Kathy McCullough learned to fly at the age of sixteen, but her story began much earlier. Her challengers, accomplishments, and indomitable spirit come to life within the pages of Ups and Downs. Becoming the fourth woman pilot hired by Northwest Orient Airlines in 1981 and earning her captain wings in the Boeing 747 a quarter of a century later, was not an easy journey. There is no better way to understand the gender issues in a cockpit than through the eyes of a woman pilot who lived the many challenges. Kathy takes us on the flight of he life with compelling stories of what it took to get into the cockpit of the largest airplane of its time, and what it took to stay there. Now retired, Kathy lives with her husband Kevin on a wheat ranch in eastern Oregon. She shares her experiences with young adults, inspiring them to explore the world. Everyone who has a goal in life will see herself in the pages of this book. Anyone who has had a dream come true will empathize with the struggle it takes to make that dream a reality. And each of us who has a thirst for adventure can take a long drink from these pages. What does it take to become a female pilot? Exactly the same thing it takes for you to achieve your dreams.