ATP Alumni Case Study
Why They Chose ATP: Dedicated teams that support training, maintenance, flight checks, and student success.
Program
Enrolled
January 14, 2019
Completed
October 2019
First Placement
SkyWest Airlines
Major Airline
Role
First Officer
Career Change
Overcoming her fears and looking for the best place to continue her family legacy
Being part of a family consisting of 10 aviators, Fiona developed an interest in integrating herself into the “family business.” Determined to pursue her dream, Fiona set her sights on following in her father’s footsteps toward the flight deck as a second-generation pilot at Delta Air Lines.
However, she faced a fear of heights and was prone to motion sickness. After three introductory flights, she knew that overcoming her fears would lead to a rewarding professional career. Neither fear nor self-doubt could stand in the way of her goals, but Fiona needed to find the right environment to give her the confidence to take the next step.
Choosing ATP
Finding the right environment at ATP
With her goal of becoming a professional pilot in mind, Fiona toured ATP Flight School and immediately “loved the people, loved the students, loved the area, and it just seemed like a good fit” for her. The students and instructors at her training center made her feel welcome and capable of achieving her goals.
Fiona completed the ATP Flight School program with a determination to prove that neither fear nor self-doubt could stand in the way of her goals. Throughout her training, she was challenged to step outside of her comfort zone and develop the confidence, discipline, and skills required to become a professional pilot.
The structured curriculum and accelerated pace of the program allowed her to remain focused on her long-term objective while steadily building the experience needed to achieve her goals.
After completing the program, she began a role at ATP as a flight instructor, gaining the experience needed to take the next steps of her aviation career. Following that, she became a pilot recruiter with SkyWest, where she had the opportunity to interview numerous pilots. During that time, she noticed that ATP applicants were significantly more prepared and confident than many of their peers.
ATP Flight School became the bridge that closed the gap between Fiona and her dream career.
Reaching the Airlines
Continuing the family legacy at Delta Air Lines
Today, Fiona is living the dream that once seemed far beyond her reach as an Airbus A220 First Officer at Delta Air Lines. What began as a desire to join her family’s legacy in aviation became a reality through hard work, perseverance, and the opportunities provided by ATP Flight School.
As a second-generation Delta pilot, Fiona’s journey serves as a reminder that even the biggest obstacles can be overcome when paired with determination and the right training program
She enjoys inspiring and encouraging curious kids who visit her in the flight deck, reminding them that they are capable of becoming pilots as she did
Watch Fiona's Experience
Hear Fiona share her journey from ATP Flight School to the flight deck at Delta Air lines.
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