Tailwind Air’s chief pilot, Maria Maas Pettit, recalls the precise moment the idea of becoming a pilot took root in her mind.
She was merely seven years old, journeying from South Dakota to Los Angeles with her mother on Northwest Airlines. That inaugural flight marked the first time she experienced the exhilaration of flying.
During the journey, a Northwest flight attendant presented Pettit with a set of the airline’s iconic “wings,” sparking a pivotal conversation that would shape her future.
Early Encouragement and Inspiration
The flight attendant suggested, “Someday, you could be a flight attendant.” However, it was Pettit’s mother who, leaning down, added, “Or, you can sit up front and fly the plane.” These words kindled a relentless drive within young Maria, propelling her from the tranquil plains of South Dakota to the commanding heights of modern business jet aviation and ultimately to her current role as the chief pilot at Tailwind.
Pettit comes from a non-aviation background, growing up on her family’s dairy farm in the small South Dakota town of Corsica. Her formative years on the farm instilled in her a profound work ethic and a keen sense of responsibility.
The Journey Begins
While she was not initially fixated on aviation, Pettit nurtured an innate desire to explore the world beyond her rural roots. This wanderlust, coupled with an aptitude test that recommended a career as a boat captain or an airline pilot, solidified her resolve.
At first, the military seemed the only viable path to a pilot’s career. Yet, after a denial from the United States Air Force Academy, a timely suggestion from a school administrative advisor opened up a new possibility – pursuing aviation degrees at select colleges.
Overcoming Obstacles
Her father, initially skeptical due to his perception of the dangers of flying, influenced her decision to enroll at Dakota Wesleyan University. Despite this initial hesitation, Pettit pursued her dream, studying math and playing basketball while taking flight lessons on the side.
She eventually transferred to the University of North Dakota, renowned for its robust aviation studies program, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in commercial aviation.
Soaring to New Heights
Equipped with her licenses and ratings, Pettit embarked on her professional journey. Initially, she served as a flight instructor in White Plains, New York, before transitioning to Tradewind Aviation, where she flew to various vacation destinations and exotic locales. Seeking further advancement, she piloted different aircraft for various companies, ultimately joining Tailwind in 2018.
Taking on Leadership Roles
At Tailwind, Pettit’s role expanded beyond piloting to managing a team of pilots and flight attendants. Her dedication and leadership qualities propelled her to the position of assistant chief pilot before ultimately assuming the role of chief pilot.
Managing Challenges and Inspiring Change
With a keen focus on supporting her team, Pettit acknowledges the challenges in retaining pilots in the current competitive aviation landscape. Despite facing gender bias in the industry, she persevered, relying on her capabilities and determination to prove her worth in the cockpit.
Pettit’s story exemplifies how a few words of encouragement can ignite a passion that transcends barriers, enabling individuals to soar to new heights and shatter stereotypes in the process.
Save as PDFAuthor
