It's a Marathon, not a Sprint

By Samantha Eden

Elizabeth (Ellie) Gall was destined for a career in the sky. Her grandfather and father flew for US Airways, while her mother worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines. “Since my parents lived in different states, I grew up flying once a month to visit my dad, and I would always see two older men step out of the flight deck,” she recalls. “Even though my dad encouraged me to fly, I assumed being a pilot was a man’s career.”

Ellie’s fascination with aviation began at a young age, surrounded by the industry through her family’s involvement. However, it wasn’t until her first year of college, that a small seed of interest bloomed into a passion and a clear path for her future career.

“I found myself at a point in my life where I felt a surge of independence and self-confidence,” Ellie recalled. “I started contemplating aviation and what it would be like in the flight deck, flying the plane. I wanted to go for it! Luckily, my dad owned an airplane at the time. Undoubtedly, he supported me and my newfound ambition, and he immediately got me into his plane. It has been a special experience, and it brought our relationship closer together.”

Ellie’s journey toward becoming a pilot progressed with the support of her mentor, a retired American Airlines Captain, who introduced her to Piedmont’s Cadet Program. The Cadet Program provides guidance and financial assistance to new pilots working to secure their flight hours, allowing them the flexibility to build hours how they want and where they want, no partner school affiliation required. “The Cadet Program offered so much opportunity for me while I built my time and gave me comfort knowing I had a guaranteed job at Piedmont when I reached my required hours.”

Today, Ellie sits in the right seat as a First Officer of an Embraer-145 at Piedmont Airlines and will soon be upgrading to Captain. Her initial perceptions of aviation being a male-dominated field is not uncommon. It’s a reflection of the industry’s long-standing gender imbalance. “Every day is a different environment, different weather, and different people you’re working with,” Ellie reflects. “However, on more than one occasion, I have had the opportunity to fly with an all-female crew, truly showcasing that women are taking more prominent roles in the industry.”

Ellie’s passion for aviation led her to pursue a career that not only aligned with her interests but also challenged the status quo. Her journey is a testament to the power of self-belief, demonstrating that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. She continues to pave a path for women with similar flight ambitions, advising future junior aviators to utilize the resources around them and reach out to contacts in the industry for guidance.

“We want things to happen immediately. We want our next accomplishment to happen right now, but it takes a lot of patience.” Ellie said. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”