Delta Air Lines’ longest-tenured female pilot retires after 40+ years: Captain Karen Ruth

Captain Karen Ruth - Delta Air Lines’ longest-tenured serving female captain sits down with host Kristine to reflect on her historic and distinguished 40+ year career. Upon her retirement, Karen was 17 out of 17,200 pilots in seniority. They discuss her final flight from Dublin to Minneapolis on April 18th, 2026. Karen shares her origin story - how two Northwest Airline pilots in her Burnsville, MN neighborhood recognized “the right stuff” in a 15 year old and mentored her. She discusses the responsibility of commanding 300 passengers and navigating some of the world’s most challenging runways. Karen celebrates her two daughters Kate and Molly, who are both now commercial pilots. They discuss and reflect on the legacy she has built through mentorship, training other pilots, humility and the power of saying yes to opportunities!

Check out our Facebook page; find us on Instagram or send us an email at theonepebblepod@gmail.com. You can also watch this episode on YouTube!