First Officer Marlene Keefe

First Officer Marlene Keefe

Boeing 777

"As a pilot I love having the opportunity to work with, and continue to learn from, a fascinating group of professionals. They challenge and encourage me every day."

Before joining Air Canada, Marlene served for 16 years in the RCAF.

Like many pilots, I grew up around planes. In my case, we lived right under the flight path of Montreal’s Dorval airport. As a teenager, I used to take dates on picnics to the airport and dream about where all of the planes were going. I guess it’s no coincidence that I met my husband at an airport! Even though I had this fascination, I wasn’t at all sure what I wanted to do professionally.
 
I was a lifeguard at a condo complex in Montreal where several Air Canada pilots lived, and was constantly being encouraged to try flying. To humour them, I tried it out — I was immediately hooked! Every penny I made that summer went to flying lessons.
 
That fall, after I’d started my second year of college, my mother showed me an article in the paper about how the Canadian Forces had just opened up the pilot classification to women. I went to the recruiting office, and two months later started what was to be a fantastic 16-year career as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The training was challenging, exciting and terrifying. I was only 18. Like my classmates, I just worked my hardest and believed in myself.
 
As a pilot I love having the opportunity to work with, and continue to learn from, a fascinating group of professionals. They challenge and encourage me every day.
 
The biggest gift has been the ability to travel to countless corners of the world and experience a wide variety of cultures. This has helped me gain perspective, and better appreciate the human condition around the world.
 
The only drawback of being a pilot for me is the cumulative jet-lag. It is a real challenge to perform at my best when I'm tired. People would be surprised how exhausted pilots are when we get where we're going. We do try to explore and share experiences with our fellow crew members, but we often “slam-click” the hotel door and try to catch up on sleep.
 
People might also be surprised at the amount of training required. That’s not just before becoming a commercial pilot, but ongoing training and learning that takes place throughout your career. Every pilot does a huge amount of work and planning before every single flight.
 
My hobbies reflect an entirely different side of my personality; I love reading, writing, knitting, RVing, hiking, playing with my daughter, and anything to do with dogs. As a matter of fact, my husband has asked me not to visit any more SPCAs when I travel, as I've brought back several dogs from Hong Kong and one from Taipei.
 
"People might also be surprised at the amount of training required. That’s not just before becoming a commercial pilot, but ongoing training and learning that takes place throughout your career. Every pilot does a huge amount of work and planning before every single flight."