WAI2026 On-Demand - 7. Career Pathways - Pilot Career Pathways

Airline Pilot Panel

The Airline Pilot Panel is comprised of five female pilots encompassing the regional, major, and cargo carriers. The first half of this education session we will be sharing our own personal aviation journey to the flight deck. 

The purpose of our education session is to encourage and inspire other female pilots, as well as help them realize they, too, can achieve the career of their dreams! 

Featuring: Ann Marie Nicholas, Pilot - American Airlines Kelly McConnell Jennifer Meiners, CFI, MEI, ATP, First Officer Southwest Krissie Katte, United Airlines 787 Captain Kally Hansen, First Officer at Endeavor Air

1h 1m 6s

WCA's Corporate Aviation Career Panel

Join us for an engaging and interactive discussion that brings together professionals from across the business aviation industry. This moderated panel will explore the unique career journeys of each panelist, offering candid insights into their day-to-day roles, quality of life, and work-life balance.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of job satisfaction in the field, the pros and cons of working in business aviation, and the pivotal mentors and colleagues who influenced their paths. Designed to spark meaningful dialogue, this session will include audience participation throughout and conclude with an open Q&A and a brief overview of helpful industry resources. 

Featuring Kim Kissh, Gulfstream G600 pilot Jodie Adrian Gawthrop, A&P; IA; Commercial Pilot ASEL, AMEL; AGI; IGI Melanie Elyse Hight, Chief Pilot and Director of Safety at OpenAir, Kara Wolf, MSP Sales Manager at Honeywell Aerospace

1h 4m 3s

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

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