Seeing Yourself In the Left Seat

American Airlines Captain Beth Powell describes her career path to the majors and why representation matters.

Monday, February 20, 2023 at 03:08 PM ET

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Captain Beth Powell has been flying for the American Airlines family for 22 years and was the first Black woman to become a pilot manager at the airline. (Courtesy: American Airlines)

Key Takeaways:

Captain Beth Powell is American Airlines' first Black woman pilot manager, whose passion for numbers led her to aviation, requiring significant self-funding and dedication to become a pilot.
She is a strong advocate for diversity and representation in aviation, believing that seeing role models helps others realize their potential, and actively participates in organizations like Sisters of the Skies.
Powell shares her love for flying and offers mentorship through her social media presence and engagement with aviation groups, encouraging aspiring aviators to network, find mentors, and "dream big."

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For most career pilots, aviation is more than a vocation—it is a passion. It certainly is for Captain Beth Powell, also known by her Instagram handle LadyAV8rBeth. Powell has been flying within the American Airlines family for 22 years and became the airline’s first Black woman pilot manager at the airline. She spent 14 years at American Eagle, the regional airline, with four years as a captain on the ATR and Embraer, before coming to American Airlines. She now flies left seat on the Boeing 737. She estimates she has more than 7,000 hours logged.

According to Powell, it was a passion for numbers that led to her career in aviation. She grew up in Jamaica, and a high school teacher pointed out that she had a talent.