Carrying More Than Passengers: Kenzie Koenig's Journey Through Aviation, Leadership and Legacy

In Kenzie Koenig's theater of operations, the World War II-era movie "God Is My Copilot" would be re-billed with her grandfather in the title role.

That's because her Mom's deceased Dad has been pivotal in where she is today -- a senior at Western Michigan University as a major in aviation flight science with a certificate in airport management.

A June 2023 graduate of Cox Mill High School near her home community of Charlotte, N.C., Koenig, as an eighth grader, says she became first aware of aviation's possibilities during a flight to Buffalo, N.Y., to visit her grandparents.  

"At 30,000 feet," she recalls, "I unexpectedly found myself captivated by the experience of flight.  I also noticed there were no female pilots, which made me wonder whether aviation was meant only for men.  When my Dad said that anyone could become a pilot, it got my wheels turning.  That sparked a genuine passion in me that stayed long after we landed."  

While her family's background is rooted in the medical field, Koenig's dreams pointed skyward and she embarked on a path leading her there, including working toward a private-pilot's license as a senior in high school.  Then came the boost that pushed her over the top.

"I shared my aspirations with my grandfather in Charlotte," she says.  "He was incredibly supportive and proud, and encouraged me in every step I took.  It wasn't until later that I learned he had once dreamed of becoming a pilot but financial limitations restricted him."

Koenig began her formal pilot training when his health started to decline.  "Each flight I took became deeply personal,"

 she says, "as I was not only working toward my own dream but also honoring his.  In our final conversation, he encouraged me to continue chasing what had been his dream as well.  That moment has stayed with me, and still motivates me."

And motivated she has remained, starting with her choice for higher-education training made somewhat easy by "a lasting impression" created during a trip to the College of Aviation at Western.  The sales pitches came from aviation ambassador Braeden Lueder and faculty members Jim Whittles and Jason DeGeorge, illustrating the point that everybody at the COA has a role in recruitment.

"Their willingness to take the time to speak with me as a prospective student," she says, "stood out immediately and showed me the level of genuine investment within the program.  Three years later, things haven't changed for me."

Over those three years, she has witnessed the many professional-development opportunities that have come her way, thanks to such events as Western's Aviation Outlook Day and her participation in the annual extravaganza at Oshkosh as one of the program's ambassadors -- a position she still holds.

Being a wise shopper, Koenig took a look at other aviation programs, but "Western stood out for its strong industry connections, as exemplified by the networking opportunities at Outlook Day, and the commitment to staying current with training and standards," she says, especially the chance to train in advanced aircraft early in her development.

Scholarship inducements made her take a hard look at other pathways, but WMU won the day.  "Looking back," she says, "I would make that same decision again without hesitation, given the growth I've experienced here."  

Etched in Koenig's memory bank is the experience of Oshkosh in the summer of 2025.  "Being surrounded by thousands of people who share the same passion for aviation is incredibly inspiring," she says.  "I was able to learn from industry leaders, speak with prospective students, and connect with WMU alumni."

It taught her "how to engage in both professional and casual aviation conversations," she says, "and strengthened my confidence in networking and communication within the industry."  That is also the benefit, she says,  of taking part in the program's annual golf-outing fundraiser that attracts professionals from all aspects of the aviation industry.

Koenig describes herself as being "on the quieter side," but also as someone who ascribes to becoming "comfortable with being uncomfortable."  But she also realized that, as a person "with limited aviation exposure," it was "up to me to take advantage of every opportunity from the beginning."

Step one was to research Women in Aviation International (WAI) and Western's chapter of the professional organization.

  Not too long after first stepping on the Kalamazoo campus, she crossed paths with the unit's president Amelia Moulton.  "She showed me how to engage, how to stand out, and how to build my professional presence," Koenig says.  "I saw her impact as chapter president, and how she led with confidence, care and purpose."  

Role model, anyone?  Koenig eventually served as the chapter's membership chair as a sophomore with links to the executive board.  She's been the unit's president since her junior year and has attended WAI's international conference three consecutive times.  The result has been valued professional connections and a cadre of "life-long friends."  

Under her guidance, the chapter has coordinated visits to international airports with the resulting networking opportunities for participants and forged a mentorship program.  "Seeing my mentees grow and succeed has been one of my proudest accomplishments," she says.  "Continuing to give back is something I deeply value."

Koenig has also branched out into the Air Line Pilots Association ACE Club and used a scholarship to attend the organization's 137th Executive Board meeting in Washington D.C. where she was exposed to industry advocacy, contract negotiations and union business.

She still finds time to serve as an aviation ambassador.  "I remember what it felt like to begin my college journey with limited knowledge about aviation," Koenig says.  "I value being able to offer clarity and reassurance.  I also enjoy interacting with elementary- and middle-school students, hoping to spark that early interest that I found."

Koenig knew that she had found her true path when she completed Jessica Birnbaum's aviation-introduction course.  "It marked the beginning of my journey and helped me appreciate the foundational aspects of the industry.  It was fascinating to learn how aviation has evolved from the early designs and its trial-and-error aspects regarding safety regulations and major-accident impacts.  It was a comprehensive overview."  And Birnbaum's passion for teaching and her engaging material didn't hurt either.  Her personal guidance and support for Koenig didn't stop at the completion of the course.

Another highlight has been flight training at Western.  "It's definitely not easy and is challenging in ways I never expected," she says.  "But that's what makes it so rewarding.  It has shaped me into who I am today, both personally and professionally.  There are highs and lows, but flying with friends and instructors reminds me of how incredible this journey really is."

One of her lows was a medical setback that threatened either a career hold or a complete setback.  "It was incredibly frustrating not having control over what was happening," Koenig says, "especially while watching peers progressing through their training.

"Looking back," she says, "that period taught me a great deal about discipline, patience and keeping an open mind.  When I was able to return, I approached flight training with a new level of focus and determination, and a desire to make the most of every opportunity.  That mindset helped accelerate my progress at WMU."

There's truth to the "always darkest before dawn" perspective.  While it might be tough to negotiate, "down time" might be the best for "up time."  

Setbacks are inevitable, Koenig says, "but how you respond to them makes all the difference.  You can dwell on the challenge, or you can choose to face it head-on and keep moving.  If there is one take-away, it is this -- don't count yourself out.  Take the chance and put yourself out there.  You never know what opportunities might come from it."

An unexpected bonus for Koenig's lifestyle since coming to Michigan has been her growing love for the game of golf and the lessons it can teach.  For example, this piece of putting advice -- never up, never in.  Meaning, if you never go for it, you'll never make it.

Yet never far from Koenig's mind when she is "up there" -- and not on a putting green -- is "Grampa."  

"Even now," says the future airline pilot, "I feel closest to him when I am flying.  Aviation has become both a personal passion and a way of carrying forward his encouragement and aspirations. It is who I am, and who I want to become."