From Cabin to Cockpit: Two American Airlines Flight Attendants Set to Become Pilots

They say if your dreams are strong enough, no obstacle is too great. You can start anywhere — even from 30,000 feet in the cabin — and chart your way to the flight deck. All it takes is a burning passion, relentless dedication, and the courage to take that first step.

Kele Lowery and Courtney Rumbaugh, two dynamic American Airlines flight attendants, are living proof that you can always find a way if you have the desire. Their journey from cabin crew to cockpit commanders is nothing short of inspiring.

Cabin Crew Today, Captains Tomorrow

Meet Kele Lowery, based in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and Courtney Rumbaugh, from Miami (MIA) — this year’s proud recipients of the Elise Eberwein American Airlines Cadet Academy Pilot Scholarship. Each has been awarded $50,000 toward their flight training, a pivotal push in their pursuit of becoming commercial pilots.

Hailing from the humble town of Blaine, Tennessee, Kele always dared to dream big. Her heart was set on aviation early, but it wasn’t until working alongside pilots that her path became clear.

“I was always the flight attendant who volunteered to sit in the flight deck during breaks,” she recalls.

“What started as fascination quickly turned into a need for more knowledge. The more I learned, the more I knew this was the career path for me.”

For Kele, becoming a pilot isn’t just about reaching personal goals — it’s about breaking barriers and paving the way for others like her who dare to dream.

A Journey That Comes Full Circle

Growing up near the Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, Courtney’s love for aviation took off early. She had already started flight training before joining the cabin crew — but had to pause her dreams due to financial roadblocks. Now, with the scholarship in hand, she’s ready to take off once again.

“I take enormous pride in knowing that when I get to the pilot’s seat,

I’ll have a deep understanding of what my cabin crew is dealing with,” she shared.

“This experience will make me a better communicator and leader.”

Her story is one of perseverance, patience, and passion.

Fueling the Future of Flight

American Airlines is not just flying planes — it’s building a new generation of aviators. The Elise Eberwein Scholarship is part of a 10-year initiative that awards two scholarships each year, offering hope and opportunity to team members who aspire to command the skies.

Applications for the next scholarship cycle open in Q4 of 2025 — and American encourages all dreamers with a passion for flying to take that leap.