Heather’s aviation journey took off in 2000 when she joined the Aviation Academy, a magnet program at Denbigh High School. Her passion for flight soared even higher when she earned a Civil Air Patrol flight scholarship, allowing her to complete her first solo on July 15, 2005 at KPHF!

She continued her education at Averett University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Technical Systems—along with her Private Pilot certificate. Since then, she has steadily built her aviation career, earning her instrument rating, commercial pilot certificate (both single and multi-engine), and a full suite of instructor ratings: CFI, CFII, and MEI.

Now a dedicated flight instructor, Heather shares her love of aviation with students and fellow pilots at Tidewater Flying Club and Curtis Eads Flight School in Suffolk and Newport News. When she’s not in the cockpit, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her four future aviators.

Her passion for the skies doesn’t stop at Earth’s atmosphere—Heather is an avid space nerd and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Space Systems at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

Beyond instructing, she is deeply involved in the aviation community and beyond, volunteering with Civil Air Patrol, Women in Aviation, The Ninety-Nines, and her children’s school PTSA organizations.