womeninaviation

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly a large passenger Boeing 777? Or have the responsibility of safely getting a plane full of passengers to their destination? Ever wonder what it's like to travel globally for work and do something many told you wasn't possible? If so, tune in to episode #77 of the 2B Bolder Podcast for a fascinating story of a woman who followed her dream of flying despite numerous setbacks.

Susanne Pries is quite inspirational. She is a successful woman who, throughout her career, never allowed others to stop her from achieving her dream of flying planes. Susanne is an airline captain & line check pilot, training new pilots and new captains and checking out current pilots regularly to ensure standards and safety are upheld. Her International Aviation Experience includes flying the Boeing 777/757/767 and other large aircraft such as Airbus 320/319, Boeing 737, Embraer 135/145, Dornier 328, and Fokker 28. She has a B.S. in Aviation.

Susanne grew up in the Bavarian Alps. She has always had an innate appetite for adventure and exploration. When she's not flying, she loves to travel, spend time with her two kids in college, loves to cycle, and enjoys thermal springs worldwide and lagoons in Iceland.

To learn about becoming a pilot check out the Federal Aviation Administration

The 2B Bolder Podcast provides first-hand access to some amazing women. Guests will include women from leading enterprise companies to startups, women execs, coders, account execs, engineers, doctors, and innovators.

When you subscribe to the podcast, you are supporting our work's mission, allowing us to continue highlighting successful women in a variety of careers to inspire others helping pay our wonderful editor, Chris, and helping me in paying our hosting expenses. 🎉

Let me just say that it’s great to be back. It has been almost 2 months since my last episode, work and personal commitments kept me busy. It was also a time for some reflection. Looking back on your past is an interesting but sometimes complex task. I think I almost overwhelmed myself with the content of my aviation career, as well as re-living the highs and lows of a life past. But no matter, I am back, with the next installment. 

In this episode
I learn the outcome of the Twin Otter crash in Abuja and why it happened, new customers come on board as we launch our new services, and our new charter jet finally arrives in Lagos.

PrintMyTops

In this episode:

·     I re-write the complete company operations manual, along with processes and company operations procedures, 

·     staff, and re-train the flight operations team and flight crew 

·     and start to transform the aspirations and fortunes of this new charter company.  

PrintMyTops

In this episode

·     The decision about my future must be made, as the offer will not remain on the table for much longer

·     The deed is done,

·     And I start the next phase of my journey.
 
 

PrintMyTops

In this episode

·     I have a critical career decision to make at Bristow Helicopters.

·     Do I go ahead, take a chance, and make history as the first Female Chief Pilot in Nigeria or do I stay safe?

·     Is loyalty to my company an insurmountable stumbling block to leaving?

·     Whilst all that is happening in my head, I spend my weekends at the Lagos Flying Club, going back to basics.

PrintMyTops

In this episode:
I reflect on my years with Bristow’s as I am encouraged to broaden my horizons
I find myself in the palace of the Emir of Kano
And I make the very difficult decision to leave Bristow Helicopters.

In this episode

I have a heated argument on the ramp with the CEO of Shell Oil.

 I transport a recently deceased oilman out of Port Harcourt on his final journey home to the US.

In this episode

* I have another horrible few weeks as I battle more weather and aircraft technical issues.

* I have an argument with two storm cells

* And I learn a valuable lesson when dealing with an attempted armed robbery