AboutDottie Norkus Expertise I can address questions concerning: airline pilot employment & entry level airline careers in the Unites States, women pilots, flight training, pilot certification, flight scholarships (mostly for women), aviation & airline safety topics, aviation accident investigation, air carrier accidents and airline operations.
***Please note, I cannot address flight training or career queries from outside the United States. If you are not in the USA, please direct your question to the message boards at www.PPRUNE.org as you can surely find an answer there. For those in India try http://www.indianpilots.com
Also, I cannot address questions about aero engineering degree programs/careers or aviation management careers.
Experience U.S. Regional Airline Pilot. I have also had 15 years previous experience in airline ground operations, as well as a part 91 commercial skydive pilot and ferry pilot.
Organizations I belong to I am a charter member of Women In Aviation International as well as the International Organization of Women Pilots: the Ninety Nines. I keep a database of flight scholarships for women (mostly SW USA) and mentor student pilots.
Education/Credentials Embry Riddle Aeronautical University certificate in Aviation Safety/Accident investigation.
Question I am 52 years young, a medical professional, looking to "change" or combine careers into the aviation world. Would love to learn to fly. Have a son just hired by a regional airline. Initial interest is "search & rescue"...
June Quick
Answer June,
As a female airline pilot, I primarily advise about airline career opportunities for women but I know of a few things that may be of interest to a woman in your situation. Since you are interested in becoming a pilot and helping out with search & rescue missions, I think the Civil Air Patrol (a civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force) would be a perfect match. However, it's not a paid position if you were literally looking for a new career. The CAP's emergency services include air and ground search and rescue, disaster relief, counter drug and homeland security. Its volunteer members fly more than 95 percent of the inland search and rescue missions for the Air Force Rescue and Coordination Center at Langley Air Force Base.
Or, as a "medical professional" perhaps your services could be of use to other organizations such as these where you may find a paid position (many positions are in developing countries):
Or perhaps any number of air ambulance services (depending on your medical specialty) could be an opportunity too. Check your local phone book and inquire with operators what kind of jobs they have for which they are hiring.
As an aspiring female pilot, I suggest joining the International Women Pilots Organization (aka the Ninety-Nines) http://www.ninety-nines.org
I think you will find them mentors and a great source of support and advice as you begin your training.
