Aviation for Women is the flagship member publication of Women in Aviation International. Articles feature women who have made aviation history, professional development ideas, and current-topic articles.
Issue link: https://afwdigital.epubxp.com/i/694422
48 Aviation forWomen J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 1 6 time on an airplane (B-747) to Ameri- ca. I still remember parts of that long flight from New Delhi. I remember asking my parents and the fight at- tendants endless questions about the airplane. My parents said that is when my fascination and love for fy- ing began. In 1990 we moved to Frankfurt, Germany, and I started high school at Frankfurt International School. One day my dad brought home an Indo-Ger ma n maga zine f rom t he embassy. Featured on the cover was Nivedita Bhasin, the youngest fe- male Indian commander, for Indian Airlines. In that moment, my dream of becoming an airline pilot became real and attainable. After school each day, I remember dragging my closest childhood friend Shilpa to the rooftop of our apartment building. I would point out all the air- planes taking off and landing at Frank- furt Airport. I would tell her how one day I was going to fly one of those big planes all over the world. As only a true friend would, Shilpa would patiently lis- ten to my dreams and endure the hours of "boring" airplane talk. In 1994, I graduated high school with my international baccalaureate di- ploma and my dad was transferred to Mumbai, India. I was 17 years old, in my frst year of college in Mumbai. In the evenings after our walk, my mom and I would sit on the rocks at the beach. My eyes would be fxed on the air- planes dotting the sky. I would ask my mom if my dream would ever take flight. She would say, "If you work hard and stay focused you can do anything you set your mind to, no matter how impossible the odds." My mom, like my fa- ther, was from a humble background in Chennai, India. As an Indian classical vocalist she ac- complished a lot in the music field during a time when women were not encouraged or supported. I remained focused on going to flight school and did my research. Less than a year later, thanks to my brave parents, I was on my way to America once again, but this time to pursue my dream. I earned my fight instructor rating at 19 years old. I had the honor of fying my dad in a Cessna 172XP at Meigs Field when he was visiting Chicago on a busi- ness trip. I still remember the wide grin on his face as he clung onto the armrest for dear life in the little Cess- na. He died suddenly a couple years later. My mom said that he told anyone who would listen how proud he was of his little girl. Thanks to many encouraging and supportive people along the way, in- cluding my husband Bill, my career progressed. I instructed, few banners, delivered cargo at night for a Part 135 freight operator and few my frst jet for Comair Airlines from 2002 to 2012. The path was not always easy or smooth, but persistence and perseverance pays off. In 2014, I finally achieved my dream job flying for Unit- ed Airlines. Flying the B-757/B-767 allows me to once again travel the world. It is a privilege to live your dream. My par- ents did not live to see me achieve my goal, but I know in my heart that if it wasn't for their unconditional love, unwaver- ing faith, and numerous sacrifces, this little girl from India would have never reached for the stars. I hope to inspire little girls and boys from around the world to do the same. ✈ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Radha Bruckner, WAI 28726, is a frst offcer for United Airlines. A dversity builds character," my dad used to say. He knew much adversity, being the only one in his little village in south India to put himself through high school, ultimately earning a master's degree in economics with honors. In 1981, my dad was assigned his frst foreign posting to New York, United States. I was 4 years old when my family and I traveled for the very frst PERSE VER ANCE PAYS OFF I N O U R O W N W O R D S I N O U R O W N W O R D S R A D H A B R U C K N E R I still remember the wide grin on his face as he clung onto the armrest for dear life in the little Cessna. My parents taught me to work hard.