Tiffany Thomas

I am blessed for my introduction to aviation through the military. I enlisted in 2011 in an occupation I didn’t enjoy. As I looked from the ground at Chinooks flying overhead, I knew I wanted to be a pilot, but first I wanted to know how to work on the machine. I became a CH-47 Chinook mechanic in 2013 and then a CH-47 Chinook helicopter crew chief in 2015. I was in love and my dream of becoming a pilot took a hiatus as I amassed over 1200 flight hours crewing from the back. Unfortunately, enlisted movement was slow and the more rank I had the further away from the aircraft I became. Instead of turning wrenches and flying missions I was doing paperwork.

My dream of becoming a pilot was rekindled by my stagnation as a mechanic/flight engineer. I went to flight school in 2020, had a few hiccups (COVID bubbles and surgery) and graduated in 2023. Since attending flight school I turned my military aviation maintenance experience into an Airframe and Powerplant License. I have also gotten my Rotary Commercial Instrument rating through my military training as well as pursued my fixed wing private pilot license and instrument rating and I am working for my fixed wing commercial rating now.

When I am not turning wrenches of wiggling sticks or completing college course, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé, Garret and our two pit mix rescues, Oreo and Fawn. We love being outdoors although it seems house projects keep us busy!