Margaret MacKenzie

I have always been intrigued with aviation, and it seems to run in my family.  My first flight was when I was only a few months old, and to date I have logged more frequent flyer miles than anyone I know!  My Grandfather was a pilot in the Army Air Corps during WWII, and was a proud Cessna owner for many decades after.  My mom started her fixed wing flight training just after college, but ended up choosing a different, yet equally adventurous path in life.  She is an amazing person and continues to inspire me daily.

Becoming a pilot didn’t even register as an achievable dream until nearly three years ago.  I decided to take a discovery flight, and well, I was completely hooked and knew that I had found my path.  Over the last two and a half years, in addition to being a student, I have immersed myself in the aviation business of flight training.  Assisting in office management and being involved in every aspect of it, wherever I am needed.  I volunteer for washing the aircraft, fueling, and even helping with maintenance, trying to soak in everything and learn all that I can.

I received my Private rating in January 2009.  The next month, at Heliexpo 09, I joined the Whirly-Girls which is a non-profit, educational and charitable organization dedicated to the advancement of women in helicopter aviation.  The Whirly-Girls are an amazing source of information and support for women in this industry.  Also, this year I became a member of the 99’s, which is another great organization for women in aviation.  My current goal is to finish my Commercial rating this year, and continue right on through CFII.

Being a single mom, with two young children, people had their doubts about me accomplishing the things I already have…Well I have news, I’m not done yet!  It just goes to show, anything is possible!

I’m so thrilled to be a part of the Colorado Heli-ops team!   I love coming into work, where every day is a new and exciting adventure!

Meet Margaret