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 transitioned from considering a flight attendant role to pursuing a commercial pilot's license, inspired by her father's suggestion and her mother's example as a private pilot, and is now studying aviation at Oklahoma State University.
She is pursuing her commercial certificate, acknowledging the male-dominated environment of her program, yet finds immense satisfaction and reassurance in the "stunning" views from the plane during her flights.
Summer plans to become a certified flight instructor at OSU to build hours and gain experience, with a long-term goal of becoming a commercial pilot for an operation offering versatile routes rather than established ones.
Her mother, Kellylynn, a private pilot herself who once aspired to be a military pilot, is highly supportive of Summer's dreams, encouraging her to follow her heart and achieve self-sufficiency.
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.”
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
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.
