprivileged populations. I've always loved food and science, so pairing the two up made sense. So, how did aviation come about? My father, a rusty pilot who earned his private pilot's certificate before I was born, got back into aviation after raising a family about six years ago. He kept saying he would buy a plane, and the perfect Piper Archer came about for him to take ownership of. He took me up for a flight shortly after bringing the aircraft home, and I was hooked when he let me "take controls" on the flight. Something changed that flight, and I told myself I would fly it. While working as a full-time nutrition manager, I budgeted for a few years to get my private pilot's certificate "for fun." That "for fun" expectation turned into an instrument rating, leading to a commercial rating, and I finally earned my certified flight instructor certificate. I balanced my career while making these ratings happen and was the epitome of the "weekend warrior" at the flight school.
Current Status
I'm currently working as a Certified Flight Instructor at the exact same school where I earned all of my own flight certificates!
Career Highlights:
What have been your aviation career's standout moments or achievements so far?
Throughout my flight training, I've been awarded several prestigious scholarships to propel me through my ratings. That strangers believed in me enough to assist me through flight training was humbling, and I was so grateful to put the funds to proper use. My most significant achievement has been the completion of my CFI certificate. This certificate has allowed me to share my passion for aviation and teaching with eager pilots in the plane. I've always loved teaching, so being able to do this in an aircraft has been a fantastic experience.
Aviation Organizations: Are you a member of any aviation organizations?
WAI, Women in Corporate Aviation, The 99's I was fortunate to have received a scholarship through WAI and Delta Airlines, which helped me complete my CFI rating. The local WAICFL chapter is a group of supportive women that I didn't know I needed, and the meetings are so motivational. The chapter is full of women in aviation from all areas who are there to support each other through every single milestone!
Advice for Aspiring Pilots: What tips or advice would you give someone starting their flight training or aviation career?
You only fail when you quit, so don't quit. This expensive journey requires dedication, consistency, passion, and desire. There will be setbacks, learning plateaus, and possibly failures. Use these moments as learning experiences to improve yourself, and never forget your "why." Be patient while learning something new, and never compare your journey with the next. Everyone seems to be fixated on the "solo hour" comparison, which is insane. We all have our paths and methods of going about it. Stay consistent, keep studying, and be patient with yourself while having some fun along the way!
Favorite Aviation Tips and Tricks: Do you have a favorite aviation hack or tip that improves your flying experience?
So I just mentioned I'm a Nutritionist, right? Of course, I have nutrition advice to bring into this new career of mine. Stock up on BANANAS! They're full of potassium and quick sugars to get you going for your flight. I eat one every morning before my first flight and bring a refillable bottle because it is HOT out there. Avoid fast food/junk food and energy drinks (basically... stay away from what FBOs offer most of the time :). These foods slow you down both physically/ mentally, and they're not conducive to keeping your medical (which we know is crucial!). Stay hydrated, and bring a fresh fruit bowl to nourish yourself between flights!
Additional Comments: Do you want to share anything about your aviation experience?
The biggest takeaway from this is that it's not only doable but also OK to make changes in your life. I loved my nutrition career and have zero regrets about not getting into aviation earlier. I didn't even know this was something I would love. You have this one life to take full advantage of your passions. Explore them, and when you discover something, don't let age become a barrier. Work for it and allow yourself to learn along the way.
Follow Leila on Instagram @_leilamm
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Follow Leila on Instagram @_leilamm 〰️
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:
