My name is Damar and I’m a First Officer flying the Airbus A319/A321 for Air Canada Rouge. My family is an immigrant family. We moved from Jamaica when I was 3, and on our flight to Canada, I got to see inside the cockpit of a Boeing 747. It just blew me away, and I fell in love.

Becoming a pilot wasn’t easy, but I had great parents, friends and mentors. I focused on being a good student but having great mentorship was the biggest thing. I joined the Royal Canadian Air Force while in university. I’m very thankful to have served my country, showing gratitude for the opportunities that Canada has given me. The military gave me the chance to fly and to see the world from the cockpit of a CC130J Hercules.

After leaving the military, flying for Air Canada became my goal because it had always represented Canada to me. Graduating from the military flying program and earning my wings is a day I will never forget, but with Air Canada, I always remember the gratitude from our customers. That's a great feeling and it's a sense of accomplishment you get every single day, knowing that you did your job well.

For anyone who is interested in this career, never give up. Some kids don’t see a person who looks like them in the job that they dream about. It may not be something they have access to in their community. Showing children reflections of their future selves is critical to show what is possible. I had passion and a dream, but I also had a mentor that looked like me and he was able to encourage me throughout.

Regardless of where you’re from, whether male or female, if you work hard, you can be a pilot.

Damar, First Officer, Air Canada 

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