It’s no secret that training to become a pilot takes a few years of dedication, preparation, hours in the sky and hard work. And while a pilot’s life is an exciting one that offers many unique perks, there is a demanding side to it as well. Constantly changing, hectic schedules and job stress can have an effect on a pilot’s physical well-being. As with any job, being a pilot comes with its own set of ups and downs, and we’re not just talking about ascending and descending.

LIFT Academy and Republic Airways are proud supporters of Women in Aviation initiatives and actively work to engage women and girls in understanding that a career as a pilot is possible no matter your gender, race or beliefs. With the current and increasingly looming pilot shortage—637,000 pilots will be needed worldwide by the year 2036—the need is great and the door is open wider than ever.

Even cooler than Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine, our LIFT Lab gets a big “Whoa!” and “Wow!” and even the occasional “Zoinks!” with aviation fans whenever it hits the road. The LIFT Lab is our mobile virtual reality flight simulator that first debuted in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for the 2018 EAA AirVenture airshow. Attendees were treated to the experience of what it feels like to fly an airplane, all from the comfort of our customized van.

Pinch us! After months of planning and replanning, long days and sleepless nights spent putting together a flight training academy from scratch, on September 4, 2018, LIFT Academy students began their first day of training. It was truly an exciting and emotional day for students and staff alike.