The Drive to Fly

Subscribe at for behind the scenes conversations and more!   At the age of 50, Creighkett (pronounce "Cricket") Gilpin Smith made a bold decision to chase her lifelong dream of becoming a helicopter pilot. Balancing her responsibilities as a mother and business owner, she found creative ways to study and practice flying without anyone knowing. Why the secrecy? She didn't want anyone to know if she failed. In a very male dominated field, the camaraderie among female pilots kept her going.  Paying it back, she co-founded the Juliet's Aviatrix Group, a female flying club that fosters support and empowerment among women in aviation. This initiative not only created a safe space for women to share their experiences but also helped bridge the gap in a predominantly male field. Cricket's journey culminated in her obtaining her commercial pilot's license and becoming a certified flight instructor. She continues to inspire others by sharing her experiences and encouraging young women to pursue careers in aviation. Her advice to aspiring pilots is clear: find a mentor, embrace challenges, and never underestimate the importance of community. In a world where dreams are often sidelined, Cricket's story serves as a reminder that anything is possible, at any age. It's all about the desire to fly.     What they're saying:   “This is a beautiful book about life, its imperfections, its challenges, and its joys. It is a book of hope and wisdom for all of us facing a bump in the road.” –Pragito Dove   “Pat has woven together beautiful stories of life setbacks that have been transformed into spiritual growth. This book is a gift and a must-read for souls experiencing pain and yearning for growth.”   –Gary Hensel   Learn more at   Follow Bump on: ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️  ➡️