Above: Capt. Heather Ross leads testing on the first airplane in Boeing’s newest widebody family, the 777X. (© Boeing photo)

Capt. Heather Ross discovered her enthusiasm for aviation at a young age.

• “Some of my earliest memories are of flights taken to visit family,” Ross said. “Being magically transported to loved ones and experiencing new places and cultures opens up the world; it changes your perspective forever.” 

Ross, who holds a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration type rating in all current Boeing commercial jetliners, has accumulated over 9,000 hours of flight time from her start in the U.S. Air Force to commercial airline operations and in Boeing flight testing. 

• Today, as the lead pilot on the first 777-9 test airplane, Ross is a key member of an experienced team testing Boeing’s newest twin-aisle airplane. 

In a recent interview, Ross highlighted the pride she takes in her military service, the purpose she feels in connecting people and the satisfaction she gets from working together.

Capt. Heather Ross discusses her passion for connecting people and places – and the privilege of representing her country. (Jim Lally, Ryan Coe, Paul Weatherman and Bones Wolfe © Boeing video)

Q: What is a test pilot’s role?

A: My assignment is the first airplane in the (777-9) test program. I conduct testing demonstrating the airplane meets the required regulations and all the testing that’s involved in getting final approval to operate the airplane in service.

Q: How does safety influence your work?

A: Everything we do has safety and quality in mind. There isn't literally a day that goes by that I don't consider the safety aspects and implications of our designs, our airplanes and the systems. 

Q: What motivated you to become a pilot?

A: Working for a company where the whole purpose is connecting the world is phenomenal. I really like bringing people together.

Q: What does your military service mean to you?

A: Being able to serve in the military was a privilege. Representing and serving my country is one of the highest honors that I've been able to experience in my career. 

There have been so many that have given their life so that we can enjoy what we have. It's our responsibility as those that benefit from the bounty of this country to pay back.

Q: What do you find most rewarding in your work?

A: To be able to work with people who are similarly motivated, enthusiastic and energetic and excited about the work they do is a unique experience. It's those moments where everybody comes together and works toward a common goal that I love.

Go deeper: Boeing employs more than 18,000 U.S. veterans, representing approximately 15% of the company’s total U.S. workforce.

• Learn more at boeing.com/veterans