Captain Kimberly Gabrelcik Pilots Woman Share Inspiration and Moments

These experts have a deep and unwavering dedication to outstanding flying skills. They take critically their command duty and authority. At the same time, they realize they’re no longer just flying planes, they’re flying human beings. That mindset informs the whole lot they do Women in the flight deck continue to be truly of a rarity: Only approximately 5 percent of commercial airline pilots in the U.S. Are ladies. Among the 3 pilots profiled right here, there's a positive feel of camaraderie.

Captain Kimberly Gabrelcik

One of the flights that Captain Kimberly Gabrelcik treasures most took place three years ago. Six of the authentic Bay Area “Rosie the Riveters” have been being commemorated at the White House for their paintings inside the shipyards in assist of World War II, and Gabrelcik captained their flight to Washington, D.C.

“These girls are so inspirational. They’re sharp, witty, sturdy and involved of their groups,” says Gabrelcik, who now regularly has lunch with the Rosies. “They shaped the route of records and showed that ladies may want to do some thing. For Gabrelcik, that has supposed piloting a business jet for Virgin America. When she was growing up close to Sea-Tac Airport, she says, “A wide variety of our associates had been pilots, however it by no means dawned on me that it become a activity I could pursue as a lady.”

One night at a night meal, Gabrelcik met a female who changed into a pilot. The spent simply 10 minutes speaking, however Gabrelcik had an epiphany: “Wow! This become some thing I ought to certainly do.” The next day, she started out plotting her career in aviation. Flying is a ardour that Gabrelcik enjoys sharing with others, as properly. She coordinates fundraisers and health center visits for Pilots for Kids in San Francisco, wherein she’s primarily based.

Gabrelcik additionally loves to deliver children into the flight deck before a flight, noting that it’s additionally essential for mother and father to witness that experience and recognize the opportunities for their toddler as part of the following era of aviators. That little piece of suggestion, she says, can cross a long manner.