CEDAR CITY, Utah — Shana Bartell is defying the odds to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional pilot with the help of Southern Utah University’s Aviation program.
Bartell is a single mother to five children, as well as legal guardian to her younger sister. Originally from Taylorsville, her family moved to Cedar City in 2014 for her husband’s work. Two years later, she and her husband divorced, but Bartell made the decision to stay in Cedar City because of her desire to become a pilot.
“I saw the aircraft flying around when I moved here and knew I wanted to get involved,” she said.
To get her foot in the door, she became a receptionist for the university’s Aviation Program.
“Day one, I knew I loved the industry,” she said. “It took me until after my divorce to decide to fly though. I needed to find a way to support my kids on my own. I was looking into options and decided if I was making a big change, I should pursue something I know I’ll enjoy. I enrolled in the program, and have loved every minute of it.”
Shana Bartell and one of the university’s planes.
Along with being a student, Bartell has been working as an apprentice on the aviation mechanic team. This allows her to work towards her Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics License while continuing to attend school and provide for her family.
“Shana came to work in the Aviation Maintenance Department as a student worker in July 2017,” said Jared Britt, director of Global Aviation Maintenance Training. “She was chosen because of her hard work ethic and drive. Aviation Maintenance requires your full attention when you are working, and Shana was very good at being focused during her shift. Shana learned very quickly and became knowledgeable in the aspects of aviation maintenance. She proved to be an asset to the maintenance team.”
Bartell says she has been inspired by many in the Aviation Program, admiring the passion each individual has for what they do, and how much they have taught her.
“They continuously check up on me and cheer me on,” said Bartell. “Even instructors that have left for other pilot jobs follow up and ask me how my training is going.”
Being a single mom while working and attending school is no easy feat, and Bartell admits that balancing all three tasks is often overwhelming. However, she makes it clear that she loves her children dearly and wants to provide them with the best life she can.
Shana Bartell and her family.
When she first became interested in the program she sat her kids down and told them about the program and the demands it would take.
“I told them that I would be gone a lot and would need to study when I was home,” she said. “We made a plan together, and I let each of them choose where and what they thought they could help with. I couldn’t have done it without their support and encouragement.”
Since beginning the program, Bartell has earned her private pilot certificate. She is now working on her Instrument rating, as well as her A&P.
She’s flown night flights, solo flights, and all over the country, including flying over Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone National Park, the Mississippi River, and Devils Tower.
Bartell is grateful for the opportunity she’s had, and for all those who have helped her reach this point.
“I dream often of the life this will give my family,” she said. “I look to inspire my children, my little sister, other students, and single mothers by showing them that with enough work, you can make incredible things happen.”
“Considering my situation, it was a little crazy for me to take on such a difficult and expensive degree,” she continued. “However, I know this is what I’m meant to do. Aviation is my passion and where I belong.”
Bartell will graduate with her Associate Degree of Applied Science Aviation Technology in April 2020, and intends to continue on to earn her Bachelor’s in Aviation at SUU right after.
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matt mauer says
January 18, 2019 at 2:35 pmJudging by this page and the FB post, there are a lot of bitter and judgemental folks out there. Haters gonna hate, I guess.
I didn’t see any of the information that so many readers seemed to rely on to make statements about her kids, her sister, why she’s divorced, where her money comes from and so on. I guess these folks assumed an awful lot about what must have happened up till now.
Good for her to trying to improve herself and chase a dream.
Sounds like her goal is to make a better life for her family by learning a trade and working.
Why in the world would people be against that?
Plane Sense (Bob) says says
January 15, 2019 at 12:03 amPlan ahead.
If you are flight instructing, you will be working weekends and holidays.
If you do charter flying, you will be on call.
Corporate flying requires overnights many times.
Airline flying – until you get seniority – you WILL be working weekends, holidays and be gone 3-4 days in a row. But will usually have 3-4 days in a row off.
?? What is in the best interests of the children as they get older??
I hope your sister will still be living with you and be able to take care of the children (some what like a Mother).
I wish you all the best.
Amy says
January 18, 2019 at 9:45 amI’m confident the father can be a parent too. What a radical concept.
Nancy Cutler says
January 19, 2019 at 10:21 amWould you be making the same statements to a father? I am so grateful that women can be an example of strength for their children. Imagine how these children picture their mother. Shana is studying and showing her kids what can be accomplished under less than perfect circumstances. Good for her.
William says
January 9, 2019 at 3:59 pmI feel sorry for her Ex!
Joseph Gleason says
January 9, 2019 at 9:53 amI would like to invite her to apply for the $5000.00 scholarship available from The Arthur Godfrey Aviation Foundation courtesy of the family of Ron Correard who was a lifetime airline pilot
Please have her contact me for details.
Joseph J Gleason, VP Treasurer at
Counsel@gleason.net ASAP.
Thanks
Peter says
January 6, 2019 at 8:13 amGood for you Shana! Best of both worlds, never give up and continue following dreams..and everything will work!!😎
Bill says
January 9, 2019 at 7:39 amEverything will work alright. Probably not as she wants it though.
RudyH says
January 5, 2019 at 6:05 amOn target…dad should really be there…oh well…sayin’…blue skies to her!😁👍
Mark says
January 9, 2019 at 8:37 amDad’s divorce settlement money made this happen. Plus monthly child support. “Dad” is very involved, more than when they were married
Terra firma says
January 9, 2019 at 1:54 pmAre you the dad?
Tom says
January 5, 2019 at 5:06 amCongratulations, stay determined and stay focused and with your love and compassion for aviation you will have a great career. The airlines are in a panic with a pilot shortage due to the aging out of a large number of their senior pilots. I am certain they will be happy to see your resume when you meet the qualifications. I had a wonderful 39 year career with the airlines even with the ups and downs. (No pun intended). Good luck to you.
David A Lord says
January 3, 2019 at 8:45 amWay to go girl I am proud of you and don’t even know you ever given any thought to crop dusting wonderful career an abundant of time off in off season for your children live in ag community good for children money is some of the best in the business And a true love of flight
Rafael Cortes says
January 3, 2019 at 8:02 amCongrats and great job! You are an excellent example for your kids, and for many women and men out there! Keep up the good work, you have my admiration.
MARVIN says
January 3, 2019 at 6:51 amCongratulations on your efforts
I will only repeat what RANDY
Randy says
January 3, 2019 at 4:45 amCongratulations lady, you are a shining example of will and effort. Your story will influence many more to step forward.