An Off-Duty Story with a Thunderbird ✈️

An Off-Duty Story with a Thunderbird ✈️

Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as "Women's History Month". These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the USA and recognize the achievements women have made over the course of American history. For this year's Women's History Month our creative team caught up with Former USAF F-16 Pilot, Michelle "MACE" Curran to delve into her personal story of how flying combat missions in Afghanistan and becoming the second women in history to serve as the Lead Solo Pilot for the USAF Thunderbirds led to a speaking career as an author of her new book, The Flipside. Join us in a quick Q&A with Michelle "MACE" Curran below.

1. Cockpit USA: What are three words that describe your new book The Flipside?
Michelle "MACE" Curran: Bold. Perspective-shifting. Empowering.
2. Cockpit USA: Are you currently flying? 
Michelle "MACE" Curran: Not right now—aside from being a passenger princess with some amazing pilot friends! My purpose has shifted to impacting others on a bigger scale, which is fun but time-consuming. I also believe general aviation deserves respect. Coming from a military background, I know there are knowledge gaps I need to fill before diving in. I'll be back in the cockpit when the time is right.
3. Cockpit USA: ROTC opened your eyes to becoming a pilot — was there a moment that made that dream feel real?
Michelle "MACE" Curran: Yes! I was a criminal justice major, planning to serve four years in the Air Force before applying to the FBI. But on an ROTC trip to Tyndall AFB, I watched two F-15s take off in full afterburner at dusk. Seeing fighters up close for the first time was mesmerizing. In that moment, I knew I had to chase that dream.
4. Cockpit USA:  How do you feel when you hear the phrase “woman in aviation”?
Michelle "MACE" Curran: I identify with it—I feel camaraderie. While skill is what matters in the cockpit, the reality is that women still make up only about 4% of Air Force fighter pilots. Representation matters. Little girls seeing women in aviation plants the seed of a dream, and that visibility is powerful.
5. Cockpit USA:  How has the presence of women in aviation changed since you joined?
Michelle "MACE" Curran: It’s grown, but slowly. When I started, 2% of fighter pilots were women. Now, it’s about 4%. That’s progress, but over 15 years, it's still frustratingly slow. Support for women breaking barriers comes in waves. While I experienced a high during my time with the Thunderbirds, seasons change. But the women in aviation today are still executing at the highest levels and inspiring those coming up behind them.
6. Cockpit USA: How has your personal style evolved since leaving the Air Force?
Michelle "MACE" Curran: While in the military, my style was mostly uniforms and workout gear—practical, casual, and comfortable. Now, my career puts me in front of audiences, and my image is part of my brand. It took time to refine, but I’ve found a balance: strong, bold, and confident, with a touch of femininity. And I love standing out on stage!

7. Cockpit USA: How did you discover Cockpit USA?
Michelle "MACE" Curran: Pilot friends raved about Cockpit USA, and once I saw the craftsmanship and history, I was hooked. Their jackets have that rare combination of feeling like a vintage heirloom while being impeccably made.
8. Cockpit USA: Are there any women in aviation who inspire you?
Michelle "MACE" Curran: Too many to count! One that stands out is my friend Stephanie Goetz. She went from zero ratings to ATP and flying professionally in just a few years. She also flies the Pink Jet (L-39), is learning aerobatics, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she picks up helicopters next! Her passion for aviation and inspiring others is unmatched.
9. Cockpit USA: Do you miss flying upside down?
Michelle "MACE" Curran: Sustained inverted flight? Not really—it’s uncomfortable! But I do miss the feeling of wonder. There’s nothing like coming over the top of a loop and catching the horizon on the other side or knocking out a barrel roll. That moment of weightlessness? Pure magic.
10. Cockpit USA: What advice would you give a future female leader?
Michelle "MACE" Curran: Doubt as a beginner isn’t a “women’s issue”—it’s a human experience. Two things help:
1.  Be vulnerable. Ask for help, seek out experts, and own your mistakes. Strength comes from learning.
2. Take small bold actions. Each action builds confidence and creates proof that you’re capable. Small steps compound into big momentum.
11. Cockpit USA: In The Flipside, you talk about your fears of spiders and tight spaces.  Did you feel fear when switching careers?
Michelle "MACE" Curran: It wasn’t fear—it was uncertainty. There was no script, no playbook. But after years of building resilience, I trusted that I could figure it out as I went. I didn’t expect it to be easy, but I knew I could handle whatever came my way.

Overcoming decades of obstacles to get to where they are today, women have been serving in the military in one form or another for over 200 years. It is the stories of these women and the stories like Mace’s above that continue to inspire our Cockpit USA Women’s Collection. We’re wishing everyone a Happy Women’s History Month! Keep up with  Michelle “MACE” Curran on Instagram and shop her books, Amelia Jacket and similar styles below.