From Beech 1900’s to Boeing 777’s: Meet Modern Aviatrix, Tanis Herriot

Characters of BC Aviation – Chapter 2

By Kelly Jamieson, MA

IMAGE SOURCE: TANIS HERRIOT, 2020

Tanis Herriot wasn’t always interested in airplanes. Growing up in Victoria, BC, she wanted to take dance lessons like most other girls her age, however, her family couldn’t afford it. Tanis lost her father from her life when she was just 10 years old, leaving her mom and three other siblings without their primary income earner. Her middle-class family life was ripped away as their status dropped below the poverty line. “This loss was truly a life-defining moment for me,” says Tanis, currently a Boeing 777 pilot at Cathay Pacific, “However, I wouldn’t be who I am and where I am today, had it not been for the challenges I faced.”

IMAGE SOURCE: TANIS HERRIOT, 2020

Growing up in the late 1980’s and 90’s, Tanis never saw an image of a female pilot, nor was she given a toy airplane. She was introduced to aviation through the Royal Canadian Air Cadets; it was her older brother who first joined, followed by her sister and younger brother. Her siblings would come home and share amazing stories about camping trips and survival exercises, so finally at age 14, Tanis also joined because it sounded like so much fun. Drill team, range, survival, leadership, teaching, aviation, swim team, summer courses, and more—Tanis was hooked. Air Cadets was also available at a price that her single mother of four could afford: Free. At age 17, Tanis won a scholarship to earn her glider license, and by age 18, she won another scholarship to complete her private pilot license. It was through the Air Cadets that Tanis discovered her love for airplanes and aviation.

Tanis’ first job in aviation was a Flight Instructor. She loved to share her passion for flying with others and became the Chief Flight Instructor at a local Vancouver Island flying school. During this time, she also worked part-time at a skydiving school, flying as a jump pilot and dropping skydivers —“the funnest flying job I had!” she said. From flight instructing, she progressed to the multi-engine world and ended up landing a Navajo job briefly before her first big break, a job with Central Mountain Air flying the Beechcraft 1900.

For five years, Tanis flew the Beech 1900, adventuring all over Western Canada. She quickly made Captain and gained incredible experience, flying in all types of conditions and terrain. At age 28, she was invited to join the training department and became Central Mountain Air’s first female Check and Training Captain. Initially, she was intimidated to take the position mainly because of one concern: “How would I be judged by my male colleagues?” Tanis’ advice is that it is okay to be different. Be yourself and go for your goals anyway. “I learned a lot from that position,” she said, “I also saw how much I had to contribute and was so grateful for the opportunity.”

IMAGE SOURCE: TANIS HERRIOT, 2020

From the Beech 1900, Tanis then landed her next big job, flying a Boeing 777 for Cathay Pacific. It’s been eight years now, and Tanis has been based and living in Hong Kong, taking full advantage of the incredible access to exotic travel and adventures nearby. You can follow along on her exciting journey via Instagram under the handle, TanisThePilot, where she has a phenomenal following of almost 48,000 people from around the world. When asked what it’s like to be an Instagram influencer, Tanis humbly replies, “I am honoured to have the space to share my journey. I first started the page because growing up, I never saw an image of a female pilot and wanted to help increase the visibility of women within the aviation industry.”

IMAGE SOURCE: TANIS HERRIOT, 2020

On her reel, Tanis shares her love for flying, travel, and aircraft systems—and regularly reminds everyone that regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality or background, anything is possible. “I also believe it is important to be authentic,” she says, “People may see other social media accounts and get caught up in comparison. We often don’t see the challenges people face, but we all have obstacles,” says Tanis, “the key is to overcome any setbacks and remember that there is no race. We are all on our own journey.”

In her spare time, Tanis focuses on health and wellness and recently became a certified yoga instructor. During her brief time off with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Tanis began offering online yoga classes via Zoom to her friends and family around the world. She enjoys keeping active, loves hiking, cycling, and being on the ocean. She plans to embark on more hiking and travel adventures when she can explore the globe again.

IMAGE SOURCE: TANIS HERRIOT, 2020

Tanis has also been involved in launching PAN, a Peer Assistance Network at her company, which is a confidential, independent support program, by pilots for pilots. Her advocacy work focuses on mental health for flight crew, with the aim of increasing well-being, enhancing safety, and preserving aviation careers.

When asked if she’d go back to do anything differently, Tanis says no. “The past has made me who I am today. I did not have things handed to me, so I learned to work hard, became determined and resilient. I believe that when you persevere, you come out the other side stronger.”

IMAGE SOURCE: TANIS HERRIOT, 2020

Tanis believes that anything is possible with hard work. When asked what message is most important for young people in aviation to hear today, she says, “Often we are our own worst critics and it is normal to have a fear of failure. Courage is being afraid and taking action anyways. Follow your dreams and persevere. If I can achieve my dreams,” she says, “Anyone can. The sky is not the limit!”

If you’re fortunate enough to cross paths with Tanis, you’ll find her positivity and vibrant energy contagious, and her story to be nothing short of inspiring. She’s compassionate and kind—yet resilient and strong. With her passion, professionalism, and dedication to aviation and adventure, Tanis is a true modern aviatrix. Look for her in the skies near you, or track her down on Instagram and Facebook, via TanisThePilot.