Another Week from the Left Seat

Wrapping up yet another week flying from the left-hand seat and I can definitely say I’m starting to settle in. Getting used to this new seat, finding the right cushion height… it’s all coming together.

After flying as a First Officer for eleven years, which includes three years instructing in the simulator and nearly two years on maternity leave, let’s say I had at least six solid years of full-time line flying. In all that time, I only flew with a female Captain twice.

Now, stepping into the left seat myself, I’ve already flown with five different female First Officers and one of them twice. It definitely brings a different dynamic to the flight deck. Conversations flow a little differently, the atmosphere feels unique.

But let me be clear, it’s not about one gender being better than the other. We’re equals up there, with the same responsibilities, the same skills, the same training.

As I said in my TEDx Talk a few years ago:

“There’s nothing in flying an airplane that makes it easier because you’re a man, and nothing that makes it harder because you’re a woman.”

Couldn’t put it better even today.

Blue skies and happy flying,

Maria ✈️