Her Story
About Alexis
Alexis VanAntwerp is a Certified Flight Instructor, Evaluation Instructor, and Elevate Instructor at ATP Flight School, with approximately three years of experience in the aviation industry. Inspired by the adventurous pilots she admired while growing up, Alexis pursued aviation as a career and chose to prioritize flight training while continuing to plan the completion of her remaining college education at a community college. Her professional expertise includes flight safety, aeronautical knowledge, situational awareness, decision-making, risk management, and adherence to FAA standards.
In her role as an instructor, Alexis maintains a demanding schedule focused on preparing aspiring pilots for success in the cockpit. Her typical day begins with flight instruction as early as 5 a.m., followed by ground lessons with students and additional flights or simulator sessions that may continue into the evening. Through her work, she is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment while helping students develop the technical skills, confidence, and sound judgment necessary to fly safely and responsibly.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Alexis is dedicated to advancing opportunities for others in aviation and supporting her community. She is involved with the International Women in Aviation community, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, and the Professional Asian Pilots Association, and she volunteers with the American Red Cross. Guided by her commitment to safety, teamwork, meaningful professional connections, family, and faith, Alexis takes particular pride in encouraging women to pursue their dreams in aviation. Looking ahead, she aspires to fly small charter aircraft to the Bahamas before pursuing opportunities in corporate aviation with major carriers such as Delta Air Lines or United Airlines.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alexis
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith and my belief that aviation is part of God’s purpose for my life. I am driven by the opportunity to pursue my passion for aviation while using my journey to encourage and inspire others. I strive to share my faith, experiences, and knowledge with my peers and with anyone who is motivated to pursue a career in aviation, helping them recognize their potential and encouraging them to follow their own God-given purpose with determination and confidence.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to follow God’s purpose for my life and remain committed to the path He has placed before me. Pursuing aviation has required dedication, discipline, and perseverance, and I have learned the importance of keeping safety at the forefront of every decision while recognizing that success in aviation depends on teamwork. I believe that working collaboratively, supporting others, and building strong professional relationships are essential to achieving excellence and making a lasting impact in the industry.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the aviation industry is to never believe that an opportunity is too big or that a goal is beyond your reach. With passion, determination, and the willingness to challenge yourself, you are capable of achieving far more than you may initially believe. There will be difficult moments and setbacks along the way, but perseverance and a commitment to giving your best effort can make all the difference. Believe in your abilities, continue to push yourself, and do not be afraid to pursue opportunities that challenge you to grow.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is learning how to effectively teach and connect with students who have different personalities, learning styles, and ways of processing information. Every student learns differently; some may be more mechanically inclined, while others may respond better to visual, analytical, or hands-on instruction. Developing the ability to adapt my teaching approach to meet each individual student’s needs can be challenging, but it is also one of the most rewarding and interesting aspects of being an instructor. At the same time, I believe the aviation industry offers tremendous opportunities for those who are willing to pursue their goals with passion, determination, and a strong work ethic. No opportunity is too great for someone who is committed to learning, growing, and pursuing their dreams.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are safety, teamwork, family, meaningful connections, and faith. In aviation, safety must always come first, and I believe teamwork is essential to creating a strong, supportive, and successful environment. I also value building genuine connections with my peers and learning from the people around me. Outside of work, my family and faith are central to who I am and continue to guide my decisions, relationships, and approach to life.
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