
Episode 35
Michelle & United Airlines Pilot Liz Blanco on Breaking Barriers, Career Comebacks, and Achieving Dreams
Michelle Myers interviews United Airlines pilot Liz Blanco about her experiences as a woman in the male-dominated aviation industry. They discuss Lizs path to becoming a pilot, her 12-year break from flying, and her pursuit to re-enter the workforce. She offers heartfelt advice to other women interested in a career in aviation and emphasizes that with passion and determination, its never too late to achieve your dreams.
Liz was born in Gardena California and is the middle child with 2 siblings. Her dad is Mexican American and her mom is from Mexico. She moved after high school graduation to Denver Colorado to attend Metropolitan State Universitys Aviation Technology program and received a BS in Aviation Technology. In college, she accomplished my Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine ratings and licenses. After college she attended US Naval Officer Candidate School proceeded by Naval flight school.
Liz supported her husbands Naval career for 12 as a stay-at-home mom and then returned to flying in 2018. She flew skydivers, then worked as a Captain and Site Lead for a military contract company at Naval Air Base San Diego for 3 years. She was then hired by Alaska Airlines where she flew Boeing 737s and now flies 787 Dreamliners for her ultimate dream company, United Airlines. She is a proud mother of 3, speaks fluent Spanish, and loves her Mexican culture. She also loves to travel and explore and have learned that she is most grateful to be able to pursue my dreams and goals in the most wonderful country on earth!

Guest Spotlight
Liz Blanco
Pilot & Motivational Speaker, United Airlines
Liz Blanco is a seasoned pilot at United Airlines with a rich background that crosses cultural, educational, and professional landscapes. Born in Gardena, California, to a Mexican American father and a Mexican mother, Liz embraced her heritage and bilingual abilities from a young age. She pursued her passion for aviation at Metropolitan State University in Denver, Colorado, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology and earned multiple flying ratings and licenses. After a significant hiatus to support her husband’s Naval career and raise their three children, Liz returned to the skies in 2018. Her journey took her from flying skydivers to piloting Boeing 737s for Alaska Airlines, and eventually to her dream role flying 787 Dreamliners for United Airlines. Liz’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to her dreams, making her a profound role model for women in aviation.
Passion and determination are your greatest allies in pursuing your dreams. No matter the breaks or the barriers, it’s never too late to reach for the skies and achieve what you’ve always dreamed of. Each flight I pilot not only advances my career but also paves the way for more women to take flight in this exhilarating field.
Dive Deeper
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Michelle & Carla Miller on Overcoming Barriers, Owning Your Power, and Mastering Influence in Leadership
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