> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.centraltonwa.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Ep. 22 - Women in Aviation: Breaking Flight Barriers with Rhiannon Umfleet
- URL: https://www.centraltonwa.com/women-in-aviation-breaking-flight-barriers-with-rhiannon-umfleet/
- Published: 2026-09-29T11:00:54.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-29T11:00:53.000Z
- Description: Rhiannon Umfleet shares her journey as the first female graduate of the UCA Aviation Academy, breaking down the intensive training pipeline from chair flying mechanics to handling spatial disorientation in the cockpit.
- Author: Paul Gatling

---

Becoming a certified pilot without prior experience requires raw grit and dedicated training. Rhiannon Umfleet joins the show to share her journey as the first female graduate of the UCA Aviation Academy.

Transitioning from an engineering track to the cockpit, Rhiannon broke down the intensive training pipeline from chair flying mechanics to handling spatial disorientation during cloud instrument runs. Her experience offers a grounded look at handling early flight failures, building muscle memory, and mastering cockpit checklists.

This episode gives aspiring pilots and workforce innovators a clear look at accelerated flight training models. Subscribe and share this episode with a colleague interested in aviation careers. What was your biggest takeaway from Rhiannon's first solo flight?