In this episode of "Chicks Who Fly,”Inaia has an inspiring conversation with Jen Shull, a pilot whose chance encounter dramatically altered Inaia’s career path. Inaia recounts how driving for a rideshare company led to meeting Jenn, a newly minted Part 135 pilot braving LA traffic. Their conversation ignited a love for aviation in Inaia, who followed Jenn’s advice to become a pilot and ground instructor.

Jenn shares her own non-linear journey into aviation, highlighting her tech job background, Air Force experience, and initial dabbling in flying for fun. The conversation delves into her transition from enjoying general aviation (GA) to becoming a professional pilot, discussing her experiences with Part 135 operations and eventual move to a Part 121 major airline.

Jenn offers valuable insights into the aviation world, discussing hurdles like the complexity of flight systems, the challenges of commuting, and the importance of community within smaller operations. She emphasizes the transformative power of aviation milestones and talks about the sense of connection when flying passengers on pivotal life journeys. Inaia shares a bit about her experience working at her previous Part 121 cargo airline and how she rode in the flight deck of a 767 to rescue a dog in Puerto Rico.

Jen offers advice for aspiring pilots: get a medical certificate first, ensure a good fit with your flight instructor, soak in the wisdom of experienced pilots, and never quit even when facing tough challenges. 

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