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Black Hawk Pilot Elizabeth McCormick

Black Hawk Pilot Elizabeth McCormick

Top Performer

Austin, TX

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Travels nationwide

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NEW! Preview Video to See Elizabeth McCormick in action

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See Elizabeth in ACTION!

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Photo SlideShow of Elizabeth McCormick, Your Inspirational Speaker

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High Energy Video Introduction

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Audience Interaction when you hire Elizabeth McCormick

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Elizabeth McCormick with the Black Hawk Helicopter

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Elizabeth McCormick in Flight School

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Elizabeth McCormick with the Black Hawk Helicopter

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Elizabeth McCormick on stage

Overview

Do you want to Energize, Entertain and Empower your audience?

Immerse Your Audience in an Unforgettable Experience (And watch them to soar to greater success!)

Former US Army motivational speaker Elizabeth McCormick shares her inspiring story of becoming one of the first 100 women to fly the Black Hawk helicopter for the US Army, from the first moment she saw a Black Hawk to flying top-secret intelligence missions.

As your audience experiences the twists and turns of Elizabeth’s story, they’ll also learn the professional development secrets they need most as she “sneak attacks” them into her presentation. Elizabeth’s customizable keynote will move your audience from awareness to action.


Reviews

88 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Brooke M.

Brooke M.

March 17, 2025
Verified review

Incredible Speaker!

Elizabeth was one of the best speakers and made our event a success! She had the crowd up and down, moving around the room, and engaged throughout both of her presentations. She is very aware and respectful with timing. Great to work with getting things set up before and during the event! Highly recommend her!

Hired as: Motivational Speaker


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Stacey G.

Stacey G.

October 26, 2023
Verified review

Elizabeth was fantastic

She got the crowd involved engaged and interacting with one another and with her!! It was a fun event and her message was perfect = stay positive even through change and uncertainty.

Hired as: Business Motivational Speaker


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Linda T.

Linda T.

October 25, 2023
Verified review

Fantastic!! You won't find a better speaker!

Elizabeth was fantastic! She was equally entertaining and informative. Her high energy and wit made the presentation fun and had everyone feeling more empowered and confident then when they walked in and they also left with the tools to maintain it.

Hired as: Author, Business Motivational Speaker, Motivational Speaker


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Hand, B.

Hand, B.

May 23, 2025
Verified review

Amazing!!

Great message and delivery for a high school graduation event! Easy to work with made my j9b easier scheduling and coordinating!!! Worth the book!!!

Hired as: Motivational Speaker


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Margaret M. K.

Margaret M. K.

July 15, 2024
Verified review

Philanthropic Service Organization - ESA

It is most difficult for me to find the words to express how Black Hawk Pilot Elizabeth McCormick presented her message. Elizabeth's message fit perfectly with the President's theme "Connect Through ESA". She captivated the membership throughout her presentation with humor, sincerity, action and audience participation. Working with Elizabeth and her Administrative Staff was seamless from start to finish. If you are looking for a Keynote Speaker that will deliver your desired message and keep your participants wanting more, Black Hawk Pilot Elizabeth McCormick is your ticket to a successful event.

Hired as: Leadership/Success Speaker, Motivational Speaker

Small thumbnail image for Black Hawk Pilot Elizabeth McCormick

Black Hawk Pilot Elizabeth McCormick

Thank you so much Margaret! It was a pleasure to be your speaker and see Brenda's message through.

Write a review

Booking information

Price range: Contact for rates

Languages: English

Gig length: 20 - 480 minutes

Insurance: $1,000,000 - General Liability Insurance

What to expect

After introducing Elizabeth (Introduction provided), Elizabeth shares stories about being an unemployed military wife and deciding to join the military as a Helicopter Pilot, only to discover the recruiter didn't know how to do the paperwork, and at every turn she was told "You Can't". Her answer was "Why Not?". Her stories continue in flight school where Elizabeth's flight instructor tried to fail her due to gender bias.

After Black Hawk training, Elizabeth moved to Fort Drum, New York where she endured the stalking and abuse at the hands of an obsessive co-worker, also a pilot, while flying missions. The stories continue with lessons of fitting in, trying new things outside your comfort zone, maintaining high performance secrets, near crashes, and leadership in difficult circumstances.

The lessons from these stories will be customized for the audience in a way that makes sense and motivates.

Elizabeth's closing will have your audience on their feet. She always receives a standing ovation. Elizabeth receives Facebook messages and emails weeks and months after speaking about how impactful her closing message "Lead from Where You Are" is and has positively impacted their lives.

Elizabeth receives the highest marks in all categories. She'll exceed your expectations.

About

Warning: Your audience will leave Energized, Entertained and Empowered! CERTIFIED Virtual Presenter! Contact Now to check for available dates in 2020 and booking into 2021!

Perfect for an opening or closing keynote. Utilize Elizabeth as your banquet speaker, workshop training, company meetings, conferences or conventions, awards programs, or anywhere your audience needs to be empowered. Elizabeth will customize content to fit your organizations' objectives. She has programs on general Motivation, Leadership, Sales and Safety.

Year over year 100's of meeting planners are booking, Motivational Keynote Speaker, Elizabeth McCormick, who empowers you and your organization to go from where you Are to where you Want to be. Elizabeth shares her inspirational Real stories of overcoming obstacles as she became a pioneer of women in aviation as a Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot for the US Army.

A sought after speaker who appeals to audiences in all walks of life, Elizabeth is dynamic and energetic while bringing her humor and interaction to the experience. She has been interviewed by ABC News 20/20, Wall Street Journal, NBC, CBS, FOX News and more.

"You. In the Pilot Seat" Most Requested Motivational Keynote
"Aviate! Secrets of Black Hawk Pilot" Ideal for a banquet or as entertainment
"F.L.Y.- First Lead Yourself" A leadership and personal development keynote.
"Stay Alert, Stay Alive" for safety events
"Soar Your Sales" for Sales functions and Sales Team meetings

Her best virtual presentation is "Leading Through Crisis" which includes the 7 strategies you (and your team) should be doing right now to be better position when things go back to "normal"

Hear about real world missions and lessons learned which are motivational and customizable to Your Outcomes, such “Potential Zone,” “Practice Makes…. Permanent,” “Who’s on Your Flight Crew” for teamwork, and “See a Need Lead” and “FLY- First Lead Yourself” for leadership.

Elizabeth's Bio:

As seen on ABC News "20/20," CBS News, MSNBC, FOX News Radio, on the front page of the Dallas Morning News and featured in the Wall Street Journal, Elizabeth McCormick has empowered audiences all over America with her action-packed speaking. An Army Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot, Elizabeth flew missions such as Air Assault/Rappelling, Command & Control, VIP, and Military intelligence. She also supported United Nations peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, receiving the Meritorious Service Medal for her excellence in service.

A decorated pilot and officer, Elizabeth was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal twice, Army Achievement Medal three times, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the coveted Army Aviator Badge. She retired from the military as a Chief Warrant Officer 2, after a career-ending injury. Elizabeth was honored with the Congressional Veteran Commendation for her commitment to duty and community.

Elizabeth is a founding member of the John Maxwell Team of speakers, coaches and trainers, and a dynamic energizing entertainer. She inspires audiences with her experiences from her years as a Black Hawk Helicopter pilot and turns those stories into lessons that any audience can understand.

A Number 1 best-selling author, her professional development book, The P.I.L.O.T. Method, has sold more than 35,000 copies. Elizabeth has also launched a series of business success tip books on a variety of topics named: Soar 2 Success.

Elizabeth's most requested Keynotes (Ask for the Sales Keynote, Safety Keynote and the Workshop options):

Motivational and Entertaining Keynote Presentation- Most Requested Topic Customizable to Client Outcomes (25-90 minutes in length)

You. In the Pilot’s Seat

Former U.S. Army Black Hawk Pilot, Elizabeth McCormick, shares professional development secrets for business with her stories of overcoming overwhelming obstacles as a helicopter pilot, creating an experience for your entire organization while inspiring YOU to Soar 2 Success!
You will leave knowing how to:
• Identify the strategy that will boost Your confidence and elevate your effectiveness with customers and co-workers
• Discover the high-performing success principle while learning to fly a helicopter (Yes Really!)
• Develop and lead an effective team with your #1 secret weapon
• Soar to a higher level of advancement by influencing others to lead?

Elizabeth's Leadership Success Keynote (25-90 minutes in length)

"FLY- First Lead Yourself"

Learn to Fly in the altitude-raising presentation by former US Army Black Hawk Pilot Elizabeth McCormick as she simplifies leadership principles into an immediately implementable strategy.
You will leave elevated, inspired and to:
• Accelerate your confidence factor so you can achieve your greatest potential while leading others to reach theirs
• Prioritize the leadership actions of great leaders through a Simple formula
• Fly a helicopter- Really! As you learn about the impact multi-tasking has on your performance (and your team’s)

********You'll find Elizabeth to be one of the easiest speakers you've ever worked with! Elizabeth customizes the lessons around her helicopter and military experiences with vulnerability and humor, making her relatable to all audiences.

Your audience will leave inspired to take action, performing at a higher level of efficiency.

Past booked events

May 2025

20

Tuesday

Corporate Event

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Concord, NC

18

Sunday

Religious Celebration

3:00pm - 3:15pm

Allen, TX

13

Tuesday

Nonprofit Event

11:00am - 12:00pm

Osage, MN

March 2025

13

Thursday

Nonprofit Event

9:00am - 10:30am

Sioux City, IA

January 2025

30

Thursday

Corporate Event

6:30pm - 7:00pm

Hazlehurst, GA

21

Tuesday

Corporate Event

10:00am - 11:00am

Dallas, TX

November 2024

09

Saturday

Nonprofit Event

10:00am - 11:00am

Atlanta, GA

06

Wednesday

Corporate Event

9:00am - 10:30am

Austin, TX

October 2024

14

Monday

Corporate Event

10:00am - 11:00am

Biloxi, MS

09

Wednesday

Corporate Event

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Portland, ME

August 2024

28

Wednesday

Corporate Event

9:30am - 10:15am

Lacey, WA

22

Thursday

Corporate Event

12:30pm - 2:00pm

Franklin, TN

July 2024

12

Friday

Nonprofit Event

10:30am - 11:30am

Overland Park, KS

09

Tuesday

Corporate Event

2:00pm - 3:00pm

Denver, CO

01

Monday

Corporate Event

10:00am - 11:00am

Geneva, IL

June 2024

13

Thursday

Corporate Event

2:30pm - 3:00pm

Austin, TX

12

Wednesday

Nonprofit Event

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Huntington Beach, CA

May 2024

08

Wednesday

Corporate Event

6:30pm - 7:15pm

Wichita, KS

April 2024

15

Monday

Corporate Event

8:30am - 9:00am

Hilton Head Island, SC

04

Thursday

Corporate Event

9:00am - 9:45am

Austin, TX

February 2024

19

Monday

Corporate Event

8:30pm - 10:30pm

Tampa, FL

03

Saturday

Campus Event

8:00am - 9:00am

Las Vegas, NV

January 2024

11

Thursday

Corporate Event

3:00pm - 4:00pm

Nashville, TN

October 2023

26

Thursday

Corporate Event

11:30am - 12:30pm

Rodeo, CA

23

Monday

Corporate Event

11:00am - 12:00pm

Hamburg, NJ

18

Wednesday

Convention/Trade Show

10:00am - 12:00pm

Nashville, TN

10

Tuesday

Corporate Event

8:30am - 12:30pm

Spring, TX

02

Monday

Corporate Event

7:00pm - 7:45pm

San Ramon, CA

September 2023

13

Wednesday

Nonprofit Event

8:00am - 9:00am

Orlando, FL

July 2023

12

Wednesday

Corporate Event

9:00am - 10:00am

Minneapolis, MN

April 2023

19

Wednesday

Corporate Event

9:00am - 10:30am

New Orleans, LA

February 2023

28

Tuesday

Corporate Event

7:00pm - 7:30pm

Lebanon, TN

10

Friday

Nonprofit Event

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Denver City, TX

01

Wednesday

Corporate Event

10:00am - 1:00pm

Fort Lauderdale, FL

January 2023

30

Monday

Corporate Event

2:00pm - 3:30pm

Denver, CO

December 2022

05

Monday

Christmas Party

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Denver, CO

October 2022

19

Wednesday

Virtual Event

12:00pm - 12:45pm

Hudson, WI

July 2022

27

Wednesday

Corporate Event

10:00am - 11:00am

Ruther Glen, VA

26

Tuesday

Corporate Event

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Santa Ana, CA

May 2022

21

Saturday

Corporate Event

12:30pm - 1:00pm

Seaside, OR

03

Tuesday

Corporate Event

2:00pm - 4:00pm

San Diego, CA

April 2022

27

Wednesday

Anniversary Party

12:00pm - 12:45pm

Mukilteo, WA

23

Saturday

Corporate Event

10:00am - 11:00am

Long Beach, CA

December 2021

07

Tuesday

Personal Occasion

11:00am - 12:00pm

New Orleans, LA

November 2021

10

Wednesday

Corporate Event

10:00am - 11:00am

Hopkinton, MA

October 2021

27

Wednesday

Corporate Event

9:00am - 9:45am

Lincoln, NE

September 2021

29

Wednesday

Nonprofit Event

2:00pm - 3:30pm

St Petersburg, FL

August 2021

11

Wednesday

Corporate Event

8:00am - 9:00am

Orlando, FL

April 2021

20

Tuesday

Corporate Event

12:00pm - 12:30pm

Lawrenceburg, TN

March 2021

24

Wednesday

Corporate Event

11:00am - 12:00pm

Chicago, IL

February 2021

13

Saturday

Virtual Event

10:00am - 10:45am

Upland, CA

December 2020

18

Friday

Virtual Event

2:00pm - 2:45pm

Dayton, OH

November 2020

20

Friday

School Assembly

10:00am - 10:45am

Spartanburg, SC

June 2020

03

Wednesday

Virtual Event

12:00pm - 1:30pm

Remote, OR

April 2020

03

Friday

Retirement Community Event

11:00am - 12:00pm

Puyallup, WA

March 2020

10

Tuesday

Corporate Event

4:00pm - 4:45pm

Streetsboro, OH

February 2020

24

Monday

Corporate Event

9:00pm - 9:30pm

San Francisco, CA

13

Thursday

Nonprofit Event

11:30am - 12:30pm

Tyler, TX

11

Tuesday

Corporate Event

1:00pm - 2:00pm

San Diego, CA

January 2020

30

Thursday

Corporate Event

10:00am - 10:45am

Clearwater, FL

16

Thursday

Nonprofit Event

12:00pm - 12:45pm

Overland Park, KS

15

Wednesday

Corporate Event

2:00pm - 3:00pm

Eugene, OR

December 2019

06

Friday

Corporate Event

3:30pm - 4:15pm

Deltona, FL

05

Thursday

Corporate Event

1:00pm - 2:30pm

Draper, UT

November 2019

07

Thursday

Corporate Event

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Orlando, FL

October 2019

16

Wednesday

Convention/Trade Show

1:30pm - 2:30pm

Austin, TX

03

Thursday

Fundraiser

12:00pm - 12:45pm

Defiance, OH

September 2019

18

Wednesday

Corporate Event

8:30am - 9:30am

Chicago, IL

August 2019

21

Wednesday

Campus Event

10:30am - 11:30am

Kansas City, KS

20

Tuesday

Nonprofit Event

11:00am - 12:30pm

Austin, TX

09

Friday

Personal Occasion

10:30am - 11:30am

San Antonio, TX

July 2019

31

Wednesday

Corporate Event

9:00am - 11:00am

Lafayette, TN

June 2019

21

Friday

Nonprofit Event

9:30am - 10:30am

Arlington, TX

19

Wednesday

Corporate Event

2:00pm - 3:00pm

New York City, NY

May 2019

13

Monday

Corporate Event

2:00pm - 3:00pm

Downers Grove, IL

April 2019

26

Friday

Nonprofit Event

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Provo, UT

15

Monday

Corporate Event

2:00pm - 3:30pm

Las Vegas, NV

March 2019

12

Tuesday

Convention/Trade Show

8:30am - 10:00am

San Diego, CA

February 2019

28

Thursday

Nonprofit Event

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Pleasanton, CA

23

Saturday

Corporate Event

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Layton, UT

08

Friday

Corporate Event

2:30pm - 4:00pm

Atlanta, GA

December 2018

06

Thursday

Corporate Event

5:00pm - 7:00pm

Orlando, FL

November 2018

29

Thursday

Corporate Event

3:00pm - 3:45pm

Bellevue, WA

17

Saturday

Nonprofit Event

12:00pm - 12:45pm

Ocean City, MD

October 2018

10

Wednesday

Corporate Event

9:30am - 10:30am

Newport News, VA

September 2018

12

Wednesday

Corporate Event

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Nashville, TN

August 2018

31

Friday

Corporate Event

12:00pm - 12:45pm

Riverside, CA

July 2018

12

Thursday

Corporate Event

1:00pm - 2:30pm

Napa, CA

May 2018

26

Saturday

Cultural Event

10:00am - 11:00am

Atlanta, GA

09

Wednesday

Corporate Event

1:30pm - 3:00pm

San Martin, CA

01

Tuesday

Corporate Event

9:30am - 10:30am

Orlando, FL

Influences and inspiration

Zig Ziglar is my inspiration. "Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude."

Setup requirements

Elizabeth is easy to work with, just call.