Aislynn Mandaloniz, First Generation Commercial Pilot, Takes Flight
“Growing up, I can’t remember dreaming of being anything other than a pilot,” Aislynn recalls. “So, I went for it.” After high school, Aislynn attended the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where she studied Aeronautical Science. Graduating in just three years with a bachelor’s degree, she became the University’s first female to receive a pilot’s license.
Aislynn chose LIFT because of the direct pathway to Republic Airways with connections to three major codeshare partners: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Reflecting on her time at LIFT, she attributes her success to those she trained with. “I was fortunate to meet so many skilled pilots and instructors who contributed to my success.” And flying Bryan Bedford, Republic Airways President and CEO? She did that too! “Flying Bryan to Republic’s 50th Anniversary event is probably one of my greatest memories to date.”
As Aislynn embarks on the next leg of her career journey, she will be flying for Cape Air, operating passenger flights across the Midwest, Montana, the Northeast and the Caribbean. “While going through First Officer training at Cape Air, I was paired with an instructor who had retired from United after 30 years flying Captain of the 747, 787 and 777. Where else could I find an instructor with that level of experience?” Although the transition from LIFT Academy to Cape Air came with a learning curve, she is grateful for the opportunity and excited about the future. “I couldn’t be more grateful for what I have accomplished, where I am now and where I will be in a few years—all made possible from one step of enrolling at LIFT.”
For aspiring pilots looking for advice, Aislynn offers this:
“If you are seeking a career, make sure this is something you truly want to do for the rest of your life. Aviation is hard, but it is far worth it. It requires enormous amounts of self-discipline, but the end result is immeasurable.”
If you are a flight student looking for fuel to keep going, hear this:
“If you are a current flight student at LIFT or somewhere else, just keep pushing. Study more than you fly, and don’t forget to look out the window and take it all in. It’s easy to forget why you started, but learning to enjoy the ride will get you through hard times in flight training.”
Are you ready to start your own journey toward becoming an airline pilot? Fly with LIFT.
