EP5 Open Skies: An interview with a Commercial Pilot at Southwest Airlines

Ever had a laid back chat with a commercial pilot? If not, it’s your lucky day! Captain Noel Leslie with Southwest Airlines warmly welcomes us into the flight deck to teach us about the inner workings of commercial piloting. He shares a ton of resources to help the next generation of pilots in training and even gives us a glimpse into how future technologies may impact the world of commercial airlines 25 years from now.

1. RESOURCES AND PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH INTERESTED IN AVIATION

-Academy of Model Aeronautics Young Aviators Program: https://www.modelaircraft.org/youngaviators

-Eagle Flight Squadron in East Orange, New Jersey: https://www.eagleflightsquadron.com/about-us

-Federal Aviation Administration ACE Academy Schools across the country: https://www.faa.gov/education/ace_academy

-Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) Aerospace Career Education Academy: https://obap.org/outreach-programs/ace-academy/

-Southwest Airlines “Adopt a pilot” program: https://www.southwest.com/citizenship/people/community-outreach/adopt-a-pilot-program/

-Learn about the largest civilian flight school in the country, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: https://erau.edu/degrees/aviation

-U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics “How to Become an Airline or Commercial Pilot” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm#tab-4

-O*NET national database of occupational information: Commercial Pilot summary https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-2012.00

-Fly for the Culture, based in North Carolina: A nonprofit that serves young people interested in pursuing aviation professions https://flyfortheculture.org

-The Brock Foundation, based in Georgia: A nonprofit promoting initiatives that serve inner-city minority children as it relates to discovering careers in aviation https://www.thebrockfoundationinc.com

-Women in Aviation “Girls in Aviation Day” https://www.wai.org/giad
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2. OTHER HELPFUL ORGANIZATIONS:
-Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals: Dedicated to increasing minority participation in aerospace through exposure, training, mentoring and scholarships OBAP.org

-Sisters of the Skies: An organization of professional black female pilots who are committed to diversifying the skies sistersoftheskies.org

-The Ninety-Nines Inc.: International organization of licensed women pilots from 44 countries: Inspiring Women Pilots Since 1929 Ninety-nines.org

-Women in Aviation International: Dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation and aerospace career fields https://www.wai.org