United Captain Opens Up About ‘Humbling’ Honor of Being the First Woman to Become the Airline’s Most Senior Pilot (Exclusive)

**Captain Chresten Wilson Set to Make History as United Airlines’ First Female Senior Pilot**

In a groundbreaking move for both United Airlines and the aviation industry as a whole, Captain Chresten Wilson is poised to become the airline’s first female most senior pilot in May. This landmark achievement follows a commendable 41-year career with United, where Wilson has made a mark as a distinguished aviation professional.

Reflecting on her journey, Wilson describes the honour she is about to receive as both “incredibly humbling” and a testament to years of hard work and perseverance. “I never set out to be the first,” she told PEOPLE. “I just wanted to fly airplanes and do it to the best of my ability.” However, she also acknowledges the significance of her achievement, noting that it represents both progress and persistence. “I have to give thanks to the women that came before me. They opened the door for me to make this possible,” she added.

Wilson’s aspirations to become a pilot were evident from an early age. Inspired by a pivotal moment when her family relocated to Denver, she recalls driving past United’s flight training centre at just 12 years old. “I told my mum, ‘I’ll be there someday,’” she shared. Interestingly, she had never even travelled on an aeroplane at that time, illustrating the clarity of her ambition.

Throughout her academic journey, Wilson faced the challenges of pursuing a career in a field that, at the time, had very few women pilots. “Nobody ever told me I couldn’t do it, so I kept that as my focus throughout school, receiving a lot of encouragement from family, friends, and teachers,” she explained. After completing her studies in Denver, she began her professional career as a flight instructor, accruing the necessary hours to advance in the aviation world.

For young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Captain Wilson emphasizes the importance of initiating the journey. “Start by believing it’s possible; that’s an important step,” she advises. Although the path may appear overwhelming at first, she insists that it becomes manageable through a series of achievable goals. Wilson believes that individual pathways vary and encourages aspiring pilots to discover what works best for them.

She also offers practical advice for those keen to enter the aviation field, suggesting they research flight schools, mentorship programmes, and scholarships. “Don’t be afraid to take a lesson,” she urges, further encouraging individuals to engage with industry professionals and ask questions. “Come up to me in the airplane or at the airport. Ask if you can come up to the flight deck and take a look at what we do,” she invites.

With a career spanning more than four decades in a predominantly male environment, Wilson has encountered her fair share of adversities. While she recalls a few instances of gender bias, she is quick to highlight the support she has received from the majority of her colleagues. “Most of my experiences have been positive, and I’m hoping to inspire the next generation of young women,” she asserted. Wilson aims to show that a career in aviation is attainable for all women, and her upcoming promotion serves as a powerful symbol of that possibility.

As the captain prepares for her new role, she remains acutely aware of the responsibilities that come with it. “Holding this honour at United is both a privilege and a responsibility,” she concludes, hoping to demonstrate that there truly are no limits to what women can achieve in aviation.

Captain Chresten Wilson’s legacy is not only as a pioneering figure at United Airlines but also as a beacon for aspiring female pilots everywhere. Her achievements pave the way for future generations, encouraging them to follow their dreams and believe that they too can soar to new heights.