Wife and mother Nicole Robbins had never considered becoming a professional pilot. When her father took her to the airport in 2015 to see an airplane he purchased, Robbins made a major course correction.

“It’s like I flipped a switch,” she said. “I could see myself doing this. I now love flying.” For Robbins, the rest is history.

Robbins is now a junior in the Utah Valley University (UVU) Professional Pilot Program and lives in Springville, Utah, with her husband and three boys. She attributes her quality experience at UVU to her aviation professors.

“Those higher up in the department want the very best for their students and are doing everything they can to help them succeed in aviation,” Robbins said. “It’s a great program that builds bridges to the airlines.”

Robbins said her favorite part about the UVU Aviation Program is the women in aviation. In the United States, 70.9% of pilots are men, and Robbins described how the women in UVU’s program offer mutual support.

“Women just want to help each other,” Robbins said. “Being a part of this small group of women has been amazing. It is my favorite thing. It’s just really special.”

Robbins said she draws upon her aviation academic advisor, Marilyn Riddle, for inspiration.

“She does it all and is an amazing pilot,” Robbins said. “Any woman who makes it in this field is my hero because I know how hard it is to make it. I have yet to meet a woman in aviation who is not absolutely incredible.”

Robbins has ambitious goals in the aviation industry. After graduation, she hopes to fly alongside her father in the corporate flying sector. Once her kids are in high school, she hopes to become an airline pilot.

She encouraged any young woman aspiring to start a career in aviation to be steadfast in their goals.

“First of all, be yourself and do you because, in the end, it doesn’t matter what anyone else says,” Robbins said. “If you’re a good pilot, your flying will speak for itself. If you’re a good person, your actions will speak for themselves. Don’t let other people’s actions determine your goals and happiness.”

Learn more about the UVU School of Aviation Sciences.