Meet Cian: Airline Transport Pilot Trainee, Flight Instructor

I was beyond excited to speak with Cian! It felt like I was talking to a unicorn—and in a way, I was. Black women make up less than 1 percent of commercial pilots in the U.S., and here I was, speaking with a young woman who was about to begin pilot training for a regional airline the very next day. It was an absolute honor to talk to such a brilliant, kind, and humble young woman on the eve of her airline pilot career. This was one of those life-changing conversations that reminded me that dreams do come true and that so much is possible.

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Name: Cian

Occupation: Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Trainee, Flight Instructor

* An Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) is the highest level of pilot certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States or equivalent aviation authorities in other countries. An ATP is qualified to act as the First Officer or Captain of an airline or other commercial aircraft.

Background

Cian can’t pinpoint the exact moment she fell in love with flying—it seems to be in her DNA. Her father is a private pilot, so aviation has always been a part of her life. However, she had an aha moment in high school when she saw the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, known for their precision aerobatic performances. Flipping through a pamphlet, she noticed something unsettling—there were no Black women pilots.

Rather than feeling discouraged, this realization fueled her determination.

"I was like, oh my gosh, this is so cool! But then I opened the pamphlet and thought, there are no Black female pilots. So I said to myself, well, you know what? I'm going to be a pilot."

Initially, she believed the only way to become a pilot was through the military, so she explored that path. But after attending a week-long military-style camp, she realized it wasn’t for her. She still wanted to fly, though. Then, her mother introduced her to Middle Tennessee State University’s Professional Pilot Program.

"My mom told me one day, 'You're going to go to Middle Tennessee State University and join their professional pilot program.' And I followed what she said to a T. I graduated and thoroughly enjoyed my time in the program."

Cian pursued her dream through structured university training, earning her certificates and ratings and graduating with honors. In addition to training to become a pilot, Cian is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Aviation Safety and Security Management at Middle Tennessee State University.

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How She Started Learning Her Craft

Cian’s father was her first mentor. As a private pilot, he often took the family on cross-country flights and even let her take the controls—long before her feet could reach the rudder pedals. That early exposure planted the seed for her passion.

In high school, she actively sought out mentorship and opportunities to gain experience, eventually enrolling in a structured flight training program at Middle Tennessee State University. Through the program, she met only two other Black female pilots, underscoring the lack of representation in the field.

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What She Loves About Her Career

Cian loves the sheer freedom of flying, and she loves instructing others to fly.

"I love flight instructing and helping others enter this field," Cian shared.

She is an active member of Sisters of the Skies, an organization dedicated to supporting Black women in aviation. Through the group, she has participated in mentorship programs and outreach events like Girls Rock Wings, where young girls experience discovery flights, work with simulators, and visit air traffic control towers.

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Biggest Challenge: Impostor Syndrome

One of the biggest challenges Cian has faced is impostor syndrome, especially in a field where so few people look like her.

She combats these doubts by focusing on the facts: she is a highly trained pilot with over 1,000 flight hours, a degree in Aerospace, and is currently pursuing a master’s in Aviation, Safety, and Security Management.

She also credits networking and mentorship as key factors in her success. "Knowing the right people and showing you're willing to work hard can take you far."

Most importantly, she leans on her faith: "God has a plan for my life."

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Overcoming Health Challenges to Become a Pilot

Full disclosure: Cian didn’t present this as a challenge—she shared it as a fun fact!

"And my second fun fact? I don’t have a thyroid."

Cian was diagnosed with Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid. To qualify for her medical certificate to fly, she had to undergo thyroid removal surgery.

Two endocrinologists advised her to change her major and abandon her dream. Then, she met a third doctor who took the time to listen to her career goals and recommended a solution.

"I had the surgery, my levels normalized after a few months, and I was able to obtain my medical certificate."

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Advice to Other Black Women Who Want to Soar

Cian encourages aspiring pilots to seek mentorship through organizations like Sisters of the Skies. She also stresses the importance of structured training, whether through university programs or private flight schools, and finding a supportive community.

She also gives this advice: "Keep going." There will be obstacles and challenges, but "Keep going."

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Future Goals

Cian is about to begin an airline training program—a 100-day course that includes two weeks of at-home learning, followed by two months of intensive aircraft systems training. Once she completes the program, she will officially become a First Officer with a regional airline.

But she’s dreaming even bigger. Her ultimate goal? To open her own flight school to help others—especially young Black women—break into the field.

And I will be cheering her on from the ground!

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Fun Fact

Cian loves indoor rock climbing. (Which makes perfect sense—she clearly loves heights! )