Jackie Whitford began her flying adventure in 1990, while she was working as a corporate librarian for Honeywell/BULL in Phoenix. Currently, she is an active member of the Phoenix Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots.
For 3 ½ years, Jackie volunteered as a leader in an Aviation Explorer Post of the Boy Scouts, which consisted of 18 teenagers: 14 boys and 4 girls. It was during this time that Jackie discovered she enjoyed sharing her knowledge and experience with these young people, and decided to become a full-time flight instructor.
In 2003, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) presented Jackie with the prestigious “Flight Instructor of the Year” award. This lead to other engagements as an FAA Aviation Safety Counselor and participant in the Arizona Flight Training Workgroup. She is currently in the process of becoming a Designated Pilot Examiner.
Safety is the primary goal that Jackie instills in her students, ranging in ages from 10 to 71. She feels strongly that it is never too soon, nor too late, to attain our dreams.
“I knew at a very young age that someday I would learn how to fly. My father took my brother and I flying when we were young. It is certainly a life-changing experience to become a pilot, and we cannot help but change for the better as a person as a result. I so enjoy teaching people to fly, and I celebrate their achievements with them through their stages of growth – that’s the reward!” – Jackie Whitford, CFI, CFII, MEII