I didn’t start taking flying lessons until I was in my early twenties. It was something I was always wanted to do but never thought it was something I could accomplish.
Tami’s Start
I graduated with an accounting degree and I absolutely hated it and worse, wasn’t good at it. It was then that I met my now mentor, Captain Margaret Lynch.
She was a captain and check airman at Southwest Airlines. I would inundate her with so many questions about her job that she encouraged me to take a discovery flight. I was hooked!
I was thrilled when I finally was able to leave my well paying job with health insurance benefits to become a flight instructor making $12K a year.
The Transition
I worked two jobs, moved out of my beachfront apartment and moved in with my best friend. I slept on her office floor while taking care of her children in exchange for room and board.
It’s not an uncommon story and though the years were tough, it made success all the sweeter.
A year into my instructor job, I started working for a small charter operation in order to build my multi time.
I finally got the call to go fly for Comair. My new husband and I decided to move to Northern Kentucky in order to be based at home.
Turbulence Ahead
Three years in, the markets started to crash and a furlough was on the horizon. I was on maternity leave at the time, so instead of being upset, I used it as time to be home with my newborn.
In order to stay relevant, I became very active in my local WAI chapter where I won two scholarships, one to complete my ATP and the other from Flamingo Air to receive my Dispatchers license.
Dreams Do Come True
I found a great local part time corporate job where I spent the next 4 years. I started aggressively looking to go back to the airlines and pursued United Airlines where I was offered my dream job.
Tami’s Advice
My career has gone in many different directions. None of which I anticipated or could do too much to prepare for, but I did my best to roll with the punches and see the positives with each change.
In this business, it’s best to keep an open mind, keep your connections healthy and utilize every opportunity that comes your way.