about

“Aviation is proof that given, the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible”. – Eddie Rickenbacker.

On the flight deck at London’s Heathrow International Airport.
Test
Sporting my Captain’s bars on Moloka’i.

I became an Airline pilot at 50.

My name is Kelly Slusarski and this is my Blog

I left a good government job to fly airplanes. I received a lot of advice to not do it, but I’m glad I did. I love flying and have had amazing experiences ever since. There have been some hurdles, but to paraphrase Henry Ford, “when things seem to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it”. I love my job and there have been several enjoyable trips I’ve told other I would have paid for as a vacation.

I started this blog to share insights into my broad aviation experience and connect with those that are interested in aviation, entrepreneurship, or a career change. I’m currently an American pilot specializing in flying transatlantic routes for a major U.S. Airline. However, I’ve gained extensive aviation experience over the past 30+ years where I’ve worked as an:

  • Air Freight Forwarder (air cargo manager)
  • Small business owner with employees loading aircraft with U.S. mail
  • Airline baggage handler (Frontier Airlines)
  • Airline gate agent (Frontier Airlines)
  • Airline weight and balance specialist (Frontier Airlines)
  • Airline security coordinator (Frontier Airlines)
  • Airline ticket counter supervisor (Frontier Airlines)
  • Airline pricing analyst (Trans World Airlines)
  • Airline yield analyst (Trans World Airlines)
  • Travel Agency Director of Revenue Management (McCord Consumer Direct)
  • Airline corporate sales manager (Virgin Atlantic Airways)
  • Air Service Consultant
  • Airport Planner (Consultant)
  • General aviation (GA) airport inspector
  • Federal Aviation Administration National Airspace System Planning and Integration Lead Planner
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Inspector
  • Aviation apparel entrepreneur
  • P-51 Mustang pedal plane builder
  • FAA Manager of Airport Safety and Standards
  • Small Unmanned Aerial System (UAS/drone) pilot
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
  • Commercial pilot (Part 135)
  • Airline Transport Pilot (Part 121)

Lastly, I’m a fan of inspiring quotes, to which I’ll leave you with one of my favorites: “Aviation is proof that given, the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible”. – Eddie Rickenbacker.

More of my story:

First flight… I was 12 years old mom took me to airport…small town Nebraska….saw add for $5 airplane rides.  I schemed to sit in the front with hopes of flying….