Influential Woman · Aviation

Samantha Costas

First Officer, United Airlines

Valparaiso, IN

8Years experience

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Two Master's Degrees from University of Guelph Degree PhD in Political Science from Loyola University Cert Multi-Engine Rating Cert Private Pilot Certificate Cert Airline Transport Pilot Cert Commercial Pilot Certification Cert Instrument Rating Cert E170/175 Type Rating

Her Story

About Samantha

My journey into aviation was unconventional. After college, I spent 10 years in academia. I completed two Master's Degrees from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, and then pursued a PhD in Political Science at Loyola University Chicago. My dissertation research focused on how countries use airspace as a foreign policy tool. 3 years into my PhD program, I needed a mental break and remembered that years prior, my dad had encouraged me to become a pilot. I decided to take the chance and pursue flight training. Quickly, I realized how much I loved aviation, and decided to pursue it as a career. I took a year off from school, completed all my pilot training, and then started building the flight time I needed for the airlines while finishing my PhD. I flew the Embraer 175 with Envoy Air (American Eagle) before achieving my dream job as a 737 pilot with United Airlines. I love the flexibility and opportunities that come with this career. What I appreciate about United is how they encourage pilots to make this career their own, offering different positions and opportunities based on whatever season of life you're in - whether you want to fly domestically, internationally, or even work in the office. Working in a field where only about 6% of pilots are women, I'm passionate about being visible and helping other women see that this career is achievable and extremely rewarding.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Samantha

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to perseverance and a positive attitude. Similarly, the idea of leading by example has been prevalent in shaping my life. I’ve seen what other people have accomplished and have used their example to set a bar that I can hold myself to. I love witnessing other people in my life and even peripherally in the news accomplish amazing things. It has shown me that anything can be possible. As a part of the 6% of women pilots in the airlines, it's really cool to be that example for other women now. I've also had two parents who really instilled in me that you can achieve anything that you set your mind to, and that foundation has been instrumental in what I've accomplished.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I've ever received is to not be afraid of setting hard goals. Sometimes it's easy to get intimidated by how long something will take or how much work will go into it, but if you break up a goal into smaller pieces, it makes it seem easier to accomplish. My parents really instilled that in me - that you can achieve anything that you set your mind to. Don’t be intimidated by setting high goals for yourself. That has been the most valuable advice I've followed.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would say if you are interested in being a pilot, just take the chance and try it! If other women and girls can see that there are women in the field, it makes it a lot easier to believe that they can do it too. There are so many women out there that are capable of becoming great pilots. It is a really great career and that it can be very doable with family life and extracurriculars- just take the chance to try and become a pilot if that would be something that you would be interested in. The fact that we're only about 6% of pilots means visibility matters. If this feature can encourage even one more woman into aviation, that is a huge win.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I would say the biggest opportunities, especially at United, are that you can really make this career what you want. There are a lot of opportunities to have different positions based on the season of life you're in. United does a great job in encouraging people to make this their career. The flexibility of the career is, I think, the biggest benefit and opportunity.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

I think my most important value would be integrity, particularly making sure your actions match your words and values. This includes follow-through, and it ties in with goal setting. I always try and follow through on things that I start and goals that I set for myself. It also includes keeping your word and being somebody that can be relied upon - not only relying on yourself, but allowing others to rely on you too. Whether it's with work or my personal life, I try and live with integrity.

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