Growing up in Massachusetts, surrounded by a family of gearheads and influenced by nearby air bases, her love for aviation took flight at an early age. Despite initially pursuing veterinary sciences, Stacy’s path shifted when she discovered the possibility of a career in aviation. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and an Associate of Science in Aviation Flight Operations, she embarked on a diverse career in the industry. Now, with over nine years of experience in Airport Operations, Stacy plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and compliance of her airport for air carriers.

Laine Apple is a First Officer at NetJets, flying the Phenom. In addition to her professional flying, Laine enjoys flying for fun and providing tailwheel endorsements and flight training in a Citabria. Laine's passion for aviation was ignited during her summers working as a lifeguard on the Outer Banks, where she watched planes towing banners up and down the beach. Inspired by these sights, she pursued her Private Pilot License (PPL) while working in tech sales after graduating from the University of Arkansas in 2019.

Allison Capps, known on social media as @Fromcabin2cockpit and @alliecapps, has had an incredible journey from working in the corporate world to becoming a flight instructor specializing in multi-engine training. Her passion for aviation began when she took a flight attendant position at Allegiant Airlines in 2018. Despite having only been on two flights before, Allison's love for travel and meeting new people led her to this new role. However, she quickly realized her true place was in the cockpit, leading her to take a Discovery flight in 2020 and never looking back.

Meet Trooper Pollack, a dedicated State Trooper Pilot for FHP. Jeff’s flying career began at 16, with his first flight lesson leading to a lifelong passion for flying. His advice for new pilots? “Everyone is going to get to the point in flight training when they’re confused… Keep pushing on through; it’s so rewarding and worth it in the end.”

Emily Gardner's aviation journey began with a childhood fascination at an airshow, where seeing the Blue Angels sparked her lifelong dream of flying. Despite financial challenges, Emily pursued her passion by studying Aeronautical Management Technology at Arizona State University and working multiple jobs. Her determination paid off when she received a full-tuition scholarship to United Aviate Academy, propelling her flight training journey forward. Emily is now a Cirrus Training Center Instructor at The Flight Academy in Seattle, WA.

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. 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.

Meet Zoey Schade, a dynamic commercial-rated helicopter pilot currently working for Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations (CBP/AMO). Inspired to fly helicopters while serving in the U.S. Navy on an aircraft carrier, Zoey used her Post9/11 GI Bill to pursue flight training. She juggled work, school, and flying, eventually joining CBP as an immigration officer before transferring to the air unit. Zoey enjoys flying along Florida's beaches and recently experienced the thrill of flying in the D.C. FRZ along the Potomac River, a route restricted to Federal Law Enforcement and military operations. She advises aspiring pilots to connect with established industry professionals and ensure they have the right instructor. Zoey is a member of Women in Aviation, AOPA, and Whirly Girls, organizations that have provided her with valuable resources and networking opportunities.

Michael Lima's aviation journey began in 2004 when he was just 16 years old, driven by a deep love for airplanes and involvement in the Civil Air Patrol. Despite financial setbacks, he reignited his passion for flying in November 2022, earning his wings in February 2024. Currently a private pilot working on his instrument rating, Michael balances his aviation pursuits with his full-time role as a state trooper. His career highlights include achieving his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot and inspiring others, especially his son, to pursue their goals. Michael enjoys the controlled chaos of communicating with controllers during cross-country flights and the thrill of descending to minimums on instrument approaches. His advice to aspiring pilots is to stick to their personal minimums, never stop learning, and cherish every moment in the sky. A proud member of AOPA, Michael continues to learn from seasoned pilots and shares his journey on Instagram @Mobius_The_One.

Mike Wiehl is currently a private pilot with an instrument rating and runs a successful aviation-themed YouTube channel and owns a Cessna 172. Mike's fascination with aviation began at a young age, living near Patuxent River Naval Air Station. His first flight at 15 sparked a passion that led him to pursue flying on his terms, avoiding the commercial pilot route due to its negative culture. Mike's journey has included working for Northwest Airlines, a potential career in Air Traffic Control, and finally, diving into general aviation and owning his own aircraft.

Thailand based GA pilot, meet Por Por!

From a young age, Cody was fascinated with airplanes and travel. Inspired by his father's journey to get his private pilot's license, Cody took the plunge into aviation and never looked back. Now, he’s flying the Airbus A330 for Hawaiian Airlines and loving every moment.

Jen always thought flying was one of the coolest things ever but never found the time to pursue it while living in Hollywood. After leaving the life she thought she wanted in Hollywood, she regrouped and signed up for flight lessons at her local small airport. Jen is now close to taking her checkride.

Mohammed always wanted to be a pilot since he was young. Initially, he considered becoming an architect due to his fear of flying. With motivation from his uncle, a pilot, and his parents, he pursued his passion for aviation. After earning a Bachelor's in Aviation from Abu Dhabi University, UAE, he came to the US to fly.

Lorenz's journey into aviation began at a young age, flying with his dad in an A36TC Bonanza and a B60 Duke across Nevada and California. By age 5, he was hooked, especially thrilled by operating the landing gear lever. The passion for flying, combined with the sense of freedom and the support from fellow aviators, solidified his love for aviation.

Gabrielle's aviation journey began when she was looking for a career change. Reflecting on her childhood memories of seeing her dad fly for work and the joy she experienced at airports, she decided to take a discovery flight. That first flight ignited her passion for being in the pilot's seat, and she has been hooked ever since.

Leila's journey into aviation began unexpectedly. Initially holding a Bachelor's of Science in Food and Nutrition, Leila worked in Nutrition Education, serving underprivileged communities. Aviation came into her life a few years ago when her father, a former pilot, reignited his passion for flying. He bought a Piper Archer and took Leila up for a flight. That experience was transformative, sparking a new passion that led her to pursue her private pilot's certificate "for fun." This hobby quickly turned into a serious commitment, leading to an instrument rating, a commercial rating, and eventually her CFI certificate. Balancing her full-time career and flight training, Leila became the epitome of a "weekend warrior."

An I-Hart-Flying scholarship winner, meet Olivia Allen! Olivia's fascination with aviation began at a young age, watching planes overhead. At 11, she took a Young Eagles flight in Elkhart, IN, sparking her interest in aviation. It wasn't until her sophomore year of high school that she got serious about becoming a pilot, driven by the lack of representation of pilots who are Deaf with Cochlear Implants. Determined to overcome any perceived barriers, she pursued her dream with passion and resilience.

Matt's journey into aviation started later than most. Initially studying economics with aspirations of becoming a lawyer, it wasn't until his junior year in college that he took his first discovery flight and got hooked. After experiencing the thrill of flying over Central Florida, he decided to pursue aviation full-time. Despite facing numerous challenges, such as instructor changes, maintenance issues, and weather-related delays, Matt persevered and completed his flight training under Part 61 for its flexibility. Today, he flies the Airbus for a major US airline, a role that has taken him to incredible places and allowed him to meet amazing people.

Heather's aviation journey began with a leap of faith during the uncertain times of Covid-19. Originally working as an emergency dispatcher, she found skills that would prepare her well for a career in aviation. Despite initial doubts, Heather's first discovery flight ignited a passion that led her to earn multiple ratings and become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). One of her most cherished experiences is the strong bond she has formed with her pilot friends, who support and motivate each other through their flying adventures. Her dedication paid off when she overcame challenges to excel in her instrument rating and CFI checkride.