October
2021
Airline: United Airlines
Crew Position: Captain
Aircraft: Boeing 757/767
Domicile: Newark, New Jersey
What is the year and location of the flight school you attended?
Evey:
University of North Dakota: 1987-1990
What airplanes have you flown during your career?
Evey:
Cessna 150/152/172/180/182/210/310/320/414/421, Mooney M20J, Stearman M75, Piper Seneca/Aztec/Navajo, King Air 200, Metroliner, ATR42, ATR72, BAEATP, B737-200 thru 900, B757-200/300, B767-200/300/400
Have you had/have any mentors throughout the years?
Evey:
Many, mostly men, however my first female mentor was my second flight instructor. We talk to this day!
How did you become interested in aviation?
Evey:
This is one of my favorite stories. An assignment was given to me in middle school. Go interview a person doing a job you think you can NOT do. I ended up at the airport, liked airplanes, never dreamed of flying one. In my head only men, specifically military men, became airline pilots. I interviewed a flight instructor; he took me flying and I was bit hard by the aviation bug… Thank you teachers everywhere who think out of the box!
Do you have any future aviation goals you hope to achieve?
Evey:
My goal is to change the training industry by utilizing modern technologies to enhance safety, standardization, and enjoyment in pilot training. I started a virtual reality pilot training company 4 years ago and look forward to seeing the shift coming to an airline near you soon!
Can you tell us a little about your Breast Cancer journey?
Evey:
I was “livin the dream”… this is an often used phrase by pilots…especially when things are not going as planned.
…. After four surgeries, 20 rounds of chemo, 6 weeks of daily radiation, and 8 weeks of physical therapy……I was tired. My Greek mother and father did not leave my side for 9 months. My husband, brothers, neighbors, and other acquaintances shaved their heads in solidarity. I was instantly inducted into the bald man group, but I could get ready in 4 minutes flat. I knew I was lucky as I had my faith, family, friends and profession to help me navigate each step like a pilot’s emergency checklist. Every phase of treatment and recovery was broken down into smaller steps to be conquered. This diagnosis and the subsequent treatments left me weak and tired but not defeated. I had been flying since I was 16 and it never dawned on me that this privilege would be taken away by cancer. I was determined to get back to flying.
My airline was very good to me. Even though I could not fly they found various projects for me to keep my mind busy; but it wasn’t enough, I needed something to look forward to, something to get my mind off the cancer. I decided to go back to school for an MBA. Without the amazing experience at Northwestern’s, Kellogg, School of Management, I would not be where I am, CEO of a startup with the opportunity to tell the world about my journey. Hoping to inspire….to add to the melting pot….to encouraging future pilots to come fly with me. I’ve recently requalified in the captain’s seat of the 767, free and clear of cancer!
What have been some recent challenges you have faced?
Evey:
Trying to make a generational leap in pilot training has been met with a LOT of resistance. “We have always done it this way, this way is proven, why should we change something that works good? My answer; “Good is the enemy of great!”
What would you say to girls looking to become an airline pilot?
Evey:
Great choice! How can I help?
What do you feel is a benefit to being an ISA+21 member?
Evey:
It is a safe zone for all! Talking to fellow aviatrixes from around the world and discussing issues and identify solutions is extremely fulfilling. I am at the point in my career where I can look back and reflect, to better understand what went well and what could have gone better. Having the opportunity to share that with other members and provide mentoring makes my heart smile.
