12 Jan 2026 12:00
Breaking Barriers | Lola Reid Allin's Unstoppable Story
In this inspiring episode of Skyward, host Pilot Mercedes sits down with aviation legend Lola Reid Allin — one of Canada's earliest female commercial pilots, flight instructor, Twin Otter captain, award-winning author, photographer, and adventurer who's explored over 65 countries.
Lola shares her remarkable journey starting in 1979, when women in the cockpit were rare and often unwelcome. From battling family discouragement and societal expectations, to becoming the first female chief flight instructor at multiple schools, flying bush ops in the North, and facing intense challenges like electrical failures, spins, and outright discrimination — her story is one of resilience, joy, and quiet revolution.
We dive into:
- Growing up fascinated by clouds and planes in a time when girls were steered toward "traditional" roles
- Trailblazing milestones as a woman in a male-dominated industry
- Hair-raising in-flight emergencies and how she kept calm under pressure
- Her new memoir Highway to the Sky: An Aviator's Journey and why she wrote it after a shocking 2014 note to a female captain
Whether you're a pilot, aspiring aviator, or simply love stories of determination against the odds, this conversation celebrates the pioneers who opened the skies for future generations.
Note for parents & younger readers: While Highway to the Sky is a powerful and worthwhile read, it does explore some mature themes including adult situations, violence, and depictions of abuse. Reader discretion is advised, especially for young audiences.
📖 Highway to the Sky (available on Amazon worldwide + audiobook!)🌐 lolareidallin.com
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Chapters00:00 Trailblazing in Aviation: Lola Reed Allen's Journey02:59 Overcoming Barriers: The Challenges of Being a Female Pilot05:51 Inspiration and Role Models: The Impact of Early Influences09:12 Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry: Experiences and Insights11:56 The Evolution of Female Representation in Aviation14:59 Flight Instruction: Mentoring the Next Generation18:03 Personal Growth Through Aviation: Lessons Learned20:58 The Future of Women in Aviation: Progress and Challenges56:04 The Power of Storytelling in Writing01:00:06 Facing Challenges in Aviation01:05:56 The Journey of Writing a Book01:16:49 The Art of Audiobook Production01:20:36 Exploring Aircraft Experience01:29:04 Crisis Management in Aviation01:43:44 Lessons Learned in Aviation and LifeWhether you’re an aspiring pilot, a recreational flyer, considering aviation as a career or hobby, or simply inspired by the skies, these gems will motivate you heading into 2026.Thank you for an amazing launch year — here’s to flying higher in the next!
Learn more:If you want to learn more about aviation or aerospace, reach out to Pilot Mercedes:IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_skies/Email: [email protected]
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🎙️ Hosted by Pilot Mercedes
With years of experience as a pilot, Pilot Mercedes brings you Skyward Podcast. Your go-to show for mastering flight training, building confidence, and exploring all the different layers of the aviation and a
