Meet Stacey Jackson, aÌý 2005 Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â´óÈ« graduateÌý who embarked on aÌý 20-year career in aviation. From her early days in the Aviation Flight - Technology program, Stacey's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. She’s flown a wide array of aircraft globally, from gliders in mountainous terrains to a Dash 7 for medevac missions with the UN to commercial airliners.Ìý Today, she soars as an airline pilot for WestJet, flying a Boeing 737 across North America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Stacey's also a dedicated human factors instructor and the founder of her own consulting firm, HF Aviation Solutions.
Married and a mother of three, Stacey hails from Mississauga and is a lifelong learner. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Aerospace, her research focuses on human factors in aviation. Despite her ongoing education, Stacey firmly believes that her solid foundation at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â´óÈ« laid the groundwork for herÌý professionalÌý achievements.Ìý She's most proud of her accomplishments here where she faced the biggest challenges, worked her hardest,Ìý learned humility, grace - and most importantly, never quit, all preparing her for the demanding field of aviation.Ìý Stacey described the program as intense but rewarding, and that it allowed her to stand out in the industry.
Stacey first became interested in flying when her friend convinced her to join the Royal Canadian Air Cadets as a teenager.Ìý It was during a glider activity in the fall, with leaves changing colours and crisp, clear air all around her, she remembers thinkingÌý 'I have to find a way to do this for the rest of my life'.Ìý ÌýÌýWhen it came time to choose a postsecondary school, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â´óÈ« stood out as the perfect choice. It offered the program she desired and the credentials she wanted within her desired timeframe. Moving away from southern Ontario was also part of the plan, and her journey in Sault Ste. Marie allowed her to truly embrace her independence, an experience she cherishes.
Words of Advice
Stacey has some valuable advice for current and future Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â´óÈ« students. She emphasizes that the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â´óÈ« name carries weight in the aviation industry and encourages graduates to set an example for those who will follow in their footsteps. To be a leader in your field, Stacey highly recommends choosing Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â´óÈ«.
As you live a great life with a career in aviation, StaceyÌý urges you not to becomeÌý obsessed with the next stage, step, promotion, or airplane. Enjoy your current phase of life.Ìý She reminds us that life is constantly changing and we should remember to savour the present moment. And, if you find yourself in a phase that isn't so easy, remind yourself that nothing is permanent. Lean on your network. Ride it out. Make some changes.Ìý
Her secret to success is leaningÌý on your support network during challenging times, whether it's family, friends, professors, or mentors. Stacey attributes much of her success to the unwavering support she received, andÌý encourages mentorship and outreach at all levels of aviation.Ìý She has experienced some devastating losses, both personally and professionally, and without her support network, she knows the outcomes would have been so different. With aviation being such a dynamic industry, she says youÌý never really stop learning, so she's a strong advocate for mentorship and outreach for all levels of aviation.
Stacey still encourages seeking out challenges through different career paths and adventuresÌý for professional and personal development and growth. But remember to relish the moments when they're really great.Ìý
Achievements Worth Celebrating
Stacey became fascinated with human factors issues since her timeÌý at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â´óÈ«.Ìý ÌýHer passion forÌý safety in aviation led her to teachÌý aircraft accident investigationÌý to investigators with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and human factors in postsecondary institutions.Ìý Stacey went on toÌý also establish her own educational consulting firm, HF Aviation Solutions, whichÌý provides human factors training and consults for companies conducting evaluations.
ÌýHer passion, love of the industry and advocacy for mentorship doesn't stop there.Ìý StaceyÌý is president of the Upper Canada Chapter for Women in Aviation International (WAI) and is the Canadian representativeÌý Ìýfor the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) Female Pilots Working Group. She's also a member and instructor for ALPA's Accident investigation Board, the flight-time/duty coordinator for ALPA Canada, and a member of ALPA's President's Committee for Diversity and Inclusion.Ìý
Stacey'sÌý accomplishments and dedication to the aviation and aerospace industryÌý have not gone unnoticed.Ìý ÌýIn 2020, she received the Elsie Flight Operations Award from the Northern Lights Aero Foundations,Ìý recognizing Canadian women who have made outstanding contributions to aviation and aerospace.Ìý ÌýNominated by Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Êͼ¿â´óÈ«,Ìý Stacey wasÌý chosen as the recipient of the 2021 Premier's Award in the technology category, honouring the social and economic contributions of Ontario College graduates.Ìý
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