–Life as a Commercial Airline Pilot–
Travel… A word that brings many thoughts and feelings to mind I’m sure. Perhaps relaxing holidays, cultural exploration, adventure or business springs to mind for you.
Well, while we’re on the topic, here are some fun facts about the travel industry:
- The origin of the modern concept of tourism can be traced back to the 17th century, when young nobles from western and northern European countries made what was called the Grand Tour: a trip around Europe (usually covering France, Germany, Italy and Greece) with the main purpose of soaking up history, art and cultural heritage. It was considered a perfect way to be educated.
People travelled mainly by train, taking advantage of the fact that railway networks connected the destinations in Europe and other parts of the world.
- In the US travel changed in a major way with the Air Commerce Act of 1926 which attempted to normalize commercial aviation by establishing standards, facilitation, and promotion.
- Then after World War II, commercial aviation grew rapidly, using mostly ex-military aircraft to transport people and cargo.
- Fast forward: Research by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy says there will be an estimated 11,000 drones in transport and logistics by 2030, which will represent around 14% of the total number in the UK by the end of this decade.
My how travel has changed and continues to do so. Our options as far as getting from point A to point B have really taken off (pun entirely intended).
And here we are now with yet more change on the horizon. I figured, what better way to get an up close and personal peek into this industry, than by speaking with someone completely immersed in it all.
Introducing
Larissa Klee is a commercial airline pilot, aircraft simulator instructor, aviation human factors facilitator, and avid travel junkie.
When she was a child, she always loved being on airplanes, but had truthfully never dreamed about being a pilot. Having always been a good student, and expecting to do something meaningful after university, something felt off. Despite being nearly finished with her degree in Kinesiology, she knew it wasn’t her passion.
While looking for that something “meaningful,” a friend of hers, who was working on his pilot’s license at the time, suggested that she go up for a familiarization flight to see what she thought. Despite many challenges along the way, that little flight ultimately led her to the rewarding career she has today.
Through some of the toughest years for aviation (up until 2020 that is), five companies, four layoffs, and multiple long-distance moves, she hasn’t never regretted the bumpy path that’s brought her to where she is now.
Background & Accomplishment
Leading up to being hired at Canada’s national airline—Air Canada—Larissa had the opportunity to fly smaller aircraft across the country, including extensively in Northern Ontario and the eastern arctic, and also several countries in Africa.
She will celebrate her 10 year anniversary as a pilot at Air Canada this August and currently flies the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Furthermore, she instructs other pilots in the flight simulator, facilitates human factors training for her fellow pilots, and volunteers on the Air Canada pilots association’s pension committee.
When she’s not flying or instructing, she is a single mother to her very sweet, but often unreasonable three year old daughter, Elizabeth. Being Canadian, Larissa enjoys being outside exploring as much as possible. She also volunteers when she can for her local Habitat for Humanity Re-Store.
Above all, she feels very lucky to love her job, and so fortunate to be living a dream that she didn’t even know she could have.
Reasons to Listen
In this fast moving talk Larissa shares her own story in becoming a commercial airline pilot including many of the challenges along the way. Her insights will undoubtedly be a source of assistance to those looking to enter the profession within Canada or elsewhere.
Listeners will also be brought up to speed on how the airline industry is changing and adapting to meet the needs of modern day travel.
The talk also does not shy away from the airline industry’s poor track record relating to gender and ethnic diversity issues. Larissa so kindly shares her thoughts on these matters as well.
Finally, we look at the future of the profession and why the thought of tech taking over the role of piloting a plane is not a slam dunk next step within this industry just yet.
Listen in for all this and more!
A Memorable Quote from the Episode:
On the very few women or ethnic minorities who are active pilots: “You can’t be what you can’t see.”
-Larissa Klee
Words of Wisdom:
Hear from Larissa as she shares advice to those looking to pursue or explore a career in becoming a commercial airline pilot.
Discover More
For those interested in learning more about Larissa and her work, you can find out more about her company at Air Canada.
Keep Listening!
I hope you enjoyed the episode. For more, check out additional episodes here!