Mace Curran: From Fighter Pilot to Inspiring the Next Generation

I’m driven by helping others find their full potential in and out of the cockpit... 

1. Can you outline your aviation experience so far?

I went straight to Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training to learn to fly after graduating college. I entered that program with no civilian flight time. It was like trying to drink from a fire hose. I spent the next two years going through various Air Force training programs and learning to fly the DA-20, T-6, and T-38. 

I went into that journey wanting to be a fighter pilot. Who gets what aircraft at the end of the pilot training program comes down to class ranking based on performance over the previous year. It is highly competitive, but I got one of those fighters, the F-16, and spent another year learning the basics of flying it. 

My flying career spanned 13 years and two thousand hours in the F-16. Six of those years were in combat squadrons in Japan and Texas and the last three were with the USAF Thunderbirds as a Solo Pilot. 

I decided to leave the Air Force in early 2022. I did that to pursue inspiring others in and out of aviation in a new way. Since then, I’ve been a keynote speaker and author. I’ve had the honor of sharing my aviation story with thousands of audience members and empowering thousands of kids through my aviation-focused children’s books. 

2. What inspired you to fly/work in aviation and what continues to fuel your passion?

Partway through college, we visited an Air Force base, and I saw two fighter jets taking off in afterburner. This was the first time I had been up close and personal with a jet, and it was a jaw-dropping, life-changing experience. That was the moment I knew I had to at least try to go do that. 

Initially, I was inspired by the excitement, freedom, and novelty of aviation. Later in my career, the community in the aviation industry really stood out. I’m driven by helping others find their full potential in and out of the cockpit. 

3. What has been your standout achievement to date?

The positive impact that I have had the honor of leaving on so many people. It’s rare to find yourself in a position where you have a platform to do so much good. I’m proud of how I have leaned into that and reached so many. Seeing others go do big things they initially didn’t think were possible has been the greatest thing to be a part of.

4. Have you faced any challenges during your career and if so, how did you overcome them?

I really struggled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome early in my career. I had worked so hard to get that fighter jet I wanted and had done it. Then, I got to my first combat squadron and was quickly overwhelmed by the job's complexity. It took me years to get good at the tactics and leading a flight airborne. I wasn't used to not immediately being a high achiever who figured things out quickly, which shook my identity. I also felt like I had to overcompensate to prove I deserved to be there. At that time, only 2% of fighter pilots were women, and I was under the microscope. 

Some of overcoming it was just time and gaining experience. I also reached a point where I could no longer put on the façade of knowing what I was doing when inside, I was struggling. I started being honest with those around me when I needed help and had questions. I stopped pretending I was the same as all the guys I worked with and started showing up more authentically. It turns out that these things that felt scary and vulnerable led to closer relationships with my peers and improved my performance in the aircraft.

5. If you could give your younger self, just entering the industry advice, what would it be?

It’s ok to be a beginner. Aviation isn’t easy and learning a complex skill takes time. The best way to go through that is accepting that you will frequently make mistakes but realizing that doesn’t mean you aren’t cut out for the cockpit. Learn from them, keep working toward improving each time, and be open to feedback. 

6. What changes would you like to see in the industry?

I would like to see more women viewing aviation as an industry that they are welcome in. Part of that is changing perception. I hope we reach a point where it’s as common for a little girl to say she wants to be a pilot as anyone else. And a point where female airline pilots are no longer constantly assumed to be flight attendants. One of the best ways to do this is for women to be visible in those roles to show others there is a spot for them.

7. What are your plans for the future?

I’m going to continue to share my story and be an advocate to help other women do badass things! I’ll eventually get back in the cockpit for fun as well. 

8. How can we best support women in the Aviation Industry and what can those women just starting out do for the best chance of success?

Start seeing other women in aviation as sisters facing the same challenges as you, not as competition. We can gain so much insight and support from one another and there is space for all of us. 

When you are just starting, focus on learning and improving a little each day. Don’t worry about others judging you or thinking what you should or shouldn’t do within aviation. Your credibility and your confidence will both be built on a foundation of competence. Focus on being as good as you can be in the cockpit and the rest will fall in place.