While pilots may take center stage in flight operations, they receive support from a dedicated team of individuals – including ­Jet Linx Flight Control Specialist Maria Tapia-Onofre – who work tirelessly to make each flight a magical experience.

Often working behind the scenes and on holidays, nights, and weekends, our Flight Coordination teams are responsible for maintaining constant communication with pilots and other departments, multitasking to ensure catering arrives, monitoring weather reports, researching facility amenities, ensuring proper runway conditions, and more.

Tapia-Onofre’s journey to Jet Linx is as inspiring as it is unique. Born in Puebla, Mexico, she moved to Omaha at the age of 10, learning English as a second language and eventually earning a full-ride scholarship to the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO). Her passion for aviation, kindled by childhood trips to Mexico City’s bustling airport with her father, led her to pursue a degree in Aviation Science and Education. At Jet Linx, Maria embodies the Company’s commitment to safety and excellence. Her meticulous attention to detail exemplifies the high standards that Jet Linx sets for its operations.

Join us as we learn more about Maria’s past, present, and future in the conversation below.

tell us about your background.

I was born and raised in Puebla, Mexico, and moved to the United States when I was around 10 years old. My father had been working here before my entire family moved, and we eventually joined him. When we arrived, I did not speak English fluently, and it is still my second language after Spanish, but I worked hard to learn English because it is also the universal language of aviation. After graduating from Omaha South High School, I earned a full-ride scholarship to the UNO and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Science and Education with a concentration in airport administration. Initially, I wanted to be a teacher, but I changed my path after my first year of college. The aviation classes captivated me, especially since I frequently traveled to Mexico by plane. Before joining Jet Linx, I worked as a valet parking attendant and in a call center, but those were just ways to earn extra income during college. Jet Linx was my first professional aviation opportunity.

what initially attracted you to the aviation industry, and what led you to pursue a career with jet linx?

My interest in aviation was sparked by my father, who used to take us to Mexico City Airport to watch planes take off and land. Plus, my brother was pursuing flight training to become a pilot and encouraged me to look at aviation as a career. I joined Women in Aviation and attended conferences, which further inspired me and made me realize I didn’t need to be a pilot to get involved in aviation.

At UNO, I took a private pilot’s course and felt really engaged with the material, so I ended up changing my major from education to aviation – which really started my career in aviation. I unfortunately graduated during the pandemic which made it difficult to network and find a good role at an aviation company. With encouragement from my former classmate Katherine Esquivel, who is now a Senior Flight Control Specialist at Jet Linx, I applied and accepted a role here in 2021. This is my first professional aviation job and I love it.

what are your primary responsibilities and day-to-day tasks as a flight control specialist?

My responsibilities include flight tracking, marking pilots’ positions, monitoring flights, checking weather and NOTAMs, communicating with different departments like Maintenance and Fleet Optimization, coordinating with FBOs for arrivals and departures, and handling any issues that arise during flights. I use various software tools like FOS, Flightbridge, Outlook, Teams, and FAA websites to perform my duties. Being able to multitask and communicate are essential to this role,and it’s important to be very organized and pay close attention to details.

what are some of the operational aspects you assess in your role?

I assess numerous operational aspects including airport and runway conditions, curfews, and facility amenities. I also handle reservation requirements, ensuring all aspects of the flight are set up for smooth operations. We work closely with various departments to relay information and solve any potential issues that might affect flights. I also coordinate de-icing services, check for GPU availability (especially at smaller airports), and ensure fuel services are available. I also arrange meals for crew members, which can be challenging at small, remote airports.

safety is a core value at jet linx. can you explain how the flight coordination department upholds and prioritizes safety standards in its operations?

We put emphasis on providing crew members adequate time for pre-flight procedures and being attentive to their well-being. We also document all communications and issues in notes and alerts to ensure all departments are informed of any safety concerns.

can you share an example of a time when your attention to detail and compliance with safety regulations made a significant impact on a flight operation?

There was a time when a pilot reported a minor car accident while getting food during standby time. Although the pilot said he was fine, I recognized this as a potential safety concern due to the distraction it might cause. I reported it to the safety director to ensure the pilot was fit to continue his duties. Though he was not injured, I suspected he may have been a little shaken, which could lead to a lack of focus. That could be a potentially dangerous situation, so I reported it. I believe it’s taking extra steps like this that put Jet Linx above competitors when it comes to safety, and we’re always encouraged to take as many precautions as necessary.

what do you enjoy most about working at jet linx, and what sets the company apart from others in the aviation industry?

I really enjoy what I do, including talking to pilots, flight tracking, and handling diversions. I also appreciate the good relationship with my teammates and the overall positive work environment at Jet Linx. We work very hard, but we work as a team and can depend on one another. Because I have been here for a few years, I have gotten to know the pilots well – their likes and dislikes – which makes my job easier and more enjoyable. The job can be stressful at times, and forming close relationships with pilots and other support teams helps to lessen the pressure.

how does jet linx support your growth and provide opportunities for advancement or training?

I will be taking a class to get my dispatch license through Jet Linx. I see many opportunities for growth within Jet Linx and appreciate the hands-on experience I’m gaining. I know that Jet Linx leaders are always supportive of furthering education, and I have seen many of our colleagues move into roles at major airlines and they are always celebrated and supported for furthering their careers, no matter where that may take them.

have you found it useful to be bilingual in your role?

Because my first language is Spanish and we have many Spanish-speaking pilots at our Bases in Miami and Texas, I often communicate with them solely in Spanish. My fluency in Spanish has been valuable at many times and I do think about someday returning to Mexico and finding a similar role. I think my bilingual abilities will help my career in the future and speaking Spanish with pilots helps to keep me sharp.

what has been the most rewarding aspect of your role as a flight control specialist so far?

I find satisfaction in successfully handling stressful situations and enjoy the dynamic nature of my role, particularly when dealing with diversions and tracking flights. Accomplishing difficult missions while working as a team is always a good feeling. When our passengers are happy, we are happy, too.

what is a memorable experience you can share – either at jet linx or any aviation-related experience?

I have two memorable experiences: the first one being my first flight with my brother during his flight training. I was with him and his instructor, and they were practicing steep turns which made me airsick! While it was not an ideal experience, it reinforced that being a pilot was probably not in my future – and that is perfectly okay.

Another more positive memory is visiting the United Airlines center in Denver with an aviation organization. I got to see behind-the-scenes operations at a large scale and it was all so impressive. It gave me a good perspective on what is possible career-wise for non-pilot positions and reaffirmed that I was making the right choice by moving ahead in the realm of flight control.

what advice would you give to someone considering a career in the aviation industry, particularly in a role like yours?

For anyone pursuing a career in aviation, I would emphasize that there are many other roles in aviation besides pilots. I encourage women and Latinas to consider aviation careers, noting that it’s a less common path that can earn respect and admiration. I would also recommend seeking mentors and being open to learning more and getting help when needed.