From Check-In Desk to Airbus Captain – The Aviation Journey of Captain Josefine Schuhmann

Episode 37 of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above

In this episode of Aviation-Quest.cc – Stories from Above, Airbus A320 First Officer and co-host Stefan Lorenz welcomes Captain Josefine Schuhmann for a detailed and highly personal conversation about her unusual and inspiring aviation career.

Recorded on May 17th, 2026, this episode follows Captain Schuhmann’s path from the airline ground environment into the cockpit—showing how determination, curiosity, and persistence can gradually open doors within aviation.

The conversation begins with her early years after school and international studies in London before entering the aviation world through ground operations in Munich at the age of 22. Starting at the check-in desk, she gradually moved into increasingly responsible operational roles, including work connected to weight and balance calculations for long-haul flights.

A central theme of the episode is how aviation careers do not always follow a direct or traditional path. Captain Schuhmann reflects on how an early parachute jump eventually led her toward private pilot training in Arizona, where she completed her PPL independently at the age of 29. She also shares the humorous story behind being nicknamed the “Cessna test pilot.”

Another important chapter of the discussion focuses on her involvement with The Ninety-Nines and her efforts supporting women in aviation within Germany during an important period for the organization.

The episode also explores her transition from cabin crew into professional flight training after an unexpected encounter with a female pilot during a stay in Saudi Arabia. Encouraged by that conversation, she ultimately decided at the age of 35 to fully pursue a cockpit career—while simultaneously continuing active flying duties as cabin crew during her training period.

Captain Schuhmann then describes her first operational flying positions in business aviation on the Citation XL out of Dortmund, later transitioning to Boeing 737 operations in Paderborn before eventually reaching the left seat of the Airbus A320.

Together, they discuss: - The realities of entering aviation through ground operations - How operational airline experience outside the cockpit shaped her perspective - Flight training later in life and building a career step by step - Completing pilot studies while simultaneously working as cabin crew - Experiences in business aviation and early airline operations - The changing role of women in professional aviation - How cockpit culture and attitudes have evolved over time - Working as a female captain alongside male first officers - Professional respect, communication, and cockpit dynamics - Motivating the next generation of pilots—both girls and boys - Life after retirement and remaining connected to aviation

Throughout the conversation, Captain Schuhmann speaks openly about both supportive and challenging experiences during her career, including the more traditional attitudes she occasionally encountered earlier in aviation. At the same time, the discussion remains constructive and forward-looking—highlighting how much the professional environment has evolved over the years.

The episode concludes with motivating reflections for young people considering a future in aviation and a reminder that there is no single “correct” timeline for entering the industry.

The conversation is framed by an introduction and closing reflections from Aviation-Quest.cc hosts Jürgen Reis and Stefan Lorenz.

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