BIO
EARLY LIFE
Veronika was born in 1987 in Prague, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic).
She grew up in a loving home with her sister and parents. Veronika was an active child who enjoyed dancing, singing, and socializing. Veronika spoke Czech as her native language, and also learned to speak German and Slovak in school.
Veronika became interested in aviation at 16 years old when she was traveling with her father on Turkish Airlines. During the flight, the captain invited her into the cockpit and allowed her to sit in the jump seat for landing. This experience left an indelible impression on Veronika, and would influence her career path a decade later.
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After graduating from high school, Veronika decided to take a year off to work and explore before going to university.
Always one for adventure, Veronika moved far away from home, friends, and family to West Palm Beach, Florida, where she worked as an au pair for a set of four-year-old triplets. This job was rewarding, but challenging, particularly since she did not speak any English at first. Veronika credits the children with helping to build her vocabulary, and correcting her on her grammar.
After a year as an au pair, Veronika went to University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering. She paid for her degree by working a variety of jobs including as a housekeeper and a waitress at a high end restaurant.
THE EMERGENCE OF PILOT V
In 2014, Veronika had a successful career in a biomedical engineering laboratory, and was considering pursuing a PhD, however she did not find the work particularly satisfying, and could not imagine doing it for 30 years.
Veronika started to think more and more about her fascination with aviation, and pondered whether it was possible for her to become a pilot. She went to the Palm Beach County Park/Lantana Airport and took a flight on Cessna 150. As the engine roared and the plane glided through the air she knew this was the path she wanted to take and set her sights on becoming a pilot.
Veronika signed up for flight school and diligently studied the flight manuals and practiced the skills until she mastered them.
After earning her Private Pilot’s License, Veronika’s love of aviation turned into an obsession, and she officially decided to change careers from biomedicine to aviation. Many key people in her life tried earnestly to dissuade her, but she is a strong willed (some would say stubborn) woman who decided the risk was worth the reward.
After gaining experience and hundreds of hours in the air, Veronika became a flight instructor and taught over 100 students to become certified pilots. She drew great satisfaction from helping others develop their skills and building their love of flying.
CAREER
Mokoulele Airlines
In 2016, Veronika joined Mokouele Airlines as a First Officer on a Cessna Caravan aircraft which seats up to 14 passengers. She flew inter island routes across the Hawaiian islands and quickly became a Captain.
Sky West Airlines
In 2019, Veronika moved from Hawaii, back to the mainland to pursue an opportunity with Sky West. She graduated from the Caravan to the twin engine Embraer E175 carrying 70 passengers.
Hawaiian Airlines
In 2022, Veronika landed her dream job flying the Airbus A330 for Hawaiian Airlines. Veronika is currently a First Officer. She loves flying to varied locations including Japan, Korea, Australia, as well as mainland locations like Boston, New York, and San Francisco. Veronika’s goal is to stay with Hawaiian Airlines and become a Captain. She is excited about the future!
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Throughout her aviation career, Veronika has sought to inspire, guide, and motivate others to become pilots. She has been featured on podcasts, social media, and other platforms which she uses to highlight her career and influence others to follow her path. Veronika has reached a significant audience including 500k views on YouTube, and 22,000+ followers on Instagram.
Veronika is particularly passionate about encouraging women to become pilots. Females make up less than 5% of commercial pilots in the United States. Veronika sees aviation as a rewarding and satisfying career and knows that women can become highly competent and qualified pilots. Veronika wants to demonstrate that it is possible for young women to succeed and thrive as pilots while maintaining an amazing quality of life at home.