As a little girl, Carrie Arnold was fascinated by the sky – and by astronomy – and admits she was almost always looking up!
“Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was the hub for USAir, and jets would fly right over my house on their final approach,” she remembers fondly.
Those are moments Carrie hasn’t forgotten, and today, she is the first officer on a Boeing 767, with ABX Air Inc., flying freight for Amazon and DHL.
“Never in a million years would I have thought my dream would come true after 30-plus years,” shares Carrie. “But, God has written this story a bit differently, and I wouldn’t change a thing!”
A Lake Norman resident for almost 22 years, Carrie also works as a Real Estate Specialist with Southern Homes of the Carolinas. With a proven track record as an innovative sales professional who has business development and brand management expertise, you might be realizing Carrie is passionate about many subjects! Family always comes first – she’s the mom of twin sons, now in their mid-20s – but more recently, she’s taken her passion for flying to the next level. Carrie re-certified her commercial instrument pilot license and rating, and secured a commercial multi-engine rating as well.
Along the way, she’s faced the expected challenges of entering – and thriving – in a male-dominated field, and she loves giving advice to other young women in similar professional roles.
“Always carry yourself with character and professionalism, no matter who or what the situation is,” she shares. “There will always be a higher standard you’ll have to strive for in a male-dominated world. Push yourself to your personal limits – not the world’s limits. That’s all anyone can ask for.”
As a mentor and motivational speaker (including many Women in Aviation events), Carrie is constantly inspired to work with women who are just beginning to realize their lifelong dreams and their full potential.
“My fervor, zest and zeal for life has become stronger as I have progressed into this transitional phase of life,” she explains. “Simply because you’re in your late 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams or even stop creating new ones. Go for what sets your soul on fire!”
Spotlights have opened up as Carrie was asked recently to co-host a female-led podcast focusing on the cargo industry. Episodes have focused on the daily details of cargo flying, current job prospects and individual career growth as well as candid stories and insights. Carrie’s personal path took another unique turn earlier in her career when she flew passengers for Contour Aviation.
“One of my flight attendants was so impressed with me going back to get certified to fly again, at my age, that she mentioned I should learn more about the Mrs. NC SC America Pageant. Intriguing as it sounded, I never thought I would qualify for a beauty contest. But, the pageant is so much more than that!”
Her takeaway from that experience included lessons in personal branding and building self confidence. Carrie has also been nominated as the Mrs. Iredell County delegate for the Mrs. North Carolina pageant in March of 2026.
Today, Carrie finds herself where she feels she’s needed most – motivating fellow dreamers!
“Working with not only young but mid-transitional career men and women as well who are on this flight path journey is incredibly rewarding – especially when they’re landing the flight position, working towards the next step or phase, or passing the next check ride,” she shares. “I’m always praying for them to do their best. I feel like it’s me all over again!”
For more information about Carrie or to connect with her, visit @crushingtheclouds on Instagram.
