“Determination is number one.”
-Carolyn Jensen, Thunderbird Pilot
Bump In The Road:
Carolyn “Blaze” Jensen-Thunderbird Pilot
As a private pilot, I am in awe of our military pilots. Their training, perseverance and bravery are second to none. I am please to share this conversation with Caroline “Blue” Jensen.
Meet A Trailblazing Pilot
Carolyn Jensen’s fascination with the skies began at a young age. Growing up in Wisconsin, she vividly remembers the moment that sparked her dream of flying. At just six years old, she watched a biplane dance through the clouds on her parents’ TV, That set in motion a passion that would guide her career.
Inspired by the World War II WASPs (Women Air Force Service Pilots- From 1943 to 1944, over 1,000 women flew over 60 million miles ferrying aircraft and personnel, towing targets, and other transport duties as part of the WASP) and the iconic movie “Top Gun,” Caroline set her sights on flying combat aircraft. In 1993, the combat exclusion policy for women was lifted, opening the door for Carolyn to fly. (Learn more about the WASPs here.)
At the Air Force Academy, she earned her wings. From flying gliders to becoming an instructor, she embraced every opportunity to hone her skills. She flew the T-37 Tweet, T-38 Talon, and eventually the F-16 Fighting Falcon. With over 200 combat hours in Iraq, Carolyn’s aerial resume is formidable. Then she joined the Thunderbirds, the Air Force’s elite demonstration team.
She credits her extraordinary career success to harnessing failures as stepping stones and seeking mentorship from inspiring figures like the WASPs and her own father, a Marine Corps helicopter pilot in Vietnam.
Carolyn’s story doesn’t end with her military career. She authored a children’s book, “Thunder Mouse,” inspired by her experiences and the bond with her son during her time with the Thunderbirds. The book serves as a touching tribute to military families and the challenges they face.
In reflecting on her journey, Carolyn emphasizes the importance of determination, leveraging failures, and seeking mentorship. Her transition from military service to the corporate world brought new challenges, but the lessons learned in the Air Force proved invaluable.
Carolyn’s story is about the power of following our dreams, with persistent and joy. Enjoy this conversation with an amazing and accomplished woman.
Here’s a short video with Caroline:
Quotes From Our Conversation
“I really want to be in the sky.”
“They changed the rules so that women couldn’t fly. And someday they will change it back.”
“Determination is number one. Like, I don’t have any tattoos, but I kind of feel like if I get one, it’s got to be that.”
“The Thunderbirds tour and that job is 5% flying and 95% human interactions.”
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