F/O Jann Lumbrazo (United)
'Girls Can Do Anything They Want To Do'
When I was eight years old, my brother and sister and I convinced our parents to take us on an airplane trip to California. TWA had a “kids fly free” special, so my parents, along with my grandmother, took us three kids to Los Angeles—we always took driving vacations, so this was a big deal!
It was 1988, and I was amazed at everything that was happening at the airport and on the airplane. When we were sitting on the plane, I remember telling my mom that I thought being a stewardess (at that time, that’s what the flight attendants were called) was the coolest job ever. They got to fly around all day and visit different places. I told her I wanted to be a stewardess when I grew up. She asked me if I wanted to be a pilot.
I thought for a moment, and asked her, “Can girls fly planes?” I remember her answer so vividly; she told me, “Girls can do anything they want to do! Besides, pilots make more money!” She then showed me an article from the seatback magazine about one of the first female pilots for TWA. From that moment on, I decided I was going to be a pilot.
I didn’t return to flying until I was 16 and fortunate enough to travel with a group (including my mom) to Europe for 16 days. Our flight to London was delayed over 15 hours, and we got to spend the night at the Chicago O’Hare Hilton. Just being at the airport that long was thrilling to me! I’m sure everyone else was upset by the delay, but I was delighted. The next day we left on a British Airways B-747, and during the flight I was allowed to visit the cockpit. I think I was up there for over an hour with three of the nicest gentlemen ever. They took time to answer all of my questions and show me everything. I never forgot that, and love it now when I can bring kids into the flight deck for a visit.
My first flight at the controls in a small airplane happened in college, at University of Illinois's Institute of Aviation. It was a hot August afternoon; we took off and flew over Champaign, and I was in awe! I remember feeling pretty queasy in the back seat, but when it was my turn to get up front and sit at the controls, that queasy feeling went away. It was magical.
Fast-forward 24 years, and now I’m flying 737s for United Airlines. I couldn’t be happier with my choice in career. Not every kid finds their passion at the age of eight, but I did. And without the love and support of my family—including my biggest cheerleader, my mom—it wouldn’t be as sweet. So thank you, Betty Waldhauser, you truly are my inspiration!
