Meet the Team - Women in Aviation - Lori Mackay - First Officer - Dash 8

Name: Lori Mackay

Job Title: First Officer - Dash 8

Years at CMA: <1

What is your current role at the airline, and what does a typical day look like for you?

As First Officer on the Dash 8, my day starts with checking the weather, reviewing flight plans, and completing an inspection of the aircraft. Generally, the day consists of several flight legs. Throughout the day, the Captain and I alternate roles as pilot flying and pilot monitoring. Whether I am the pilot flying or the pilot monitoring, I enjoy all aspects of my day!

What has been the most rewarding moment of your aviation career so far?

The thing that stands out the most for me (so far) is the moment I got my instructor rating. It felt incredible to transition from student to teacher. I could finally translate my hard work into earnings!

Was there a defining moment when you knew aviation was where you belonged?

I wouldn't say there was one defining moment, but my journey in aviation has always felt like the right path

What unique strengths do you think women bring to aviation and regional airline operations?

Crew Resource Management (CRM) is really the backbone of aviation safety, and I think that women often excel in many areas that are crucial to CRM. Women tend to be good communicators and active listeners, which are both valuable skills in aviation. Regional airline operations are high-tempo with multiple legs per day and short turnarounds. The ability to multitask while maintaining situational awareness is crucial in regional operations and I feel that women often demonstrate these strengths.

What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you navigate them?

Most of the challenges thus far have been the logistics of completing flight school on a single income. The commute to my flight school was 90 minutes each way when I completed my PPL! I moved closer to my school to complete the rest of my training and was able to secure a flight instructor job to start paying back my loans and building flight hours. The path to aviation isn't always easy, but it is rewarding.

Who has mentored or influenced you along the way?

I have been very lucky to have been influenced by many incredible pilots throughout my aviation journey. The strongest relationships I have built in aviation are with past instructors and colleagues. I am so grateful to call these pilots my friends and to be able to reach out to them when I need support or guidance!

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in aviation — especially in a regional airline environment?

I would tell anyone considering a career in aviation to go for it! Most flight schools offer discovery flights where you can go up with an instructor and experience first-hand what it feels like to be in control of a small aircraft. Discovery flights are a great way to meet people at your local flight school and dip your "wing" into aviation!

How do you maintain balance between a demanding aviation career and your personal life?

Luckily for me, a career in aviation makes this big world a bit smaller! Travel benefits allow me to visit friends and family all over the map.

If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?

If I could go back and tell my younger self to skip University and go straight to flight school, I would.