Summer McLaughlin didn't know the college she was attending had one of the top aviation programs in the country. [Courtesy: McLaughlin family]
Key Takeaways:
Summer McLaughlin, inspired by her father's suggestion, pivoted from considering a flight attendant career to pursuing commercial pilot training at Oklahoma State University.
Currently working towards her commercial pilot certificate, Summer navigates a male-dominated aviation program but remains passionate, finding reassurance in the unique views from the cockpit.
Her long-term goal is to become a commercial pilot for an operation offering versatile routes, planning to build experience first as a flight instructor at OSU.
Summer's mother, Kellylynn McLaughlin, a private pilot herself with past military aviation aspirations, fully supports her daughter's journey, encouraging her to follow her heart and be self-sufficient.
As Summer McLaughlin waited to board a commercial flight with her family, she saw the crew board the airplane and thought about how their careers allowed them to travel. She commented to her father, “Maybe I could become a flight attendant.”
Summer McLaughlin
His (very wise) response changed her career focus. He said, “Maybe you could fly the plane.”
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Ellen is not only an avid pilot, she’s also an internationally recognized speaker and authority on gender diversity and inclusion for women working in non-traditional careers in transportation. Have a story Ellen should tell? You can send her ideas at editorial@flying.media.
