Today, we are pleased to introduce Leonie Celine Schulz, our ATR First Officer from Frankfurt, Germany. 

Leonie's connection to aviation began in her childhood and was deeply influenced by her proximity to Frankfurt Airport. In this interview, Leonie recounts her journey from a childhood fascination with airplanes to pursuing a career as a pilot. She shares the challenges she faced, her training experiences, and her future ambitions in aviation.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey into aviation? What inspired you to become a pilot?

  My name is Leonie Schulz, 22 years old, from Frankfurt, Germany. Growing up near Frankfurt Airport, planes have always been a part of my life. Every weekend, I would ride my bike to the airport to watch planes take off and land. 

To be honest, I didn’t always plan to become a pilot. My parents both work in German television, and I always wanted to follow in their footsteps and become a journalist. But during the time I did my high school examinations, I saw a documentary on TV about two female pilots. And when I saw what they're doing at work, I decided this is the thing I want to do. I want to become a pilot! So I applied to some flight schools, passed the assessments, and did the training.

How did you begin your journey towards becoming a First Officer? Were there any challenges you faced along the way?

 A major challenge I faced along the way was, I started the training in 2020 when everything was locked down. The flight school I originally planned to go to in Bremen had to close after 50 years of continuous operation, but I found another school that continued training in Salzburg. 

 During the training, we also had to be stopped a few times. The AFZ and the theory examinations had to be canceled and rescheduled a few times. This resulted in sitting around and doing basically nothing while still dreaming of your big goal to fly one day.  

Throughout your training, what has been the most challenging skill to master?  

The training itself was surprisingly easy, but the ever-changing COVID regulations created some challenges to cross the border and to get the flight lessons because of the distance rules. It was difficult that I always had to bring confirmations that I’m still in training and a negative COVID test. 

 Where do you see your aviation career taking you in the next five years? Are there any specific goals or milestones you’re aiming for?  

I wanted to become a theory instructor at my old flight school. My favorite subjects were Human Performance and Aircraft General Knowledge, and I was really lucky to have been offered to teach AGK. But I refused the offer to start my job here at Xfly. I hope one day I get another chance to teach one of these subjects. 

Outside of aviation, what are some of your hobbies or interests? How do they influence or complement your career?  

I love being outside and in nature. Unfortunately, now I don’t have enough time for my other hobbies: swimming and scouts. I have made a lifeguard license at the DLRG (German Life Saving Society). Furthermore, I was a junior team leader at the scouts. Here I trained my capabilities to work with other people and to lead them, which might be helpful in the flight deck.  

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in aviation, especially young aspiring pilots? 

 Be patient, it will all work out, and live your dream!