This month, I decided to explore a unique career field by interviewing Jacklyn Foust, pilot and manager of Skydive Monterey Bay. Foust began skydiving in her late high school years and immediately enjoyed meeting so many intriguing and adventurous people. This led to her working in the skydiving industry. 

Originally, Foust received her undergraduate degree in nutrition but then decided a career in piloting planes and instructing skydiving was both more interesting and satisfying. “The training to acquire the license isn’t quite like college. It’s really on the job, and going to certifying courses that are hosted with examiners.” Foust was required to pass written and physical tests before being declared to have enough experience to receive the licenses to pilot and instruct skydiving. She also took numerous courses to learn how to fly and was then required to pass tests necessary to receive her pilot license. Foust is proud to say she has now been working in this career for 30 years!

According to Foust, being able to think fast and work well with other people are important characteristics for success in her line of work. Teamwork and community really help make the office welcoming, and are critical when in the air. 

Flight coordination is incredibly important in the skydiving business, and it requires Foust to be in contact with flight schedules on the state level. “You always need to be available for the unexpected…so many things can change in a day.” 

Foust loves that the job always keeps her on her toes, and says that her favorite part is that the sky is literally the limit. “Our only real limitations are sanity and ambition.” She always feels proud to be there for her client’s milestones like birthdays and graduations. Even after hundreds of skydives, when she jumps Foust still feels that same feeling of being free and centered.

 

Foust was very inspiring to speak with and offered this advice: “If you think you wanna do it, do it. I don’t think it’s the easiest thing, but keep pushing through, and don’t stop.” Even though it’s not easy to achieve a career in aviation, and can be even more difficult for women, Foust knows what it is like to push through the stigma and achieve your dream. 

Happy flying, and those of you who are over 18 and interested in skydiving, check out Skydive Monterey Bay.