What airplanes have you flown during your career?

Thyra:
I started on the Beechcraft Sport/Sundowners and remember feeling nervous about getting checked out in the C152/172 due to the “high wing”. I taught in the Tampico/Trinidads and briefly flew the C210/310 on evening bank check runs. There were a few other light aircraft here and there for training, aerobatics, or fun.

Have you had/have any mentors throughout the years?

Thyra:
None officially, but I found many to look up to through WAI, the Ninetynines and ISA+21.

How did you become interested in aviation?

Thyra:
I wanted to see the world and thought it would be more fun in the front office, and have a much better view than the little hole of a window I had in the back of a Pan Am 747 on an Atlantic Crossing, on tour with the Chicago Youth Sympthony Orchestra, when I was 17.  My favourite seat was at the wings so I could watch and wonder what all those moving bits were for and where all the hoses and wires connected to when the spoilers lifted on landing.

Do you have any future aviation goals you hope to achieve?

Thyra:
I hope to retire from the left seat of something “heavy” and get a seaplane rating.

Do you live in base or commute?

Thyra:
I live in base. For  a while I commuted by ferry from Waiheke Island. The commute was beautiful and only took 1.5-3hrs depending on traffic and ferry timing but I often needed an extra night in town before or after work.  In the states my commute was 2.5hr drive, no traffic no blizzard, so it was pretty idyllic.

What have been some recent challenges you have faced?

Thyra:
Adjusting to changing family life and moving. The kids leave home whether I’m ready or not. We moved to town for Secondary schools and easier commute for me. Then lockdown and grandkids  moved in, so we found a bigger house…..never a dull moment.

What would you say to girls looking to become an airline pilot?

Thyra:
Why not?  You get to operate amazing machinery with awesome crew members, watch the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets and fly to incredible locations.  It’s predictable yet every flight is different.  The schedule (and pay) is much better in the front of the plane.  We now have maternity uniforms, parental leave, and flexible rostering options…it keeps getting better.