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, influenced by her father's suggestion and her private pilot mother, shifted her career focus from flight attendant to commercial pilot, enrolling in Oklahoma State University's aviation program.
Currently pursuing her commercial pilot certificate, Summer highlights the program's male dominance but remains passionate, finding reassurance in the stunning views from the cockpit.
She plans to become a Certified Flight Instructor at OSU to build hours and experience, ultimately aspiring to be a commercial pilot for an operation offering versatile, non-established routes.
Summer's journey is strongly supported by her mother, Kellylynn, whose own aspirations to become a military fighter pilot were thwarted by vision restrictions and timing.
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.
