In Our Own Words: Taking Dreams to Reality

Aviation has always been my passion, a love affair that began with the simple act of looking up at the sky and dreaming of flight

I'm here to share with you my inspiring journey from a small-town Punjab in India to the cockpit of a commercial airliner soaring through the skies of the United States. Strap in because it's been quite a ride!

I was born in India, but destiny had other plans for me. At the age of 7, I found myself crossing oceans and continents to settle in California. While I've called the Golden State home for most of my life, I embarked on a transformative adventure during my high school years, spending three exhilarating years at a Cambridge boarding school back in India. Those years shaped me in ways I couldn't have imagined.

Aviation has always been my passion, a love affair that began with the simple act of looking up at the sky and dreaming of flight. Little did I know that one day, I would be the one behind the controls, making those dreams a reality. Thanks to California Aeronautical University (CAU), I've been able to turn my passion into a profession.

When I'm not up in the air, you can find me enjoying the simple joys of life—spending time with loved ones, going to the gym to stay fit, delving into the pages of a good book, or expressing myself through the strokes of a paintbrush. But flying, oh flying, that's where my heart truly lies.

My high school years in India weren't just about academics; they were about leadership and growth. As the school captain during my senior year, I had the privilege of representing my peers, honing invaluable leadership skills that serve me well every day as an airline pilot. It was during this time that I received the prestigious ISA+21 "International Society of Women Airline Pilots" scholarship in 2021, igniting a flame within me to pave the way for more women in aviation.

Becoming a pilot wasn't always part of the plan. In fact, I never even considered it a possibility, simply because I had never seen a female pilot before. But life has a funny way of surprising us, doesn't it? Stepping into the world of aviation was a daunting challenge, but one that I embraced wholeheartedly. And I fell in love! Flying became not just a career but a calling—something I couldn't imagine my life without.

The journey wasn't without its hurdles. Coming from an immigrant Indian family, the idea of becoming a pilot wasn't always met with unanimous approval. Thanks to the unwavering support of my parents, especially my dad, I found the courage to pursue my dreams despite the naysayers.

Before finding my wings at CAU, I faced setbacks at a Part 61 flight school. Doubt crept in, threatening to ground me before I even took off. But CAU was like a beacon of hope, offering a structured curriculum and a supportive community that helped me spread my wings once again.

Today, I proudly wear the uniform of a first officer at SkyWest Airlines, with an upcoming promotion to captain just around the corner. The journey from doubting myself to sitting in the cockpit of a commercial airliner has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Looking ahead, I see endless possibilities. In 10 years’ time, I envision myself flying a widebody aircraft across the Pacific for a mainline airline, continuing to inspire young girls who dare to dream beyond the confines of convention.

To all the aspiring pilots out there, I have one piece of advice: believe in yourself. Your dreams are valid, no matter how improbable they may seem. Embrace the challenges, trust the process, and never forget to find joy in the journey. After all, the sky's the limit—quite literally!

Here's to chasing dreams, defying odds, and soaring to new heights. Remember, the only limit is the one you set for yourself. Go on, spread your wings, and fly. The world is waiting for you.

Mannat Toor, WAI 141506, is flying the CRJ as a SkyWest Airlines captain based in Fresno, California.