By Vivian DiSalvo (Class of 2026)
“It’s always a beautiful day when I get up in the sky,” says Katrina Vieten (’02), a pilot of 20 years. A native of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Vieten grew up a Volunteer, so for her it was a no-brainer to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. During college she developed a love for skydiving; she was quite the adrenaline junkie. On each skydiving trip, she loved watching the pilot operate the plane and hearing him speak fondly of his career.
“You could tell he loved flying,” Vieten says. “He would do barrel rolls after my group jumped out of the airplane and beat us to the ground, which is very hard to do.”
Thus, her love for flying was born. Upon graduating, Vieten enrolled in the U.S. Air Force to pursue pilot training. Though many recruiters tried to talk her into navigating or a different officer position, she was determined to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. Even after being denied the first time, Vieten did not lose hope. She secured a recommendation from a local congressman, another interview, and—finally—her pilot’s license and position in the Air Force.
“I switched my major in an effort to graduate quicker just so I could get to pilot training sooner,” says Vieten. “I was going to do anything to make piloting a possibility for me.”
Vieten served in the Air Force for over 10 years before transitioning to the National Guard and taking a job as a commercial pilot for a regional airline. In 2015, she started flying full-time for Delta Airlines, and now flies Delta’s largest plane, the Airbus 350, and over 600,000 pounds.
“Flying for a major airline is the final step in a pilot’s career. It’s like finally being able to practice as a doctor after years of medical school,” Vieten describes. You can find her flying in Asia, South Africa, Europe or South America.
Though she no longer actively serves, Vieten has fond memories from her time in the Air Force. She recalls one time flying in unexpected, incredibly turbulent conditions, and a squadron member’s freshly made enchiladas ended up all over the ceiling and controls.
“Those things were everywhere! After we recovered from the turbulence, we just looked at each other and laughed,” Vieten says.
Vieten also faced her fair share of adversity as a pilot, especially as a woman in a position often occupied by men. She worked harder, smarter, and faster to overcome stereotypes—she never let anything stop her.
“You have to compartmentalize your thoughts as a pilot,” Vieten says. “When you’re in the cockpit, you have to have a clear state of mind and be prepared. I never let negative words or feelings inhibit my ability to practice what I was born to do.”
Now a successful pilot of 20 years, Vieten wants to help the next generation of women find the same freedom in flying. She serves as a role model for many, showcasing the power of persistence and determination as a true Vol.
“I often speak at schools and mentor young kids who are nursing the idea of becoming a pilot,” Vieten says. “I want young girls to see a female pilot like me and think, ‘I could do that too.’”
