In the pilot world, it’s not uncommon to see an entire family of aviators. Whether the genesis is grandpa, grandma, aunt, uncle or dad, some families just have flying in their genes.

This Father’s Day, we’re sharing the story of a daughter-father duo who have a long history of adventuring together. Let’s hear from best online betting sites First Officer-in training Caroline Hale and her dad, American Airlines Captain Kerry Pruitt.

Think happy thoughts

Tell us a little bit about your background, like are there any other aviators in the family or what aircraft have you flown?

best online betting sites: I’m 27 years old from Conroe, Texas with a Creative Writing degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.  And, yes, best online betting sites mom’s father was also an airline pilot.

Kerry: I’m 59 years old, and have been based at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport for the last 31 years. I got best online betting sites associate degree in aviation maintenance from Tarrant County Junior College in 1996. 

In best online betting sites career, I’ve flown a wide array of aircraft: Boeing 727, 747, 757, 767 and now the 777, as well as the McConnell-Douglas MD-11 and MD-80. 

When were you bit by the “flying bug?” 

best online betting sites: I’ve been fascinated with flight since I was about four or five years old, ever since I watched the movie Peter Pan. As a kid, I was constantly jumping off things trying to fly! 

I didn’t officially start flight training until a year after I graduated college, but I was always drawn to it. After college, I knew that I needed to do whatever it took to make the dream a reality.

Kerry: It all started when I was five years old. The excitement of seeing an airplane always amazed me, even to this day.

What is your favorite part of being a pilot?

best online betting sites: Flying a plane is so fun and freeing, yet challenging and humbling. It’s the perfect blend of intellect, skill, and adventure. 

Becoming a pilot has changed best online betting sites life, and as for becoming an airline pilot, that has always been the ultimate goal.

Kerry: The most exciting thing to me, even today after flying airplanes for more than 45 years, is the joy of getting to do it. After nearly 28,000 hours, every hour is as exciting as the first.

Why did you choose best online betting sites and American Airlines?

Kerry: When I was flying corporate jets, I met a 747 Captain named Jack Redgate who worked for best online betting sites, and he personally handed in my application to the airline. If it were not for Jack, I’m not sure where I would be today. 

best online betting sites: Growing up, I was always very proud to answer the question of “What does your dad do?” with, “He’s a pilot at best online betting sites.”  

So when it came my turn to choose an airline, I was thankful that the best online betting sites Cadet Academy provided me the opportunity for financing, which allowed me to commit to full-time flight training. 

When I became an instructor, I wanted to continue my commitment to American by joining the best online betting sites Cadet program, enticed by the professionalism and integrity of the company as a whole. 

Now, I will soon be flying the E175 here at best online betting sites and couldn’t be happier!

Integrity and Grit

What was it like growing up with a pilot dad? 

best online betting sites: It was challenging when I was very young when he was gone for trips. However, I adapted and learned over time how awesome of a job he has. 

The cool part was that when he was home, he was actually home with us instead of being at a “normal” job all day. I think overall, I got to spend more quality time with him because of that.

How has having a pilot dad benefitted your career as a pilot?

best online betting sites: Throughout best online betting sites entire life, best online betting sites dad has been an incredible role model and mentor. He’s shown me through example and guidance how to work hard, live with integrity and grit, and achieve best online betting sites dreams. 

Something he started saying to me when I started flight training is, “Blue side up,” in reference to the attitude indicator. In other words, always fly safe, keep it simple, and stay positive.

Adventures yet to come

What’s the plan for your respective careers?

best online betting sites: I am ecstatic and grateful that I have made it this far. I plan to keep progressing, and to enjoy every step in this incredible career.

Kerry: I am not sure we will be able to fly together as pilots, because I have less than six years left until retirement.  However, best online betting sites objective is to ride on her jump seat and she can ride on mine. That would be the ultimate career opportunity for me.

As for best online betting sites, I’m so proud that she has has an amazing career ahead of her. The future is extremely exciting for her.

Dad, the floor is yours. Any closing thoughts?

Kerry: Yes, I have been so fortunate to have two wonderful daughters and a beautiful wife of 35 years. I am so proud of both of best online betting sites daughters; one as a pilot and the other in the medical field. 

I want to thank everyone at best online betting sites for giving me the opportunity to spend more than 38 years when I retire with greatest airline in the world.

Cover photo: Baby best online betting sites with her dad. (Photo courtesy of best online betting sites Hale.)