She knew that she wanted to become a corporate pilot; she just wasn’t sure about her next step. “I got creative with different applications and how I was presenting myself, because when I said ‘I want to fly for you,’ as a pilot with only a couple hundred hours, no one would hire me,” said Kissh. That’s when she started applying for desk jobs with the goal of simply getting her foot in the door. She found a job on LinkedIn for a Flight Locator position which sounded intriguing. During a phone interview, the hiring manager was confused. “He told me, “You have 270 hours and all your ratings; why don’t you want to fly anymore?’ said Kissh. After she explained her job search strategy, he offered her a different position on the spot; that’s when she got hired as a Flight Admin to fly full-time for Tailwind Air and also work in their office.
Kissh recently surpassed 600 total flight hours. “When I hit 600 hours, I pinched myself because I had 300 hours in a turboprop airplane,” Kissh exclaimed. “I had friends who had maybe 800 hours at that point, but they were all in a Cessna.” Flying for Tailwind has allowed her to see more, faster. “A lot of people don’t see FL300 until they’re at the regionals. On my second day, I went up to 30,000 ft and got my high-altitude endorsement.” She also enjoys the camaraderie with her father, a Hawker 900XP corporate pilot.
Kissh has the following advice for new pilots: “if you are interested in corporate aviation, or you’re not sure, talk to professionals and pilots in the industry. The more people you talk to, the better.” She also suggests that job-seekers keep an open mind about opportunities that come their way. “Don’t have tunnel vision,” Kissh added. “If someone gives you an opportunity, at least entertain it.” Lastly, Kissh recommends spending time at an FBO, because the general aviation community is friendly, and you never know where an opportunity may present itself.
These days, Kissh is giving back to the community that gave her a chance as a brand-new commercial pilot. She is currently the Media Relations Director for Women in Corporate Aviation and an ambassador for One Plane Jane, a clothing brand inspired by female aviators. Kissh also stays connected as a member of the Embry-Riddle Worldwide Chapter of Women in Aviation International. Lastly, she is a regular attendee at NBAA-BACE. “It was interesting going for two years as a student and, now, for two years with the company,” said Kissh. “There are people who saw me as a student who got to see me grow into a professional.” Her career related goals for the next five years are to fly a Gulfstream around the world, obtain her CAM certification and eventually promote to a management position like Chief Pilot or Director of Safety.
Last updated May 5, 2020
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.