Fly Girls' Guide to Aviation Careers

René Banglesdorf
  • 5.0 (13)
  • CAREERS

Hosted by aviation CEO, FAA board alum, and high-performance business coach René Banglesdorf, Fly Girls’ Guide is the go-to podcast for women who want to launch, grow, or pivot their careers in aviation. From the cockpit to the control tower, you’ll hear candid conversations with female pilots, mechanics, executives, air traffic controllers, and more—each sharing their stories, struggles, and the bold moves that got them where they are. Whether you’re just discovering the skies or already leading at 30,000 feet, this show will equip you with real mentorship, practical insights, and the inspiration to chart your own course in the aviation industry. Let’s build the future of aviation together—one Fly Girl at a time.

  1. DEC 1

    Managing the Details That Keep Private Jets Moving: Megan Knox

    In this episode, René interviews Megan Knox, Senior Operations Manager at a Part 135 charter company in Centennial, Colorado. Megan’s career started with a love of flying, earning her private, instrument, and commercial ratings. But after 9/11, she pivoted into scheduling, dispatch, and compliance roles. That decision opened the door to a long and impactful career behind the scenes, where she ensures flights, crews, and operations run smoothly. Tune in as they discuss: How Megan built her aviation career from flight training into operations leadershipThe skills she relies on to manage training, compliance, permitting, and insuranceHer volunteer leadership with industry associations and commitment to mentorshipThe challenges of balancing aviation careers with motherhood and family priorities About Megan Knox Megan Knox, CAM Fellow, is the Senior Operations Manager at M&N Aviation based in Centennial, CO. She is involved in managing ongoing organizational planning and strategy. She oversees the Scheduling Department, manages crew training, crew scheduling, and document management. Megan has held scheduling and charter sales positions at both public and private aviation departments and has specialized knowledge in Flight Department tax and legal structure. She has managed flight department restructuring and onboarding of new aircraft acquisitions. She led a team in navigating the legal and tax complexities of operating a flight department for a publicly traded company on multiple continents. In that role, she was also responsible for IRS and SEC reporting.  She collaborated to develop the tax and legal module for the NBAA Scheduler & Dispatcher Certificate Program. She was the Co-Chair of the 2023 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Committee and was recognized as a “Top 40 under 40 in Business Aviation”, and currently is a Director on NBAA's CAM Governing Board.  She holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate, FAA Dispatcher Certificate, and a Commercial UAS Part 107 Certificate. Megan is an active member of the Colorado Aviation Business Association (CABA) and the Women in Aviation Mile High Chapter. She gives back to the community as Director of Operations for Hera Aviation Group, a 501(c)(3). She has a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Flight Operations from Daniel Webster College. Thanks for tuning into the show! Subscribe so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community!  https://weareflygirls.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/  https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_  https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls  Save your free seat for the Virtual Aviation Career Fair, November 8, 2025. Go to https://weareflygirls.com/careers to register now!  Connect with Us Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community! https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls

    25 min

  2. NOV 24

    How Media and Storytelling Shape The Future of Aviation: Liz Moscrop

    In this episode, René chats with Liz Moscrop about her unique career combining aviation, messaging, and video production. From early days in journalism to building a global media company focused on the aviation sector, Liz shares what it takes to simplify complex topics, lead with purpose, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Tune in as they discuss: How Liz turned a background in media (and even stand-up comedy!) into an aviation careerThe growing role of storytelling in shaping industry strategyWhat makes aviation communication clear, credible, and impactfulThe leadership skills needed to thrive in fast-changing operational environments About Liz Moscrop With 20 plus years as an aviation storyteller, and the last nine focused specifically on video, Liz Moscrop has had the privilege of working with some of the biggest names in the aviation and aerospace industry, including reverse mentorship from some of the brightest young talents including social media influencers and content producers. It’s fair to say that Liz brings a completely unique perspective to video projects she’s involved with from cinematic corporate videos to a much more personal style in line with contemporary storytelling. Clients have included Bombardier, Gulfstream, Luxaviation and CAE Flight Training to name a few of the heavy hitters. Her route into aviation was not straightforward. From being an international speaker and stand-up comedian, to being part of the team that launched the first Chinese internet company on the NASDAQ, her career has been anything but ordinary. As the former president of Women in Aviation International UK, she co-organised a promo at the 2018 Farnborough Airshow in 2018 to inspire young people into aviation careers She also sat on the communications committee for the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter and co wrote best practice diversity and sustainability standards for the European Business AViation Association’s STARS Committee.. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizmoscrop/ https://www.youtube.com/@GearUpTV  Thanks for tuning into the show! Subscribe so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community!  https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls  Connect with Us Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community! https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls

    7 min

  3. NOV 24

    Reducing Pilot Workload and Keeping Flight Operations Running Smoothly: Sarah Heugel

    In this episode of the Fly Girls’ Guide Podcast, René sits down with Sarah Heugel, an aviation professional whose career has spanned dispatch, operations, and leadership. From her early days in scheduling to taking on complex safety and management responsibilities, Sarah shares her path through the industry and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Tune in as they discuss: How Sarah transitioned from dispatch into operations leadership at a major airlineWhat she’s learned about balancing career growth with family prioritiesWhy mentorship and support networks make all the differenceThe leadership skills that help her succeed in high-stakes environmentsSarah’s story highlights the resilience and adaptability it takes to succeed in aviation. Her perspective shows how every step of the journey, whether in dispatch, operations or leadership, builds a foundation for making an impact in the industry. Thanks for tuning into the show! Subscribe so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community!  https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls  Save your free seat for the Virtual Aviation Career Fair, November 8, 2025. Go to https://weareflygirls.com/careers to register now!  Connect with Us Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community! https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls

    26 min

  4. NOV 17

    Combining Software and Emotional Intelligence for Safety Advances: Kellie Roby

    In this episode of the Fly Girls’ Guide Podcast, René sits down with Kellie Roby, Vice President of Polaris Aero, a safety services software company. Kellie’s career began with flying and evolved into a leadership role that now impacts how flight departments think about safety, audits, and culture. She shares how she balances technical expertise with the human side of aviation and why listening and emotional intelligence are at the heart of effective safety leadership. Tune in as they discuss: How Kellie transitioned from the cockpit into safety leadershipWhat a day in aviation safety services looks likeWhy communication and emotional intelligence matter in aviation safety rolesThe challenges of building trust and having difficult conversations in high-stakes environmentsAdvice for women who want to pursue a career in safety and risk management About Kellie Roby A 2024 recipient of the Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation award, and a 2022 NBAA 40 Under 40 recipient, Kellie Roby has spent more than a decade honing her skills in Part 135 and Part 91 operations. Roby’s roles ranged from Fixed Based Operator (FBO) operations, a flight crewmember on a Beechjet 400 and Hawker 800, Safety Manager,and managing both scheduling and charter sales for a Part 135 charter and management company.  Roby has a bachelor’s degree in aerospace science from Middle Tennessee State University with dual pro-pilot and air traffic control concentrations and an NBAA Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) certification. Roby’s education and diverse aviation experience are valuable in the tactical implementation of safety best practices in her current role as Vice President of Safety Services at Polaris Aero. Roby enjoys giving back to her industry by volunteering for the NBAA Professional Development Program committee, Bombardier Safety Standdown Committee, NBAA Young Professionals in Business Aviation (YoPro) council, and the Tennessee Business Aviation Association. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-n-roby-cam-150a3674/  Thanks for tuning into the show! Subscribe so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community!  https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls  Save your free seat for the Virtual Aviation Career Fair, November 8, 2025. Go to https://weareflygirls.com/careers to register now!  Connect with Us Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community! https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls

    28 min

  5. NOV 17

    What It Takes to Keep F-35 Fighter Jets Mission-Ready: Ryan Bass

    In this episode of the Fly Girls’ Guide Podcast, René sits down with Ryan Bass, who began her aviation career as an F-18 engine mechanic in the Navy and now works on Lockheed Martin’s F-35 flight line. From helping launch the very first test aircraft to supervising a team of maintainers, she shares how grit, technical skill, and determination shaped her path. Tune-in as they discuss: How she went from a small-town graduate to working on F-18s around the worldThe process of building, testing, and launching the F-35’s three modelsThe challenges of proving herself in male-dominated maintenance and management rolesAdvice for anyone considering an A&P license or a military-to-civilian aviation careerRyan’s career highlights the skill and discipline it takes to keep some of the world’s most advanced aircraft mission-ready. From Navy flight lines to the F-35 program, her perspective shows both the challenges and the pride of working in aviation maintenance. It’s a look at the people and processes behind the jets that define modern airpower. About Ryan Bass Ryan Bass grew up in the small town of Ridgway, Colorado, where her graduating high school class had just 14 students. At 16, she left school and made the pivotal decision to join the U.S. Navy, knowing it was her path to a bigger future. By 17, she was in boot camp, and in 2003 she was stationed in Japan. Her years at Lockheed were marked by both challenges and milestones, including working on the F-16 program, enduring layoffs and a strike, and eventually becoming a leading mechanic on the flight line. In 2018, she achieved another breakthrough—earning a promotion to become the only female supervisor on the flight line, overseeing ground operations where jets are broken in and readied for flight. Inspired by her work, Ryan decided to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. In 2024, she began flight training while continuing her full-time role at Lockheed. By shifting to a three-day workweek, she was able to balance her career with training, flying four days a week. After two years of dedication, she earned her Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine ratings. Today, Ryan continues her leadership role at Lockheed while building flight hours to prepare for her next chapter as a professional pilot. Thanks for tuning into the show! Subscribe so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community. https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls Save your free seat for the Virtual Aviation Career Fair, November 8, 2025. Go to https://weareflygirls.com/careers to register now!  Connect with Us Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community! https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls

    28 min

  6. NOV 10

    Navigating the Unexpected and Managing Air Traffic: Sharlotte Yealdhall

    In this episode of the Fly Girls’ Guide Podcast, René interviews Sharlotte Yealdhall, an air traffic controller and traffic management coordinator with decades of experience across towers, centers, and one of the nation’s busiest airspaces. Sharlotte shares how her journey began at a high school career day in South Africa, the training and persistence it took to qualify in the U.S., and the daily decisions that shape how safely and smoothly aircraft move through the skies. Tune in as they discuss: Sharlotte’s path from South Africa to the FAA Academy and beyondLessons from working at Washington Center, Andrews Air Force Base, and DullesHow pilots and controllers can build better understanding through programs like FANS (Future Air Navigation System)Sharlotte’s career shows the blend of technical expertise, quick decision-making, and human connection that defines air traffic control. Her story underscores how critical this invisible backbone of aviation is to every safe arrival and departure. About Sharlotte In 2005, she attended the FAA Academy in Oklahoma, where she successfully completed En-Route training. Shortly after, she began her career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at Washington Center (ZDC). Learning the intricacies of Air Traffic along the Eastern Seaboard. In 2008, Sharlotte transferred to Andrews Air Force Base (KADW) aka “Home of Air Force One” and received her Controller Tower Operator (CTO) certification. Sharlotte gained hands-on experience managing both military and civilian air traffic, along with the complexities of many different airframes. This experience provided her with a diverse and comprehensive understanding of aviation operations. She then made a significant career move in 2010 by transferring to Washington Dulles International Airport (KIAD), where she spent over a decade honing her skills in a high-traffic airport environment. Over the years, she became an integral part of the team, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of air traffic while managing complex operational challenges. Currently, Sharlotte serves as a Traffic Management Coordinator (TMC) at Washington Center (ZDC), where she plays a critical role in optimizing air traffic flow and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure safety and efficiency in the National Airspace System. Thanks for tuning into the show! Subscribe so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community. https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls Save your free seat for the Virtual Aviation Career Fair, November 8, 2025. Go to https://weareflygirls.com/careers to register now!  Connect with Us Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community! https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls

    29 min

  7. NOV 10

    Building Trust Between Pilots and Mechanics: Cassidy Moore

    In this episode of the Fly Girls’ Guide Podcast, René sits down with Cassidy Moore, an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) and Inspection Authorized (IA) mechanic who has spent more than a decade building her career in aircraft maintenance. From general aviation hangars to running her own business, Cassidy shares what it takes to thrive in a demanding field where precision, communication, and accountability are non-negotiable. She opens up about how she found her way into aviation, why she pushes for stronger communication between mechanics and aircraft owners, and the lessons she’s learned about patience and humility along the way. Tune in as they discuss: The training and certification path for A&P mechanicsCassidy’s unlikely start in aviation and how she built a 13-year career in maintenanceWhy communication between mechanics and owners can prevent accidents and build confidenceHow logbooks, paperwork, and regulations shape daily life for mechanicsThe importance of patience, humility, and asking for help in a technical careerCassidy’s story underscores the truth that airplanes don’t fly without mechanics and that aviation careers extend far beyond the cockpit. Her work highlights the technical expertise and meticulous attention to detail that keep aircraft airworthy, but also the human side of the job: communication, patience, and trust. Mechanics aren’t just problem-solvers, they’re educators and partners to pilots and owners. https://www.hangarqueenaviationservicesllc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hangar.queen12/ Thanks for tuning into the show! Subscribe so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community!  https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls  Save your free seat for the Virtual Aviation Career Fair, November 8, 2025. Go to https://weareflygirls.com/careers to register now!  Connect with Us Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community! https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls

    28 min

  8. NOV 3

    The Warrior Mindset of Flying the A-10 Warthog: Tammy Barlette

    In this episode of the Fly Girls’ Guide Podcast, René talks with Tammy Barlette, a retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who spent the highlight of her career flying the A-10 Warthog. From missions overseas to training the next generation of pilots, Tammy shares what it really takes to strap into a jet that’s built for combat and carry the responsibility of protecting lives on the ground. Tune in as they discuss: Tammy’s journey into the cockpit of the A-10 Warthog.The emotional and mental toll of flying combat missions.Why situational awareness and decision-making under pressure are critical skills.How resilience, emotional intelligence, and risk-taking shaped her career.The advice she gives to aspiring fighter pilots and aviators.Tammy’s career offers a rare look inside the world of combat aviation and the personal discipline it demands. Her path shows how resilience, awareness, and decisiveness are built in high-pressure environments and carried forward into leadership. Whether you’re navigating your own course or guiding a team on the ground, her perspective brings clarity to what it takes to succeed in aviation. About Tammy Barlette Tammy Barlette, a US Air Force fighter pilot, retired in 2018 as a Lieutenant Colonel and became a professional speaker. In addition to speaking she devoted the last 6 plus years to studying mental performance training, shifting the content from elite athletics into aviation and beyond. In 2022 she founded Crosscheck Mental Performance Training, a business that offers online mental performance training courses specifically tailored for aviators and business professionals. Tammy also has a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, is the mother of three and is married to a US Federal Agent. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammybarlette/ https://www.facebook.com/tammybarlette/ https://www.instagram.com/tammybarlette/ Thanks for tuning into the show! Subscribe so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. If you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community!  https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls  Save your free seat for the Virtual Aviation Career Fair, November 8, 2025. Go to https://weareflygirls.com/careers to register now!  Connect with Us Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss future stories from women shaping the skies. And if you enjoyed today’s episode, leave a review and share it with a friend. It’s one of the best ways to help us grow the Fly Girls’ Guide community! https://weareflygirls.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareflygirls/ https://www.instagram.com/weareflygirls_ https://www.facebook.com/weareflygirls https://www.youtube.com/@weareflygirls

    26 min
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About

Hosted by aviation CEO, FAA board alum, and high-performance business coach René Banglesdorf, Fly Girls’ Guide is the go-to podcast for women who want to launch, grow, or pivot their careers in aviation. From the cockpit to the control tower, you’ll hear candid conversations with female pilots, mechanics, executives, air traffic controllers, and more—each sharing their stories, struggles, and the bold moves that got them where they are. Whether you’re just discovering the skies or already leading at 30,000 feet, this show will equip you with real mentorship, practical insights, and the inspiration to chart your own course in the aviation industry. Let’s build the future of aviation together—one Fly Girl at a time.

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