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 Liz’s 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, it’s 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 University’s 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 husband’s 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 737’s 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!