In the Spotlight

MIA HUTCHERSON: Flying High

Even as a child, Mia Hutcherson wanted to be a pilot. 

But she didn't see pilots that looked like her. And she thought you had to be in the military or have a degree in aeronautics or engineering to become a pilot. 

So, Mia attended and graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science, Policy, Planning & Development, and later earned her Master of Health Administration. While there she had a black aviation friend who transferred from USC to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. This only reinforced her understanding of the requirements to become a pilot. Many pilots are 4th or 5th generation pilots. They grow up learning what they need to do to fly, with access to private planes. Some earn their pilots license before their driver's license. But Mia was not exposed to any of that. 

After graduate school, Mia was hired as a corporate planner for a Japanese eyewear manufacturer firm. She lived in Tokyo and enjoyed her work and the traveling she did for her job. When the brand became supersaturated in Japan and China, Mia came back to the States. Although Mia enjoyed her work, she was ready for a change. She wanted to travel. She wanted to fly. Mia took a leap of faith and became a flight attendant.

Her “Aviation Father”

A year and half after becoming an attendant, Mia met her “aviation father.” Kevin Kaher was the captain of the American Airlines Cabo flight that Mia was working. During their conversations, Mia shared her long-time wish to be a pilot. Kevin let her know that military experience nor an aeronautics degree was required. He had neither. “As long as you have a degree, you can take flight training independently,” he explained. From that moment, there was no stopping her.

Moving at Supersonic Speed

Mia was in the air nearly nonstop from that point on — whether as a flight attendant or in flight lessons. She worked her way through these certifications:

• Private Pilot Certificate: basics; fly in fair weather
• Instrument Rating: fly in clouds with navigational aids, i.e., gauges and compasses
• Single-Engine Rating: apply and perfect private and instruments lesson skills
• Multi-Engine Rating: fly aircraft with multiple engines
• Airline Transport Pilot Certificate: fly jets; aircraft exceeding 12,500 pounds and 12 seats

Mia went from flying private jets, to regional jets for American Airlines, to mainline Boeing 737 jets for Alaska Airlines. She accomplished all of this in an unheard of five years! March 21st will mark one year for Mia as an Alaska Airlines First Officer. 

“International flights are my favorite,” says Mia. “Especially to Mexico and Costa Rica. No de-icing needed!” She enjoys the top-tier accommodations, making new friends, and exploring the area, especially volcanoes with awesome crew members.

Mia's Inspiration

Mia's parents have been a huge inspiration for her entire life. Her mother doesn't take “no” for an answer. If something is stopping her, she finds an alternative. Likewise, her father is very driven, and doesn't let anything stop him.

In the world of aviation, Mia is grateful of any female pilot who came before her. “They paved the way. They walked so other female pilots, including me, can fly.”

Sisterhood of the Sky

In the United States, women make up only 4.9% of airline transport pilots. Black women - less than 1%. There are approximately only 80 female African American pilots in the USA.

Mia is the Vice President of the Los Angeles Chapter of Women in Aviation International. The group holds an annual conference and Mia enjoys hearing the stories of the senior members. For example, there was a time when there was only one maternity tunic. Not one style, but literally one tunic to be passed along to a pilot when pregnant. One time, the precious tunic was lost when the pilot's home burnt down. The next expectant pilot had to borrow the maternity tunic from another airline!

“We form lifelong connections and will go out of our ways to help each other. We're a sorority. If we hear a female traffic controller, we'll all share the girl code, “Happy Monday” (or whatever day of the week it is.) “When I'm walking in an airport terminal and see another female pilot, there an instant connection, with a smile and a nod. There are so few of us.

“We've come a long way, but there's still a long way to go.”

The Unmanned Crew

Mia's most memorable experience is her first all-female crew; in September 2022 there were four attendants in the back and two pilots in the cockpit. We flew from LAX to Maui. “We called it ladies' night and the unmanned crew.”

Dream Big and Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

During a presentation to the Alaska Airlines employees for Black History Month, Mia shared some of her thoughts on dreams and achievements.

“Whatever you decide to do, dream big. Have a plan to execute. Don't take no for an answer. Don't get side-tracked. No goal is unobtainable. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

“I had three jobs: flight attendant, flying private jets, gate agent. I used every penny I made to buy av gas (jet fuel). I didn't have time or money to party, so I lost some friends. But my family and real friends were super supportive of me and my dream. 

I worked hard. Dug in my toes. Even if it was raining and I could not fly, I memorized fuel schemes or other things I needed to learn. I was going do it right.” 

Mia certainly did it right. She one of the few black, female mainline commercial pilots. 

With her inspiration, they'll soon be more in the friendly skies.

March 2023