Smiling person in pilot-style uniform with white shirt and black tie standing in front of a large jet engine intake inside an aircraft hangar

Courtney Papion

First Officer at SkyWest Airlines

Courtney Papion is a first officer for a SkyWest, based out of LAX. A graduate of California Aeronautical University, she holds CFI, CFII, MEI, and ATP certifications. When she’s not flying, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and exploring new adventures.

Guidance from Courtney

"If you're struggling with something, odds are you need to go back to the basics. If a maneuver or ground lesson isn't clicking on the plane or on the ground, you need to check your understanding and make sure you have a basic knowledge to build off of."

Academic Program

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics

View Program Details

Success Journey

Mar '19

Enrolled in the Aeronautics bachelors degree program.

Joined SkyWest Cadet Program

Joined SkyWest's Pilot Pathway Program while working toward bachelor's degree.

Hired

Hired as CFI at CAU.

Oct '22

Graduated with Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from CAU.

Mar '23

Enrolled in Aviation Science masters degree program.

Hired

Hired at SkyWest

Memberships & Affiliations

CAU Flight Team

Read Story

Woman wearing sunglasses sitting in the open cockpit of a white-and-red military jet with canopy raised against blue sky

In Our Own Words by Courtney Papion

April 8, 2025 April 9, 2025 Courtney Papion Alumni

Growing up in Bakersfield, California, I always had a strong support system. My family taught me to work hard and never back down from the challenges of life, and those...

Steps to Success

I joined the SkyWest cadet program but most importantly stayed in touch with friends and instructors after graduating. Seeing the way they stand out in their own company helped me reach me reach my own career goals.

Future Goals

I definitely want to upgrade but also value my quality of life and will seek out opportunities that provide a good work/life balance.

Accolades

One of the first members of the CAU Flight Team.

Certificates Earned

Student Pilot Certificate

Private Pilot Certificate

Commercial Pilot Certificate

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII)

**Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate

Ratings Earned

Multi-Engine Pilot Rating

Instrument Pilot Rating

**CAU prepares students for the ATP certificate; the ATP itself is issued only by the FAA. Students younger than 23 or who have obtained fewer than 1,500 hours are eligible for the ATP with restrictions (Learn more about the R-ATP).

More CAU Alumni Success

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First Officer at Delta Air Lines

Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics
Master of Aviation Science

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