SkyWest Flight Attendant Diane Hansen had big dreams to become a stewardess in the 1960s. Unfortunately, she never reached the 5’2” standard that was required.

“I had a measuring tape attached to my doorframe and I would measure myself, but I never grew,” she said. As there were no exceptions to the rules, Diane decided she would never be a flight attendant. Thankfully this didn’t dampen her love for the aviation industry.

In fact, years after putting her dream to become a flight attendant on hold, Diane became involved in the volunteer Navigator Program at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport where she helps passengers as they are flying in and out. Through her volunteer efforts for the last 17 years, she has also encountered many flight attendants in the airport. Eventually she thought, “This is my dream. If I don’t try now, I’ll lose my chance.”

Diane thought no one would want to hire a 70-year-old flight attendant but after applying to several airlines she received an offer from both SkyWest and Frontier Airlines.

“It was an easy decision to go with SkyWest,” she said. “It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve been here for three years and I’m having more fun than I could possibly believe.”

“You can’t say that you can’t do something because you’re too old,” said Diane. Her inspiring story is a great example of following your dreams and we are so happy to have her on the SkyWest team! If you’re ready to follow your aviation dreams, visit our careers page today!