Her Story
About Ulrike
Ulrike "Uli" Fay is a veteran commercial airline pilot with more than two decades of professional flying experience and an unwavering commitment to aviation safety and operational excellence. Originally from Germany, she completed 13 years of secondary education before pursuing studies in hotel management. After marrying her husband, who served in the U.S. military, she relocated to the United States, beginning a new chapter that included living in several states, starting in Wyoming, before eventually settling in Cape Coral, Florida. Her international background and diverse life experiences have shaped her adaptability, cultural awareness, and global perspective throughout her aviation career.
Uli entered the airline industry in 1994 as a flight attendant with United Airlines, where she developed a strong foundation in airline operations and passenger service. Following the events of September 11, 2001, she made the life-changing decision to pursue a career as a pilot, beginning professional flight training in 2002. After completing her FAA commercial pilot training and earning her required certifications, she launched her flight career with JetBlue Airways before returning to United Airlines. Today, she serves as an international pilot for Global Crossing Airlines, operating charter flights throughout the Caribbean, Europe, and other international destinations. She credits her educational background in Germany, combined with her extensive aviation training in the United States, as instrumental in building a successful career founded on technical expertise, discipline, and continuous professional development.
Throughout her career, Uli has maintained an exemplary incident-free flying record spanning more than 20 years, a professional achievement that reflects her dedication to safety, precision, and sound decision-making. She is recognized for her professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the highest standards of flight operations while thriving in dynamic international environments. Although she has traveled extensively around the world, she continues to view every flight as a new opportunity to learn and connect with people and cultures. Describing aviation as "the greatest job I've ever had," Uli remains passionate about safely transporting passengers across the globe while serving as an example of perseverance, lifelong learning, and excellence within the aviation industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ulrike
01What do you attribute your success to?
She attributes her success to perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. She believes that embracing new opportunities, pursuing continuous learning, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism have been the cornerstones of her career. From completing her education in Germany to building a new life in the United States and successfully transitioning from flight attendant to commercial airline pilot, she has approached every challenge with determination and discipline. Throughout more than 20 years of incident-free flying, she credits her strong work ethic, meticulous preparation, and genuine passion for aviation as the driving forces behind her continued success.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
She encourages young women considering a career in aviation to pursue it with passion, determination, and a clear understanding of the commitment it requires. She believes it is one of the most rewarding careers imaginable but emphasizes that success comes to those who genuinely love flying and are willing to embrace the industry's unique lifestyle. Aspiring pilots should be adventurous, adaptable, and open to new experiences, as the profession often involves changing schedules, destinations, and environments. She also advises future aviators to be prepared for the significant investment of time and resources, including approximately $150,000 in training costs and the accumulation of roughly 2,000 flight hours, viewing these challenges as worthwhile investments in a fulfilling and lifelong career.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in aviation today is the continued underrepresentation of women in the cockpit, with women accounting for only about 5–6% of professional pilots worldwide. Despite the industry's progress, aviation remains a predominantly male profession, and female pilots are still frequently mistaken for cabin crew, even when serving as captains. At the same time, this presents a significant opportunity to increase representation, challenge outdated perceptions, and encourage more women to pursue careers in aviation. Greater visibility of women in leadership roles within the flight deck will help inspire the next generation of pilots and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive industry.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, professionalism, and service are the values that guide both her career and personal life. She is deeply committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, accountability, and excellence while fostering a culture of respect and collaboration within the aviation community. Equally important is her dedication to giving back through mentorship and leadership. Having served for six years on the board of the International Society of Women Airline Pilots, including as Membership Director and Vice President, she is passionate about supporting and encouraging the next generation of pilots, particularly women pursuing careers in aviation. She believes that sharing knowledge, leading by example, and helping others succeed are among the most meaningful ways to make a lasting impact.
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