Episode Summary: Breaking the Glass Ceiling: How Adva Amir Became One of the Few Female Airline Captains | E108

Podcast: Leap Academy with Ilana Golan
Host: Ilana Golan
Guest: Adva Amir
Release Date: May 27, 2025

1. Introduction

In Episode 108 of Leap Academy with Ilana Golan, host Ilana Golan welcomes Adva Amir, a trailblazing airline pilot with Hawaiian Air. Highlighting the fact that only 6% of airline pilots are women, Ilana sets the stage for an inspiring conversation about Adva's journey to becoming one of the few female airline captains.

2. Early Life and Inspiration

Adva's passion for aviation ignited at the tender age of eight during her first flight to the United States. She recounts a memorable moment when she persistently waved at the pilots from the jet bridge until the captain invited her into the cockpit. This experience solidified her fascination with flying.

Adva Amir [02:40]: “From the jet bridge, I was waving for the pilots and they didn't notice me. I kept waving until the captain finally saw me and he invited me to the cockpit.”

3. Setbacks and Coping

Adva aspired to become a military pilot in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), a path known for its rigorous selection and training. However, she faced a significant setback when she was not selected. This early failure was a profound blow, challenging her self-perception as an overachiever.

Adva Amir [05:03]: “It was a big failure for me. They don't want me. But I think everything worked out the way it should and made me go and achieve my dream in a different way.”

4. Military Service and Skills Gained

Despite the setback, Adva continued her service in the IDF as a civil coordination officer, where she managed a department of 16 soldiers. This role was instrumental in teaching her the importance of putting people first and developing leadership skills.

Adva Amir [06:55]: “I learned to put the people first because eventually they are the one that will make my department fulfilled and better.”

5. Pursuing the Dream Again

Determined to fulfill her dream of flying, Adva made the bold decision to pursue pilot training in the United States. Overcoming doubts and societal expectations, she moved to the US to attend flight school, a move that required immense courage and resilience.

Adva Amir [08:52]: “I think it's possible, it's possible.”

6. Challenges Moving to the US

Adva faced numerous challenges upon relocating, including language barriers and cultural adjustments. Navigating daily tasks in a new language and adapting to American aviation terminology were significant hurdles she overcame with determination.

Adva Amir [11:32]: “I had a lot of struggles, but I think I also love challenges, and I learned that I grow from them.”

7. Building Flight Hours and Overcoming Doubts

As a flight instructor, Adva needed to accumulate approximately 1,500 flight hours to qualify for airline positions. The demanding nature of this phase tested her perseverance, especially amidst the uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adva Amir [14:56]: “I decided I'm believing no matter what people tell me. I'm putting everything in the background and I'm just continuing.”

8. Transition to Airlines and Captaincy

After fulfilling the flight hours requirement, Adva secured a position with a regional airline. Her training was abruptly halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading her to return to Israel temporarily. Upon resuming her career post-pandemic, Adva advanced from first officer to captain—a rare achievement for women in aviation.

Adva Amir [21:42]: “Less than 2% actually become captain.”

9. Adva's Viral LinkedIn Post

Adva shared her journey through a heartfelt LinkedIn post, detailing the challenges and triumphs of her path to captaincy. The post resonated widely, garnering millions of views and inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.

Adva Amir [24:06]: “If you have a dream, you can go and do that. There will be challenges, but it's possible.”

10. Joining Hawaiian Airlines and Lifestyle Changes

Choosing to join Hawaiian Airlines marked a significant shift in Adva's career, involving long-haul flights across the Pacific. This transition brought new challenges, including managing jet lag and adapting to the lifestyle changes that come with long-distance flights.

Adva Amir [28:10]: “I started working for them, and everything happened at the same time, and it was amazing.”

11. Learning to Surf and Competing

Embracing life in Hawaii, Adva took up surfing—a new passion that parallels her aviation career in terms of discipline and overcoming fears. She shares her experiences of learning to surf, facing initial fears, and preparing to compete in the Maccabia Games.

Adva Amir [35:34]: “I learned that when I put myself outside of my comfort zone, this is where I grow.”

12. Lessons and Advice

Throughout the conversation, Adva emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passions, even in the face of doubt and societal expectations. She advises listeners to start their journeys despite uncertainties and to ignore naysayers who may not understand their capabilities.

Adva Amir [40:34]: “Start whatever that is. If you're not 100% sure this is what you want to do, but you have a dream, just start your journey.”

13. Closing Remarks

Adva and Ilana reminisce about their initial meeting years ago, bringing a personal and heartfelt closure to the episode. Adva expresses gratitude for Ilana's early encouragement, highlighting the full-circle nature of her journey.

Adva Amir [48:29]: “I'm so happy you invited me here. Really, I'm grateful. Thank you so much.”

Key Takeaways

• Resilience in the Face of Setbacks: Adva's journey underscores the importance of perseverance after initial failures.

• Leadership and People Management: Her experience in the IDF equipped her with essential leadership skills that have been pivotal in her aviation career.

• Breaking Gender Barriers: Adva's achievement as one of the few female captains highlights the ongoing challenges and gradual progress in gender representation within aviation.

• Inspiring Others: Through her viral post and personal story, Adva has motivated many to chase their dreams despite societal constraints.

• Balancing Passion and Career: Her pursuit of surfing alongside her aviation career demonstrates the value of balancing professional aspirations with personal passions.

Notable Quotes

• Adva Amir [02:40]: “From the jet bridge, I was waving for the pilots and they didn't notice me. I kept waving until the captain finally saw me and he invited me to the cockpit.”

• Adva Amir [05:03]: “It was a big failure for me. They don't want me. But I think everything worked out the way it should and made me go and achieve my dream in a different way.”

• Adva Amir [24:06]: “If you have a dream, you can go and do that. There will be challenges, but it's possible.”

• Adva Amir [40:34]: “Start whatever that is. If you're not 100% sure this is what you want to do, but you have a dream, just start your journey.”

This episode serves as a powerful testament to overcoming adversity, breaking glass ceilings, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions. Adva Amir's story is not only inspiring but also offers concrete lessons for anyone aiming to leap into bigger things and craft the life they desire.