August
2024
Ella Lindskoug
Airline: Delta Air Lines
Crew Position: First Officer
Aircraft: A330
Domicile: JFK
Where did you do your flight training?
Ella:
Middle Tennessee State University
What airplanes have you flown during your career?
Ella:
I have flown the DA40/20, Piper Arrow and Cherokee, Cessna 172/152/ 310, Piper Seminole, Super decathlon, MX2, Embraer 175, Albatross, and Airbus 330
How did you get interested in aviation?
Ella:
I’m a third generation pilot so I’ve always known there’s nothing I would rather do than fly.
Have you had/have any mentors throughout the years?
Ella:
Yes so many!! I truly wouldn’t be where I’m at in this industry without my incredible community. The aviation world is so unique because everyone I have had the pleasure of meeting wants to help you. I’ve heard the saying “I’m paying it forward because of the help I have received in the past.” It goes to show that this is a long standing tradition. To help fellow pilots out in all the stages of their career. I think my biggest mentor is my Dad. He’s been my cheerleader since day one and I wouldn’t be the pilot I am today without him.
Ella:
Yes! I would love to do more aerobatic flying and get my seaplane rating. I also want to serve on an ALPA committee for Delta soon.
Ella:
I started my airline career in one of the most chaotic times in our industry. My IOE at Envoy Air was in March 2020. On day two of the trip the entire world shut down. It felt as though right as I was starting my airline career it ended. I was furloughed for 10 months and it was devastating. However, I refused to let that bring me down. I focused on spending time with my family and doing the things I usually didn’t have time for due to work. When I got back to flying I dove right back in to earn as many hours as possible so I can reach my dream airline, Delta. I grew up knowing that this industry is inherently unstable but I had to learn first hand just how precious our jobs are. It made me appreciate every flight, after being stuck on the ground for almost a year.
What has ISA+21 meant to you in your aviation journey?
Ella:
Oh my gosh, I could go on forever about what ISA+21 means to me. These women, from day one, have welcomed me in with open arms. They have become incredible friends and mentors who have supported me more than they know. I have had opportunities to work with ISA at WAI and was able to attend my first Oshkosh because of this organization. I also love that I get to be part of a group that is so rich in history. We were founded by barrier-breaking women, and I am where I am today because of these ladies. It truly gives me chills thinking about our founders and what this organization was created upon. I am so grateful to be a part of ISA+21 and I cannot wait to see what memories I make with my girls by my side.
Go for it! There are so many opportunities, helpful groups, and scholarships available to women pursuing an airline career. Apply to anything and everything. Go to all the fly ins and aviation events you can. Jump in head first. It’s the greatest job in the world.
Anywhere in Italy. I love the history, food, and weather. I could go there every week and find a new adventure. Exploring is hands down of my favorite parts of this job.
What has been your favorite flight or aviation memory?
Ella:
There’s a lot so it’s hard to narrow down! I got to fly in the Air Race Classic in college and that was some of the most fun I’ve ever had in an airplane. We took the mighty Cessna 172 across the Grand Canyon, did a full stop in JFK, flew down the Hudson River, and visted lil airports in Canada. Also just last month I had a once in a lifetime flight in an Albatross, we landed on some of the lakes in Wisconsin and then flew into Oshkosh. Such an epic day, I don’t think I will ever top my first Oshkosh. Thankful for my awesome friends and being able to experience that!
Definitely the community you build as a member. I get to meet so many ladies at all the different airlines! Also going to conferences all around the world!! We get to do some incredible tours and adventures that is unlike any other group I have been a part of!
Ella:
Sunscreen! Then second would be my book of the week and headphones, life of a commuter!
