Meet Thaina Rodrigues: Breaking Barriers, and Inspiring the Next Generation

We are proud to spotlight this year’s scholarship recipient: Thaina Rodrigues—a remarkable aviator whose journey reflects resilience, passion, and purpose.

Thaina is a 10th-generation pilot, carrying forward a family legacy that spans centuries. What sets her story apart is that she is the first and only woman in her family to pursue aviation—a true trailblazer. Surrounded by generations of pilots and inspired by stories of flight, Thaina earned her private pilot’s license in Brazil in 2010, marking a moment of great pride for her father, a skilled pilot and one of her biggest inspirations.

Tragedy struck in 2011 when Thaina lost her father in a plane accident. But instead of stepping away, she leaned into her dreams with even more determination. By 2013, she had earned her commercial license, instrument rating, and multi-engine certification in Brazil. Despite the challenges of navigating her career through immense personal loss, Thaina pressed on—validating her credentials in the United States and earning her FAA commercial license just last year.

Most recently, we’re thrilled to congratulate Thaina on passing her instrument rating check ride in the U.S.—an exciting and well-deserved achievement on her path toward becoming a private jet or cargo pilot.

“Receiving this scholarship would bring me incredible joy and will be a huge help in achieving my goals,” Thaina shared. “It will allow me to focus on my studies and build valuable connections with professionals in the field.”

Thaina’s drive goes beyond her own flight path. She’s committed to mentoring and uplifting other women in aviation, especially those facing similar challenges.

“I want to share my experiences and support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in aviation,” she said. “I hope to provide guidance and resources to young women who need them, just as I wish I had during my own challenging times.”

In addition to her professional goals, Thaina is an active member and dedicated volunteer with the Women in Aviation Fort Lauderdale Chapter, where she gives her time and energy to support outreach efforts and community-building initiatives.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our 2024 scholarship sponsor, Login Aviation, and Diana Hernandez, for their generous support. Login Aviation began with a mission to innovate aircraft parts distribution while upholding the highest standards of airworthiness and customer trust. The company has since expanded its services to aircraft acquisition, sales, and international logistics—providing personalized guidance through every step of the aviation journey. Grounded in faith and integrity, Login Aviation ensures that each client receives clear, expert assistance, led by their belief in walking side-by-side with every customer.

Thaina’s journey is more than a career pursuit—it’s a tribute to her father’s memory, a continuation of her family’s legacy, and a beacon of encouragement for future generations of women in aviation.

We’re honored to support Thaina Rodrigues as she moves forward in her journey. Her story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with perseverance, heart, and a vision for the future.

Congratulations, Thaina—we're excited to see where your journey takes you next.