Dalcomm Tech is proud to honor @cooperthepilot (her Instagram name) for her hard work, care for others and simply inspirational example! Per her request we are only using her online profile names. But, even as such, you will quickly see that she a brand worth following, learning from and sharing. Please enjoy and share!

In Her Own Words

Orphaned at age three. I managed to survive until I was adopted by an American family at age five. My departure required getting on the “flying house”…a huge airplane. We [orphans] had never seen one and it was so luxurious. We each got our own seat and was given hot meals. This was quite the experience as we did not even have electricity at the orphanage.

Growing up I never forgot the excitement I felt of floating above the ocean in my first airplane ride. The take-off had been my favorite part because it not only brought on wanderlust but also it meant freedom and hopes of a new life.

There are many reasons that I did not become a pilot at a young age. My story is full of challenges. Even a time of homelessness. I was able to rebuild my life by teaching music and now have my own studio.  I teach all instruments and vocal lessons.  Then I met my husband who is my biggest aviation fan. No, he is not a pilot or aviation affiliated. But he saw that I truly thrive on adventure and admired my passion for becoming a pilot. In 2014 I signed up for accelerated flight lessons. I trained five days a week for six weeks. On August 26, 2014 I received my private pilot certificate.

My path does not include a career in the airlines. I do have hopes to be able to assist in drop shipments during white-water rafting trips. This past year I began helicopter add-on training to fly to the secluded areas of the rivers in the future. My husband and I have had an excursions outfit for 14 years. We take people white-water rafting, skiing/snowboarding, scuba-diving, extreme overnight hiking and on camping adventures. We actually provide this service for free and include meals.  It is our way of giving back to those who would not normally get to experience these kind of adventures.  This summer I will be travelling to earn my seaplane rating.

Air racing is my ultimate favorite sport. As a Private Pilot I often fly alone. I get exposed to CRM as a racer. The challenges it brings and the skills that you learn while working with a co-pilot has fed my competitive spirit.  Speaking of competition, I also love to compete in pageants. I had not competed since I was young. I lost 70 lbs and then rewarded with the crown of Mrs. California a few months ago and will be competing for the Mrs. American title, the preliminary to Mrs. World.  If I win, I will be the first pilot to hold the title.

Pilots have many dreams of adventure. Flying aerobatics has been fun. Then I was able to complete a wing-walking flight with aerobatics. This is where you climb out of the plane in flight, strap yourself to the top of the wings and do loops and rolls! It was absolutely exhilarating! I was born too late for the moon and too early for Mars, but I still dream of experiencing space. So one of my many goals is to do a stratosphere flight.  Since I was a little girl I have wanted to fly like a bird.  I will be completing my skydiving certificate in hopes to qualify for a special women’s RedBull team that trains in wingsuit flying.

I have met many women who tell me they have always wanted to fly but…they have children, they think that they aren’t smart enough, scared or have too many challenges in their lives to pursue their dream. This lit a fire in my heart to work on changing the perception of WHO can become pilots.  I have seven children now, two of which I flew pregnant up to the day they were born. They also flew with me within days of being born!

I give back to the aviation community by giving flights to Young Eagles and women who show interest in becoming a pilot, serving on the board of several organizations, and donating my time to fundraising for scholarships.  In 2018 my family and I were inducted into the Museum of Women Pilots for our support of the aviation community.  My passion is to inspire women to achieve their dreams.

The Info:

IG: @cooperthepilot

Bakersfield 99s – Chapter Chair

SWS 99s – 2020-2022 Vice Governor,  WINGS Program Chair

99s Intl – Membership/YouTube Admin

WAI Jazz with Wings Band Member

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