Black Hawk Pilot Elizabeth McCormick
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
Brooke M.
March 17, 2025Incredible 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
Stacey G.
October 26, 2023Elizabeth 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
Linda T.
October 25, 2023Fantastic!! 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
Hand, B.
May 23, 2025Amazing!!
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
Margaret M. K.
July 15, 2024Philanthropic 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
Black Hawk Pilot Elizabeth McCormick
Thank you so much Margaret! It was a pleasure to be your speaker and see Brenda's message through.
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.