Meet Giselah Ebanks, a pilot for Cayman Airways and an inspiration to female aviators around the world. Giselah is the first and currently only Caymanian female pilot flying for Cayman Airways’ on their Boeing 737-300 aircraft fleet. This accomplishment not only makes her a true role model for fellow Caymanians, but also proves that if you can dream it, you can achieve it!
“My fascination with aviation started around 5 years old. My parents used to take me to the airport every Saturday to watch aircraft takeoff and land. I finally decided to pursue my career after my senior year in high school. My first job was at a local FBO here in Grand Cayman and shortly after, I started taking flight lessons.”
Giselah has been flying with Cayman Airways for over four years now. Her career started on the Twin Otter Regional Props, which eventually lead her to transition onto the Boeing 737-300 jet. With so many amazing destinations under her belt, Giselah still considers New York as one of her favorites.
“I love flying to New York. The vibe is so much different from Grand Cayman. I also love seeing the wide variety of airplanes in action.”
Even though Giselah holds the honored title of being the only female pilot within her company, it is definitely a role that has come with its challenges.
“Unfortunately not everyone is as welcoming to the idea of a female pilot as others. I still receive the occasional negative comment regarding the skill of women who fly and have been told that flying is a man’s job. Being a female aviator proved to me that I can do ANYTHING I put my mind to. I guess in the long run these challenges have made me a stronger person mentally and spiritually. Plus it’s really great being a role model for the local young women here in Grand Cayman.”
Overcoming these challenges and proving that she is capable of anything she sets out to achieve, regardless of what people may say, makes Giselah a true inspiration for young females aspiring to become airline pilots.
“Ladies, if the skies are calling you, answer the call. It may seem like a daunting task at first and it may even seem impossible, but ANYTHING is possible once you put your mind to it.”
Cayman Airways has been serving the Cayman Islands since 1968, and offers service to a variety of Caribbean and U.S. locations. Their fleet includes Boeing 737-300’s and Twin Otter aircrafts, and currently employs a staff of over 300+. So the next time you’re looking to fly the skies over the Cayman Islands, consider this; not only does Cayman Airways offer complimentary rum punch and two free checked bags on every flight, but they also offer the opportunity to fly with wonderful pilots like Giselah Ebanks. So sit back, relax and enjoy the flight!
For more great pics from Giselah, you can follow her on Instagram @flylady_gizzy.