WAI2026 On-Demand - 5. Military - Military & High Performance Aviation

Fighter Pilot Forum

What does it take to fly the fastest, most advanced and most lethal aircraft ever built? This is the chance to find out from the women who fly them. This session will examine how to become a fighter pilot - the flying skills, the mind set, and the personal characteristics required.

We will discuss types of advanced training and the different fighter missions with pilots from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. You will be inspired by true stories of flying in combat and learn what it takes to fly the most high performance aircraft in the world. 

Featuring: Col. Julie Tizard , ATP/USAF Pilot Sharon Preszler (737 Captain at Southwest Airlines F-16 Instructor Pilot) Cathyrine Armandie Melanie Kluesner

1h 8m 18s

Invisible Battles - Confronting Aviator Cancer and Transforming the Future of Flight Health

Join retired fighter aircrew and breast cancer survivor Colonel Shelly Mendieta, USAF (retired), for a powerful session on the hidden crisis of cancer among military aircrew. As Communications Team Lead for the Military Aviator Coalition for Health (MACH), Shelly will share insights from the passage of the ACES Act and the ongoing fight to pass the ROTOR Act.

Learn how aviators and families are transforming their lived experiences into legislative victories—and how you can support safer skies, healthier crews, and a stronger aviation future for all. 

Featuring: Colonel Shelly Mendieta (Ret.)

44m 31s

Empowering Your Inner Gatekeeper - Overcoming External Opinions to Achieve Personal Success

Ever struggle with criticism or self-doubt? In this empowering session, Sharon Preszler—the first woman to fly the F-16 during politically tumultuous times when debates over women in combat reshaped U.S. law —shares how she overcame judgment by developing a “mental gatekeeper” to filter feedback and protect her confidence. Sharon blends her experience as a fighter pilot, Southwest Captain, certified life coach and psychology professor into powerful stories, practical tools, and interactive exercises.

You’ll build your own gatekeeper so you can rise above criticism, own your worth, and stay focused on your goals in aviation and life. 

Featuring: Sharon Preszler (737 Captain at Southwest Airlines F-16 Instructor Pilot)

49m 59s

How to Get Started in the World of Aerobatics

Interested in joining aerobatics but don't know where to start? Come learn all the ins and outs of aerobatics and how to get started no matter your skill level. Flying aerobatics not only opens up a whole different world in aviation, it also tremendously improves one's stick and rudder skills.

Whether you are in college, at the airlines/corporate, or flying for fun our panelists will describe the best way to get familiar with aerobatic maneuvers, sequences, and competition aerobatics. If you already fly aerobatics come learn how to compete at a the Worlds level or become an airshow pilot! 

Featuring: Amelia Anderson, Student Peggy Riedinger, Aerobatic Judge Brittanee Donelle Lincoln, Airshow and Competition Aerobatic Pilot

1h 1m 13s