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"We are the protagonists of our stories called life, and there is no limit to how high we can fly."


PHD. MBA. MHS. Type rated on A350, A330, B777, B747-400, B747-200, B757, B767, B737, B727. International Airline Pilot / Author / Speaker. Dedicated to giving the gift of wings to anyone following their dreams. Supporting Aviation Safety through training, writing, and inspiration. Fighting for Aviation Safety and Airline Employee Advocacy. Safety Culture and SMS change agent.

Friday, April 29, 2016

Party at Aviation Universe

Friday Fabulous Flyer...


 
 
 
Join me in Chicago to Celebrate 
Aviation Universe's  
4th Birthday!
 
Saturday, April 30th, 2016! 

A store wide sale will be in honor and appreciation of all their customers! You are the fabulous flyers that make Aviation Universe the best little aviation store in the Universe.
 
I will will be joining the party with my new book Flight for Survival, part 3 of the trilogy that includes Flight for Control and Flight for Safety. And... I'll bring I Am Awesome too!

The store will be open from 10am to 6pm and the cake and book signings will start around noon. 

We are looking forward to 
seeing you there! 
 
Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene 

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Aviation Universe 2016 ...

Time to Celebrate....

The Best little Aviation 
Store in the Universe! 

 

When:  Saturday April 30th
Time:   10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  


I will be there with the newest books! Answering questions... How much truth is there in fiction? You might be privileged to some insider information... Join us for a great celebration! 

I'm thinking Pizza, Cake, and lots of fun! 


I hope to see you there! 

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene

Monday, April 25, 2016

FLY More in Washington!


Twisp Washington! 
 
Last weekend I had the honor and pleasure of meeting many members of the Washington Pilots Association (WPA) from the Okanogan and Ferry county chapter.


My hubby and I over the mountains and through the woods to Twisp, on Thursday.  Then we headed northeast to Winthrop, for dinner and their monthly meeting. I was invited as a guest speaker and a wonderful time as had by all. Especially me!

We stayed at the Chewuch Inn, which was amazing. And... the owner is a pilot too!


Our room was incredible and something you would never expect in the wilderness. A definite must visit for anyone and everyone. And... you can fly there too! You simply should fly there. If you would like a co-pilot to go with you... I'm in! 


What I learned was how active this WPA Chapter is supporting aviation and the love of flying. They also have two pages of events and fly-ins scheduled over the next 5 months that you must attend! 
You're Invited:

Date:     May 21st!!!
Event:   Twisp BBQ and WPA Meeting. 
Time:    3 p.m. 
BBQ Potluck... the club provides the steaks! 
Info for Twisp Airport
Image result for photos of twisp airport

I will keep up with sharing these events weekly, so hopefully you can make one or more! There is nothing better than spending time with pilots and their love of flying. The Okanogan and Ferry county chapter of the WPA is awesome, and these pilots are more than willing to share their expertise with mountain flying too. Reach out and meet your flying neighbors of Washington. 

Keep Aviation Alive!

Like them on Facebook 
and remember to 
Share the love of Flying!
Enjoy the Journey!
XOX Karlene

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Inspiration from Brazil!

Pictures speak a thousand words...



"Paraglider here in Santos, 
my city, coast, jumped a hill, 

 


and as you can see is wonderful, 
second parachute, 
the Cessna caravan, 
love these planes,
jumping or command."


PC12 Pilatus, I love this plane.




Once read a review 
of an aeronautical photographer 
Magazine, Review... saying, 


 

photos are beautiful, 
but interprets them as pilot 
there who is by choice 
and who does for which loves. 

  
Marcio Lramos
 
Thank you, my friend, Marcio 
For Sharing your Incredible experience!
 
 
Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene

Monday, April 18, 2016

Success in Eduction...

Students Reading Flight To Success

 

UPDATE on the PROGRESS: 
From the Teacher....

"I just want to let you know that the kids are really enjoying your book, Flight to Success!  We've been reading it a loud in class and one student has loved it so much she's gone ahead 87 pages!  By the way, she is one of my struggling readers!  I thank you so much for coming to the class. 

 It was such a treat and your book says everything that they need to hear at this point in their lives!  It is so important for this age group to get positive feedback and know that their desires are not frivolous!  More over, to know that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to!

I felt strongly and wanted you to know that you are making a very positive impact on a great group of kids.  Thank you!!"


At any age! 

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene

Monday, April 11, 2016

The Best Flight Ever!

Soars Across the Oceans...
 
"I am not afraid to walk
the path that my soul
dictates - for I know it
has my true interests
at heart."

~ by Eleesha,
Author of - The Soul Whisperer


Monday motivation is inspired by so many people around the world. Eleesha somehow sends me inspirations exactly when I need them, as if she knows my challenges and is providing inspiration and confidence to push forward.  I cannot be afraid to walk my path, as you cannot fear walking yours. 
And then I get personal comments via emails from around the world on my book. Last weekend I received one that made me smile, and the timing was so appropriate. As many of you know, I have a mission with my writing... and that is to create a safer aviation industry, and a positive and enriching work environment for our future aviators, as our lives are in their hands. The novel series is a path to accomplish awareness. Experience and the PhD is the process to create change. Your reading the books and commenting is the help I need to accomplish the mission. Thank you!

Mark's comment from the UK:

"I am left speechless as to latest flight novel, no word, sentence or paragraph truly describe "FLIGHT FOR SURVIVAL" So well orchestrated, and, hidden within the whole novel... 

The twists the turns the ever unfolding and differing angles. In light of previous novels, I have to say this best yet, and against some other top authors (Tom Clancy, Stephen Coonts). Can't wait till the 4th novel is out."



Start at the Beginning! 



And prepare for the fourth Novel...

Comments on Amazon are so much appreciated!
Thank you!

Enjoy the Journey
XO Karlene 

Friday, April 8, 2016

For the Love of Flying...

It's Time to Soar!  
Friday's Fabulous Flyer...

"Let the steps I take towards my destiny be bold ones
for I know I am bold enough to walk this path." 
~ by Eleesha,
Author of - The Soul Whisperer 


 Christy

"I got to fly a Piper Cherokee 
today for the first time!"

 
"A friend was flying it, and let me take over the controls.  It was great, I liked it more than a Cessna! It was the first time flying a low-wing plane, and that was the difference.  Also, I felt like the Cherokee seemed a little heavier & more stable in the wind"


Enjoy Every Moment 
on the ground, or in the sky... 
Today is your time to fly! 
 

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene 

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

A Dangerous Phrase...



Maybe it is Time to Change! 
 
Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene 

Monday, April 4, 2016

Inspiring our Youth!

"Why not throw caution to the wind and decide
upon what it is you want- then just go out and
get it. Not tomorrow- but today."
~ by Eleesha,
Author of The Soul Whisperer


Guess who is reading 
Ms. Suryan's 5th Grade class!

Last week I had the great opportunity to drive to Sequim Washington and talk with an incredible group of young minds, getting ready to head off to middle school.  They are planning on reading Flight To Success Be the Captain of Your Life from now to the end of the school year.  I am really looking forward to seeing how they flight plan their lives! 

What kind of teacher is so proactive that she allows her grade school class to read a book that inspires, motivates, and teaches values and leadership skills?

A Pilot who is a teacher of course! 


Where will you find Inspiration Today?


Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene

Friday, April 1, 2016

Zyola is Shooting for the Stars!

 Friday's Fabulous Flyer 

Zyola T. Mix

Zyola is a single mother, divorced, and recovered from being on public assistance and poverty. She is now working successfully as an engineer in her dream field of Aerospace. If you recognize Zyola, that might be because she was a Friday Flyer in June, 2010. At the time she was living so many struggles, and six years later... just look at her soar! 


She was recently invited to be a part of the Global Minded Education conference in June, which focuses on increasing the diversity in education by taking into account the social and economic barriers that play a role in access and equity. She was recommended for the conference because a woman attended a keynote speech that Zyola gave to economically disadvantaged families and learned what an amazing woman she is.


Imagine, a single mom attending school full time, pursuing a demanding engineering degree, while working, and she graduated with honors, while simultaneously giving back to the community, and without the benefit of family to help!  Zyola now holds a coveted engineering job, recently applied to be a NASA astronaut and still is managing to give back to the community, while pursuing a master's degree.


Zyola is such an amazing woman! Enjoy her share her story...

"Since graduation in December 2013, I have been volunteering at events designed to inspire kids and families to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics as hobbies and careers. I've also been sharing my story which has resonated further than I expected. I have given keynote addresses at two high school events, and once at conference for social workers focused on helping women and children recover from domestic violence. 


In February of 2014, CBS broadcast  
an interview of me just after I graduated. 

I was being noted as a "Game Changer," and someone who had overcome challenges and was making a true difference. Of note was a senior project I did where I developed an economical Solar Furnace, installed it in low income housing and showed the community how to make more for under $20 each. This would allow the community to also build their own income by constructing and selling the furnace. 



In 2015, I was named by the League of Women Voters as a "2015 Woman to Watch" based on nominations from Metropolitan State University of Denver, and a couple assistance programs within the city and County I live. Things they felt were worth recognizing is my personal drive to break down barriers, work hard, stay positive and succeed in the face of what some would feel are extreme circumstances




My story of success from domestic violence, through public assistance and school and eventually to a dream job are used often when these organizations talk with politicians at legislative sessions. As such, I have drawn the positive nods of several local politicians as well.

In April of 2014, I started working as a Mechanical Design Engineer at aerospace company SEAKR Engineering, Inc. I have designed systems that fly on satellites and on the International Space Station now. I can honestly say that something that once existed only in my imagination is now functioning IN SPACE.  That's exciting!



Twice, I have been asked to lead a group of women to share and introduce families to aerospace at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science event "Girls and Science." This event brings women working in STEM fields into direct contact with families to not only only show that women exist in these jobs, but also that we are still human. Parents and community members are invited to ask us questions about the challenges if any we faced and how we handled them. The first year, nearly 7000 people attended the event, and this past March 5th, over 11,500 people attended, with the aerospace clubhouse being the most successful.

I have also been active in my daughter's school in advocating for our culture to be recognized as a real culture and not just a decoration. This has gained me the attention and respect of school district personnel.


Through this all, I returned to school to pursue a masters degree and remained an advocate for disadvantaged and under-valued women and children.

When asked how I fared after the divorce: I have been honest. It was hard. Harder than I told anyone. There were more days than I can count that I didn't eat so that my daughter could. There were more days I cried than anyone will ever know. There were more days I fought the lull of becoming bitter, angry and destitute. Those were the easy choices. The hard choice was to be positive, get up every morning, get dressed and keep moving toward a future that was uncertain and often times looked worse.

When asked how I handled working with mostly men, and mostly white men: I had to accept it. It was a reality and I couldn't change it. They weren't going to change for me. Not immediately anyway. But at the same time, most of the men I worked with were like anyone else. Some immature, some enlightened and some just rude.

 

Culture was something I temporarily lost as I worked to figure out how to navigate the field, but I never forgot it. I kept friends outside of work and school. I shared my feelings with close family and friends who could just let me vent. But honestly, some days I hated it. Not because everyone was male or white, but because I was also still recovering emotionally from a horribly failed marriage. My frustration with men was often seen as racial and sexual when in fact it was baggage due to a lack of trust and extreme distaste for being "ordered' or "subjugated." That was just more on top of just working in a white male dominated field.


When asked what advice I would give others: It's hard, but not impossible. It will feel that way, and that's okay. But it will pass. It may take years. I cried. I wailed. I was alone with only my daughter and my shattered dreams. I believed the universe conspired against me, but somehow I never gave up all hope. If you feel hope is gone, take a step back, call a true friend. 

One of my favorite sayings is ....

"Never destroy someone's hope.
It may be all they have."



 

I truly believe that. People and circumstances have worked hard to destroy my hope and dreams. There are still many who pray for my downfall or refuse to acknowledge my successes. They'll never go away. All I can do is keep trying and that's really all anyone else in my situation can do. Keep trying, keep learning and keep trying again.

Honestly, I don't know why my story appeals to so many. I had a rough life and I have fought through many challenges, but there are others who have done just as much or have had other struggles that I would never wish on anyone.

The Huffington Post felt my story of survival, struggle and success in a STEM field was inspiring. I just feel I'm doing what I need to do to keep moving forward. I have dreams and only I can do them. "



Zyola T. Mix
Aerospace Systems Engineer
"Giving lift to the wings of dreamers and explorers."


Take a moment and read the Huffington Post article on Zyola! She is one of the most amazing women I know, and I am so proud of how far she has come with her life. She is the essence of what happens when you don't give up. I know one day she will be in space, and she promised to bring me a moon rock!

Keep flying strong! 
 There is nothing that can stop you...
Not even gravity!
 
Enjoy the Journey!!
XOX Karlene