By Jeff Jorgenson
flyGIRL
There are many ways to become a pilot and opportunities aren’t always realized in the way we envision. I had the opportunity to interview an up-and-coming pilot, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Natalie Kelley. ME: So how did flyGIRL start? NATALIE: My dad was a Navy pilot, flew for the airlines for a while and then retired as a FedEx pilot. ME: So you got your aviation bug from your dad? NATALIE: Not really. Flying was always work for him and I never really got to fly with my dad. My uncle is an aerobatic pilot and he took me for many rides as a young girl and I was immediately hooked! I decided to get my pilot license very early on after I began flying with him. ME: So how long have you been flying? NATALIE: I mostly raised a family first and only got my private pilot license in 2017. ME: So you’re a recent pilot, that’s great! So what inspired you to start flyGIRL? NATALIE: I got a plane in order to build hours and be able to travel. I fell in love with the general aviation community. Everyone is so nice and so encouraging. But I noticed not as many women were becoming pilots and didn’t seem to have an interest, but then I sort of understood because its a little intimidating at first. I want women to be more included. I think they just need to know that it is possible and I want to encourage women with a little push. ME: So tell me about flyGIRL. NATALIE: We have developed some women’s clothing and
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other products for aviation. There’s not a lot out there and I think it’s a way to make women feel more included and excited to show their interest in aviation. ME: So how is that going? NATALIE: It is great! We started the website which has become successful. We’re planning a number of improvements and we’re growing. ME: That’s exciting. I know my daughter would love to have aviation fashion to wear. So as you’re growing, you mentioned you’re also passionate about encouraging women. How is that going? NATALIE: We have been working with Sporty’s Pilot Shop and are offering a $5000 scholarship for women to get flight training with Sporty’s in Cincinnati. ME: That’s great. So have you done your pilot training through Sporty’s? NATALIE: Well, most of it but not all. I just attended a free workshop in Oklahoma with the FAA that included water survival and introduction to hypoxia. It was a great experience. I’ve also attended events hosted by Women in Aviation. For more information on flyGIRL, visit flygirlllc.com For more information on FAA aviation programs, visit FAA.gov