We’re so proud that our CEO, Founder and Chief Pilot, April Gafford, was asked to speak at this year’s 34th Annual Women in Aviation International (WAI) Conference. In February, this must-attend nonprofit event brought thousands of women to Long Beach, CA, to connect, engage, and inspire each other, sharing their passion for the aviation industry and encouraging girls to pursue aviation careers.
As part of a panel of Cirrus Aircraft professionals, April spoke about her unique career path that began with an interest in human factors and flying lessons.
“The very first time I took off, it was like coming home. Like something clicked and came together inside. I realized that when I am in the air, I am in my element.”
From that moment on, the sky was the limit. April became an ATP-rated corporate pilot and earned a master’s degree in human factors. With this ideal background, she recognized a deficiency in the training of general aviation pilots wanting to fly technologically advanced aircraft. For this reason, April founded JATO Aviation to create a structured training approach that would achieve the highest levels of flight safety. And JATO Aviation quickly became the only flight school in the Bay Area to receive the distinction of being a Cirrus Platinum Training Center.
April is a driving force in the industry, upholding the highest standards of safety, helping others fulfill their flying dreams, and inspiring women to pursue rewarding careers in aviation.
If you’d like to learn more about the annual Women in Aviation International (WAI) Conference, you can read more on their website here.