Swedish social media influencer and pilot, Maria ‘The Pilot’ Fagerström has a viral blog. She started it and an Instagram account to share her day-to-day life as a pilot, giving interesting insights and starting important conversations – she never imagined that it would reach almost 500,000 followers.
Fagerström writes about the things she loves about her job, but also about the things that bother her. From sharing funny, relatable stories about not being able to enjoy her coffee if there’s turbulence, to getting real about having to face unfair behaviour because she is a woman, the readers are invited along and welcomed to respond.
‘Did you know that there are just above 5% female pilots in the aviation industry today working as commercial pilots? That is 95% men. But to be honest, I don’t mind. I don’t feel I get treated differently than any of my colleagues, and that’s exactly how it should be. However, every now and then I meet people at work that don’t see me as an equal to my male colleagues.’
In a male dominated work environment, she tells of how she had to push herself to follow her dreams and get recognised as a competent pilot. She encourages people to challenge themselves to grow personally and reach their goals. ‘We have this saying in Swedish “jag brinner för” which stands for “I burn for”. The meaning behind it is when you’re really into something you get this energy bomb like your whole body is on fire (in a good way). I get this excited when I accomplish something I’ve pushed myself to do, something that I’d get nervous even thinking about,’ she says.
Followers especially enjoy getting a look into the world of a pilot, as many people are sometimes unsure of what exactly it entails. Making it look glamorous and liberating on some days, she also shares the not-so glamorous days on which she is overtired, under pressure and facing challenges. Fans adore her passion and approachable style, inspiring people all over the world.
Image: Instagram/Mariathepilot
