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At age 47, Mary Build took her very first flight lesson. What followed was a remarkable 30-year career in aviation—flying seaplanes, running her own seaplane base in Maine, flying to Alaska, competing in the Air Race Classic, and serving as a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).

In this interview, Mary shares her powerful journey from overcoming personal challenges to becoming a respected leader in aviation. We talk about her memoir Finding Myself in Aviation, the courage it takes to start something new later in life, and the joy of never saying no to opportunity.

📚 Finding Myself in Aviation was the Aviatrix Book Club pick for August. Order it here: https://literaryaviatrix.com/book/finding-myself-in-aviation/

✈️ Topics we cover:

• Mary’s path from young motherhood to seaplane pilot and instructor
• Adventures flying to Alaska (and close calls along the way)
• Competing in and judging the Women’s Air Race Classic
• Lessons learned as a flight instructor and examiner
• Advice for starting—or restarting—your aviation journey at any age

💙 Blue skies and happy reading!

#WomenInAviation #Seaplanes #AirRaceClassic #AviationHistory #PilotLife #LiteraryAviatrix

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Thanks so much for listening!

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Blue skies, happy reading, and happy listening!

-Liz Booker