Pilot Spotlight: Maggie!
Follow Maggie on IG @maggieliz1031 and the flight school @flighttrainingprosorl
From an early fascination with aviation sparked by a neighbor's career to a thriving role as an Assistant Chief Instructor, Maggie's journey through the skies has been awesome to learn about. Let's dive into her story and see what makes her tick.
Current Status
Maggie is a dedicated instructor, instrument instructor, and multi-engine instructor at a flight school based in Orlando Executive Airport. Since 2010, she has played a pivotal role in training commercial and flight instructor applicants and acts as a Check Instructor.
The beginning of her aviation career:
"My aviation journey started in my senior year of high school," Maggie recalls. "I originally wanted to be an airline pilot like my neighbor next door, because I didn't know there were so many other options!" After earning her Multi-Commercial at Louisiana Tech University, Maggie moved to Florida to pursue her CFI. Despite some setbacks in getting enough multiengine time for the airlines, she found her calling in instructing at a small school in Sanford. "
I always did enjoy it," she admits. "As long as I was able to make a living, I continued to do it. Plus, I get to be home every night!"
The Joys of Flying:
Even after 24 years in the industry, Maggie finds joy in the simple pleasures of flying. "I'm still happy as a clam to just look out the window!" she says. She loves flying seaplanes and gliders, with some of her favorite moments being landing on water and catching thermals quietly through the air.
Maggie's adventurous spirit also led her to fun side gigs, such as flying a private jet to the Caribbean, ferrying a new plane halfway across the country, and organizing company fly-ins to air shows like Sun N Fun.
Career Highlights:
After years of dedication to her students, Maggie decided to achieve some personal goals. She earned both her Single and Multi-Engine Seaplane ratings and added a Commercial Glider category. Sharing these experiences with her students and the local Women in Aviation chapter has been incredibly rewarding.
"Going through the training for those ratings has given me so much more to share with my own students," she explains.
Involvement in Aviation Organizations:
Maggie is an active member of Women in Aviation, particularly the Central Florida Chapter. She credits the group's growth and diversity for inspiring her to pursue personal accomplishments that she had previously put off. "Women in Aviation, specifically the Central Florida Chapter, is an amazing group to be a part of!" Maggie shares. "I spent a lot of years devoting myself to the success of others and ignored or put off opportunities for my own accomplishments. The past few years our chapter had some amazing growth and diversity, and I was really inspired by the new influx of talented members to achieve the things I'd been afraid to try."
Beyond Women in Aviation, Maggie's involvement in aviation organizations has broadened her network and provided invaluable resources and support. "Being part of these organizations has allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals who share my passion for flying. The events, seminars, and meetings are not only educational but also incredibly motivating."
Advice for Aspiring Pilots
Maggie's advice to new pilots is invaluable. "Don't limit your goal to just the airlines. Be flexible and receptive to other opportunities—General Aviation is a lot of fun and you can make a living doing it! Get involved in aviation organizations and meet people who do cool stuff. And don't be afraid of failure. That's how you learn and grow."
Favorite Aviation Tips and Tricks:
For those looking to enhance their flying experience, Maggie recommends knowing your checklist memory flows and using natural indicators like water streaks to determine wind direction—a handy tip for ground reference or emergency landing setup.
Additional Insights:
Maggie believes in the importance of continuous learning and being prepared for the unexpected. She recounts a memorable experience when the engine of a seaplane she was flying quit, leaving her stranded in the middle of a lake. Her advice? Always have water, a snack, and something to flag down help with!
Follow Maggie on Instagram @maggieliz1031 and @flighttrainingpropsorl
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Follow Maggie on Instagram @maggieliz1031 and @flighttrainingpropsorl 〰️
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:
