A member of a rather small group of pioneering career women who work as commercial airline pilots, Captain Lisa Elliott is passing her flight standby as our date at the Spanish Court Hotel. Elliott fielded our questions with responses that displayed her insights and solid outlook on life. Take a look.

What is your favourite cocktail?

A Bellini.

Is the ability to travel a luxury or a right?

Travel is a perk that comes with the job. The average person gets weekends and holidays off. We get to travel at well-discounted rates. Fair trade?

Is suggesting that you’re a woman in a man’s world a concept that is still relevant to your field in 2016?

There are approximately 4,000 female commercial pilots (approximately 450 are captains) vs 130,000 male pilots in the world, so while still relevant, the numbers are growing and gaining more acceptance. On a recent flight, upon landing, the passengers erupted into thunderous applause and shouts of ‘girl power’. After all, ‘Who runs the world…?’

Share a coping tip for travellers who are plagued with mild aviophobia and/or acrophobia.

Deep breaths during times of anxiety (turbulence, etc). Contrary to popular belief, alcohol is NOT the answer.

How do you maintain and balance your focus and your energy levels mid-flight?

It happens before the flight. Get rest. We are limited to leaving the cockpit nowadays, but during a long flight, getting up and stretching your legs is a must.

As the leading member of a cockpit crew, which international airport remains a favourite, and why?

We do not fly there anymore, but Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The approach to the airport was challenging because of the mountains that we have to circumnavigate and the destination itself was always well worth the effort getting there. The approach over the beach into St Maarten is another fave.

Why is Caribbean sporting unity still necessary in the wake of Jaminate at the Rio Olympics?

Undoubtedly, Jamaica once again mesmerised the world with her athletic prowess, going up against countries with such large populations and unlimited funds and resources, Jamaica and our Caribbean brothers and sisters have proven that ‘we likkle but we tallawah’ time and time again.

Name five entries on your bucket list.

My bucket list is very short as I have been fortunate enough to accomplish most things on it. What used to be on my list (and have been ceremoniously ticked off) include:

1. Skydiving

2. Hang gliding in Brazil

3. Travel (too many to name)

4. Eat at a Michelin 3-star restaurant (have been to 2)

5. Upgrade to captain

Are vices a necessary response to high-stress vocations?

Definitely. Outlets to relieve stress and re-energise are a must. (I am presently in pain from the gym.)

What’s the best book or activity of the moment to survive a layover?

Retail therapy, of course.

What is that fragrant spray applied to cabins, prior to the landing? The uninitiated lie in wait.

The Health Authority requires that the cabin be sprayed when the aircraft is coming from certain countries so as not to import any insects that may carry disease or attack crops. That ‘fragrant spray’ is NOT Chanel No 5, but bug spray.