Many words have been written about women who balance flying careers with motherhood, but few articles discuss how male pilots strike a balance with fatherhood. Mother of two Emma Heering is a VistaJet Bombardier Challenger 605 pilot and type rating examiner. Though her husband is also a pilot, Captain Heering is pragmatic about the care of newborns, and why female pilots are often in full-time caregiver mode in those early months.
“It stems from the availability of maternity/paternity leave,” she notes. “Sometimes, fathers are offered only two weeks leave, or a portion of the mother’s leave can be allocated to them, but generally speaking women are given more absence from work, making it difficult to justify any other way in the beginning.” The bond between mother and newborn also can’t be discounted, nor indeed the choice many women make to breastfeed.
But given the various economic and biological factors, finding the balance between childrearing and flying high can be made infinitely easier if your family understands and assists, and your employer offers flexibility.
“It takes a team to raise children at the best of times let alone when one parent is away for several days on the other side of the world, in a different time zone,” says Heering.
“I’m incredibly lucky to have a family that supports my career, while my husband fully understands the demands and my passion for flying. My parents have been my cheerleaders from my very first flight and without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. They are also incredible grandparents, taking care of our children when both my husband and I are away.”
Heering reckons a positive attitude greets her ‘99% of the time’. “People are pleased to see a female pilot. If you’re professional, do a good job and work hard, it shows, no matter your gender.” Image: Emma Heering
Heering’s career began in California, where she gained an FAA pilot’s license and became a flight instructor. “I flew medevac and cargo with the Beechcraft King Air and 1900, operating into Santa Barbara twice a week and parking alongside lots of corporate jets. The Globals and Challengers caught my eye and sparked an interest in business aviation,” she says.
“Three years later, I returned to the UK and attainted my EASA license. There was little work for pilots in the UK at the time, but I flew the Jetstream 32 on a US DOD contract for two years.
“In 2013, I was offered a first officer’s seat in the Challenger 605 at VistaJet, my dream job. I remember being so excited, literally jumping for joy when I hung up the phone. I was a first officer for four years, then passed my command assessment and began the upgrade process. By 2017, I was a captain. I still remember the incredible feeling of my first rotation after being signed off.”
Heering has been mistaken for a flight attendant. Typically pragmatic, she says: “I suppose part of it is just stereotypes and what people are used to. I enjoy subverting expectations and do my best to be a role model for younger women aspiring to become pilots. I’m hopeful that perceptions will move on with the times.” Image: Emma Heering
What is it about the Challenger 605 that sets Heering’s pulse racing?
“Everything! It’s seeing the plane parked on the ramp, opening the door and smelling the signature VistaJet scent,” she replies. “It’s the excitement of constant changes and never knowing if I’ll spend tomorrow night in Switzerland or the Seychelles. It’s the feeling of the wheels leaving the ground when you rotate and climbing through rainy weather to bright sunshine.
“It’s the crew I work alongside and socialise with over dinner at the end of a long day. Most of all, it’s the absolute privilege of being trusted by VistaJet worldwide, not only with this incredible machine but with the safety of our valued guests.”
Heering acknowledges VistaJet’s support of her continued professional development and says there is no one solution for female pilots with children.
“I think the only thing that suits everyone is flexibility. I work part time, so I’m away on rotation flying for fewer days than the full-time pilots. I also work in the simulator, which allows me to have more of a routine schedule. I know what time I’ll leave and when I’ll return quite far in advance, making it easy to arrange childcare,” she confides.
“Our crew planning department also do their best to have me home for my children’s birthdays or first days at school. For a company like VistaJet to be understanding of the needs of their crew, professionally and personally, is imperative.”
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Featured image credited to VistaJet
