Women’s History Month Spotlight: Nathalia Correa

In honor of Women's History Month, Bristow is shining a spotlight on the women who make Bristow soar. This interview features Captain Nathalia Correa from our Brazil operations.

Captain Nathalia Correa from our Brazil operations stands in front of an AW139, painted in the Era color scheme. Her dad who works in helicopter maintenance was a big influence in her career path.  

Talk about your role at Bristow?

I am a Leonardo AW139 captain. In this role, I'm responsible for the safety of our passengers. As a captain, I lead each flight with the support of my first officer.  

What is a recent success you're particularly proud of?

I was promoted from first officer to captain in December. This has been a huge goal for me, and I've worked very hard to achieve it, so I'm very proud that I was able to reach this accomplishment. I couldn't have done it without the support of my manager and coworkers, so I am very thankful for their support in this process. 

I was also proud to be part of the first Bristow Brazil flight with an all-female crew on February 15, 2021. I'm so proud to be part of our Bristow Brazil team, and especially proud to be one of four female pilots. We have a very strong team and we support each other through the challenges we encounter.

What are some challenges you've faced in your career? How did you overcome them?

Being a woman in this profession is difficult. Many people have told me it's not worth it to pursue a career in aviation. But flying is my passion and a career in aviation is my dream. I've learned it doesn't matter what people say; what matters is your actions. So, I focus on working hard and getting better every day. I prove myself every day and I don't attach much value to the naysayers.

 Who inspires you (work, personal or historical)?

My father is a huge inspiration to me. He's a mechanic and he worked at Bristow (Aeroleo) for 37 years. He and my mother met at Bristow, where she worked as a secretary for 20 years. I spent my childhood at Bristow and my dad is the one who inspired me to pursue a career in aviation. Seeing him live his dream every day as he worked on helicopters showed me that I could live my own dream of flying. My passion for flying started early, thanks to my dad!

Amelia Earhart also inspires me. When she was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic in 1932, she broke many barriers and paved the way for me and other future female pilots. I can only imagine the naysayers she encountered in her legendary career! She didn't let the negativity bring her down – she kept flying and shattering expectations! If we could all be that way, imagine what we could accomplish!

My coworkers inspire me every day with their hard work and passion. Each one of them has encountered unique challenges, but they show up every day and put forth their best effort. I'm proud to be on their team!

What advice do you have for women just beginning their career?

The important thing in a career in aviation is don't give up. I have some friends just beginning their career in aviation and I regularly tell them, "Don't give up! Always follow your dreams!"

I'm so happy to be here, living my dream come true. It takes a lot of hard work and perseverance, but it is worth it because I get to enjoy a gorgeous view from the cockpit every day and feel the incredible power and control of maneuvering a helicopter in the sky as we take flight. It takes hard work, so don't ever give up!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and my family. I love learning in my free time with books and movies. I enjoy aviation books and documentary films in my free time. But I also love a good romance movie!

Becoming a pilot was a lifelong dream and Captain Nathalia Correa says: “I've learned it doesn't matter what people say; what matters is your actions. So, I focus on working hard and getting better every day. I prove myself every day and I don't attach much value to the naysayers.”