March marks the beginning of Women’s History Month; a time when we reflect on the role of women and their contributions throughout history. In the aviation industry, Emily Howell Warner made history as the first U.S. airline captain in 1976. Decades later, more females are in the flight deck, and at SkyWest we’re excited to see a growing number of all-female crews flying together.

“When I started flying 40 years ago, female pilots were extremely rare,” said Captain Lisa Johnson. “I am always excited to have a female first officer.”

Recently, Captain Johnson and the rest of her all-female crew were the first commercial crew to land at the grand opening of the newly renovated Concourse B at the Memphis International Airport in Memphis, Tennessee (MEM).

The first officer for the memorable trip was Bailey Parks who is currently in the process of upgrading to captain. Captain Johnson shared tips and experiences to encourage Bailey as she takes the next step in her career.

The flight attendants, Mary Tincher and Ella Ika, completed the standout female team.

The women all shared that they worked together seamlessly. The teamwork and communication set the tone for an amazing flight.

“Being a woman in a mostly male-dominated field, I really enjoy flying with other female crewmembers,” said Captain Johnson. “It brings another level of camaraderie.”

Captain Joni Thiesse, First Officer Hui Wang, and Flight Attendants Karissa Whitehead and Wendy MacArthur Peters, who were also part of an all-female crew during a multi-day trip out of DEN recently, say they too felt that unique camaraderie on their flight.

During the trip, passengers would cheer or give support to the all-female crew. One hotel staff member even commented on how cool it was to see an all-female crew at check-in.

“Being a part of the SkyWest team that supports a flight crew of all women who have taken strong measures to accomplish things was meaningful,” said Wendy. “It was great to receive acknowledgement from the passengers as well as the support from SkyWest. I am honored to be part of such a great team!”

SkyWest is proud to support our current female aviators and is continually working to encourage and support more women joining the industry. This month we are a sponsor for the annual Women in Aviation Conference in Nashville and were able to support several upcoming female aviators by paying the entrance fees for the conference.

In honor of Black History Month, we asked several SkyWest team members to share their unique stories and tell us why this month is so important to them.

Hal Jackman Jr. – CRJ Captain, ORD

Five years ago, Hal Jackman, Jr. received a call from a friend who was also a SkyWest recruiter. He asked Hal if he’d ever considered flying for an airline. While they were discussing the merits of SkyWest and the prospect of Hal applying, the friend said, “Hey, hold on,” and Hal was put on hold. While he was waiting for his friend to return, he received another call. He answered and heard a friendly voice say, “Hal? This is Monica. I heard you’re interested in joining the SkyWest team!”

Hal was stunned and amused by his friend’s bold recruiting technique, but within a few minutes, Monica filled him in on SkyWest and he had an interview date.

“Now I’m flying for the best regional airline on earth,” said Hal. “And guess what, I’ve never looked back!”

During this month, Hal says he has been reflecting on his journey and what it means to be one of only a small number of Black airline pilots in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, just 3.9% of pilots are Black or African American.

“More than disbelief, I am filled with dedication each and every time I don my uniform and start my day,” Hal said. “I am dedicated to honoring and respecting the legacy of all those who paved the way for me to be where I am now. Undoubtedly, I soar on the wings of giants; giants like Emory Malick, the first African American to earn a pilot certificate in the United States, or Bessie Coleman, the first African American to earn an international pilot certificate, or the famed Tuskegee Airmen of WWII, or Captain Marlon Green, America’s first Black airline pilot who had to sue a legacy carrier just for the opportunity to earn a seat among his peers just a mere 60 years ago.”

These men and women, among others, were pioneers who helped make Hal’s dream of becoming a commercial pilot a reality.

“During this and every February I salute them, their achievements, and their sacrifice,” said Hal. “Because of them, I’ve been able to soar boldly in the direction of my dreams without looking back.”

Brandon Long – Supervisor Warranty, HDQ

Brandon Long was bit by the traveling bug at age 17 when his adventurous nature caused him to move across the country. He hasn’t stopped traveling since and, while his travels have taken him around the globe, his curiosity for the travel industry was piqued.

That intrigue brought him to SkyWest more than a year ago and he is excited about the opportunity to work in the airline industry. Since starting, he has gained an immense amount of knowledge about what happens in the aviation industry and how many people it takes to keep our aircraft flying.

When asked about what this month means to him and his transition into the aviation industry, Brandon said:

“Black History Month is all about integrity, leadership, and determination,” he said when asked about what this month means to him. “It’s about showing your character.”

The achievements made throughout history have changed the way we get to live today, and we are thankful for SkyWest team members like Hal and Brandon who continue to carry the torch, and who continue to act as role models for others to follow.

February marks the start of Black History Month, honoring African American men and women and celebrating the contributions they’ve made.

This includes many of our own SkyWest employees. Throughout the month we’ll be sharing some of their stories and highlighting how they are making an impact or inspiring others around them.

Michelle McElwee – Flight Attendant, DTW

Michelle has been on the SkyWest team for more than three years. She was inspired to get her wings after seeing her daughter, who is also a flight attendant, join the industry and fall in love with aviation.

Her passion for all things aviation has also led her to write a children’s book called I Found My Wings. The book follows Shelly, a young, Black girl, who is apprehensive about her first flight experience. Michelle wanted to showcase the diversity of flying and give young Black girls and boys inspiration to travel and to believe in their own dreams and aspirations.

“This is what Black History Month is all about,” she said. “Being inspired by each other, dreaming, working, and representation.”

LaWanda Williams – Flight Attendant, DTW

LaWanda knew she wanted to work in the travel industry, and after learning about SkyWest, the choice was a no-brainer. She was initially excited about the flight privileges on each of our mainline partners, but soon after being hired she discovered how much she loves being part of our SkyWest team.

“My grandmother and mother were women who traveled and would share stories about the places they visited,” said LaWanda. “I was given the opportunity to fulfill my dream job and now their stories don’t compare to mine!”

For LaWanda, Black History Month means the world gets the opportunity to know the accomplishments Black people have contributed to making our world a better place. She remembers her grandfather’s candy company that makes peanut patties, peanut brittle, and peppermint candy. His sweet treats can still be found in grocery stores across Texas. Another standout memory for her is the Black women’s contributions to America’s moon landing.

“I love my job and that no two days are the same,” she said. “And, I am happy to share my story and remember my predecessors through Black History Month.”

SkyWest crewmembers Captain Casey M., First Officer Daniel T., and Flight Attendants Sydney W. and Hunter H. recently had the chance to welcome a few special passengers onboard a CRJ at The Wings For Autism event at Minot International Airport (MOT). This special event provided an opportunity for kids and their families to experience all the realities of flight without ever leaving the ground.

As part of the event, the young fliers went through check-in and security, then boarded the SkyWest plane for a “special” flight. Once onboard the children got to see the flight deck, listen to the safety announcements, and hear the engines spool up. Flight attendants Sydney and Hunter provided an exceptional cabin experience, including top-notch beverage and snack service to the young passengers. 

SkyWest is proud to partner with The Autism Research Center (The ARC) and the TSA to provide opportunities for families with special needs children to experience what it’s like to take a real commercial flight. These Wings for Autism events are a great way to alleviate some of the stress that is experienced when traveling by air because families and individuals have a chance to practice the process in advance. SkyWest has sponsored several Wings for Autism events over the years and we look forward to more opportunities in the future. 

Thank you to our crews for going above and beyond with this event, and to all those who made it possible.

Near the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Clint Cawley, a SkyWest Airlines first officer, kicked off a nationwide celebration of WWII Veterans with a very special passenger.

Joining him in a Stearman aircraft was none other than his grandfather, John Glomstad whom he refers to as “Farfar,” meaning grandfather in Norwegian. Farfar served in the Navy during WWII as a 2nd Class Radar Technician.

Farfar’s energy was inspiring. Adding to the excitement of the day, he also shared countless stories and memories from his service.

“My first job choice was to be a radar technician,” said Farfar. “At that time, it was a new rate, and very specialized, it took over a year of training.”

Farfar recalls his role being so new, his fellow sailors did not know what the insignias on his patches meant.

This flight is part of an effort known as Operation September Freedom. For two months, the Dream Flights Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is hosting similar flights across the country to celebrate other WWII Veterans and the contributions they made through their service.

Clint has been a volunteer pilot for the Dream Flights Foundation for three years, flying his own Stearman. This year he and his wife, a fellow pilot, donated the biplane to the foundation.

Renamed the Spirit of The Pacific it will be used to tell the story of the Pacific Theater and used to help honor our nation’s Veterans.

“This is a great event,” said Farfar, “it brings awareness to faith, country, and freedom. Joining the Navy was the experience of my life, and flying with Clint is the culmination of my time in the service,” reflected Farfar.

Thank you to Clint and all those involved in this admirable cause to give back to our nation’s Veterans.