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 lessons have stayed with me throughout my journey. Whether I was playing sports, tackling AP courses, or chasing new experiences, my family, especially my grandfather, was always there, pushing me to try harder and refine my skills. Little did I know that a chance glance at an airport hangar would change my life forever.
I found aviation in a slightly unconventional way. I was flying home from my previous college during winter break when I noticed the large California Aeronautical University (CAU) hangar from the terminal at Meadows Field Airport. That moment sparked something in me. Suddenly, I constantly found myself looking up at the sky whenever I heard a plane. Two weeks later, I made the decision to pursue aviation at CAU— which ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.
The second that I became immersed in aviation I knew that it was what I wanted to do and that I was going to work as hard as I needed to in order to achieve my goals of being a professional pilot. There is no other feeling in the world that I can compare flying to, and it is so rewarding at the end of the day.
I chose CAU for many reasons such as the fact that the main campus is in my hometown which allowed me to be closer to my family while still obtaining a quality education. CAU gave me the ability to start flying my first term as a student, which is rare for university programs, and many of their aircraft are new and well-maintained. CAU also partners with various airlines which help graduates secure jobs once their training is completed. These programs helped me get hired at a regional airline.
One of my biggest hurdles during training wasn’t the coursework or the flying itself—it was developing confidence in my flying ability. I had to learn to trust myself in the flight deck. Thanks to a handful of talented flight instructors, I learned to trust my own abilities and after that my flying capability reached new heights. The number one piece of advice that I would offer incoming students is don’t be afraid to ask your instructors and friends for help. Aviation is a team effort, and I found that when I asked for help as a student there were a number of people who were ready and willing to assist me.
After completing my training, I joined a commercial airliner as a first officer, based out of LAX. I chose the airline industry because I felt that the airlines offered me the best path for my own personal development as a pilot.
In just one year, I have seen my skills as a pilot grow exponentially and I couldn’t believe how much experience I had gained in such a short time. I believe I work alongside some of the best pilots and flight attendants in the industry, and I love exploring the different places I’ll visit on my work trips. Traveling and aviation are some of my biggest passions so getting to enjoy that with like-minded, hardworking individuals is my favorite part of my job.
Looking ahead, I see myself continuing to grow within the airline industry. In ten years, I hope to be a captain at the airline where I’ll spend the rest of my career. I hope to be involved with my company’s training department because flight instruction is a part of the industry I truly enjoy, and I’d love the chance to teach at a higher level.
For those just beginning their aviation journey, my advice is to enjoy the journey because it goes by a lot faster than you think it will. Some of my fondest memories are from my flight school and airline training. Never say no to an opportunity to fly, especially if it’s to fly with someone new. I learned so much by flying with a multitude of different pilots. And never forget the fundamentals—even at the highest levels of commercial aviation, the basic skills you learn as a student pilot will always be essential.
Learn more about Courtney’s Journey at CAU.
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Courtney Papion is a first officer for a regional airline 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.
