What inspired you to choose aviation as a career? How long has aviation been on your radar? Did you always want to work in aviation?
I came over to the United States from Cambodia in 2011 and didn’t know any English, I was forced to learn rather quickly.
In fourth grade, I remember my dad taking me to an air show. The entire time, I was in awe. I became so fascinated with aviation that, in fourth grade, when asked what I wanted to be, I said “Amela Earheart.” I showed up to school the next day dressed as the aviation hero, and look at me now!
How do you find working in the industry/Vista now?
Honestly, I love flying the Citation X. Flying with such great people also makes work so much easier. The people you work with genuinely know you, and that’s a testament to the culture here.
It’s just so fun! You get to go to the more remote places that most airlines don’t get to fly into. This job truly teaches you to be a good pilot. These environments you’re flying into make you become a better pilot and expand your technicality, etc. It’s more challenging to fly into mountainous terrain or short runways on an island.
What has been your biggest achievement at Vista?
It still amazing to me that, at the age of 21, I can get paid to fly. I’m pulling in 600 hours from only being here for 10 months. That’s not too bad!
Were there any barriers for you getting into a male dominated industry?
I’ve been questioned by passengers about whether or not I’m the pilot. That’s never easy, but it’s always fun to impress them and show them what I can do. Their initial judgements suddenly become less of a problem once I get to be an example of what a female pilot can do. I have the opportunity to change their perspective, that’s always such a rewarding feeling.
What advice would you give to younger women thinking about getting into the industry?
Go for it, give it all you’ve got, and follow your dreams. If you know you’re passionate about it, you’ll go and do it well.