Captain Cindy Guay Leads First All-Female Flight Crew

Silver Airways, America’s leading independent regional airline, is proud to announce the history-making milestone appointment of Cindy Guay as the first female Captain to fly the ATR-600 series aircraft in the U.S., including both the ATR 42-600 and ATR 72-600.

In addition, Captain Guay is now flying alongside Silver Airways’ first all-female flight crew, including First Officer Susan Sugar, and Flight Attendants Rachel Peacock and Flavia Fabiano, all based in Orlando.

“This is not only a momentous milestone for Silver Airways, but for all women in aviation,” said Silver Airways CEO Steve Rossum. “All of these women are truly talented hardworking professionals who have overcome many obstacles in pursuit of their passion for flying and are exemplary role models for all women interested in pursuing a career in aviation.”

Cindy Guay joined Silver Airways three years ago as a First Officer flying the airline’s Saab 340s and quickly advanced her career to become a Saab 340 Captain in just shy of two years. She began transitioning to the ATR fleet last fall and this month became the first female Captain to operate the ATR in the U.S. She thoroughly enjoys flying the new ATRs which feature the latest in technology. Guay began her career in aviation as a flight attendant where she was immediately drawn to flying and knew she wanted to become a pilot. After earning her pilot's license, she went on to become a flight instructor for four years before joining Silver Airways. “I love flying for Silver in particular because we are a family,” says Guay. “While juggling a family and flying is challenging, Silver’s schedules give me the opportunity to pursue my passion for flying and be with my family.” In her spare time, Guay enjoys taking care of her kids and family. Her advice for women: “If you enjoy what you do, it’s not a job. You may have to sacrifice to achieve your goals, but if you stick with it, you can do anything.”

First Officer Susan Sugar began her career more than 10 years ago as a flight attendant. “After sitting in the cockpit for take-off and landing, I was immediately hooked and knew I wanted to fly,” says Sugar. After earning her pilots license, she started flying with American Eagle. Sadly it was two weeks after the tragedy of 9/11 and she was furloughed. She then went on to a real estate career while flying sky diving planes. Then, while on vacation a year ago and watching small planes landing in St. Thomas, she knew she needed to fly commercially again. Shortly thereafter she joined Silver Airways. While it’s been the hardest thing she’s ever done, she’s glad she did it. “Now I’m fulfilled,” she says. When not flying, Sugar enjoys working out, cooking and eating, traveling and spending time with friends. Her advice for women: “Follow your dreams and you can do it.”

Flight Attendant Rachel Peacock “loves flying for Silver because they’re my family,” says the Alabama native who joined Silver Airways four years ago. Peacock first flew Silver Airways as a passenger and she was instantly drawn to the airline. Not knowing what the future held, but always wanting to live in Orlando, Peacock hit the road to follow her passion for flying for Silver. Always a nurturer who took care of people, Peacock says “Silver is not a job for me. There’s not a single day that I wake up and don’t want to fly. I absolutely love my Silver family and taking care of my passengers.” In her spare time, Peacock takes care of herself by exercising, walking and spending time with her family. Her advice for women: “There is nothing you can’t accomplish if you jump in with no fear.”

Flavia Fabiano has been crazy about aviation since she was a young child when she played with aircraft models. She achieved her dream of becoming a flight attendant when she joined Silver Airways five years ago. Fabiano says she’s here today “because of my son who helped and encouraged me to pursue my passion for flying. I enjoy working with the public and helping others, and as a flight attendant I can give back to others. And it gives me the opportunity to be on an aircraft and in the sky, and that’s where I’m happiest.” Her advice for women: “If you have a passion, pursue your dreams. It’s not always an easy road, but through willingness, you can realize your dreams.”

(Image provided with Silver Airways news release)

FMI: www.silverairways.com