When most people think of Amanda Steele, they envision a highly skilled pilot managing the complexities of Dassault Falcon jets. However, Amanda’s career in aviation isn’t the only story she has to tell. Before becoming a top pilot and aviation manager, she had an unexpected yet fascinating detour—serving as the face of a major aviation headset company’s advertising campaign.
An Unexpected Opportunity
Amanda’s journey into modeling began with a simple yet pivotal moment.
In 2008, she was awarded the Women in Aviation, International – Telex Scholarship, which provided financial support and a top-of-the-line general aviation (GA) headset. At the conference where she received the award, Amanda personally thanked the Telex team with a heartfelt card.
Their response was unforgettable.
“We knew you were the one—there was no one even close!” John, a Telex representative, told her.
When Amanda returned home, her aunt, Lu Hoogeveen, snapped a few photos of her wearing the headset while preflighting her aircraft. As an additional gesture of appreciation, Amanda sent the images to Telex.
What happened next was completely unexpected.
Telex loved the photos—especially one of Amanda in the cockpit of her Cessna 172—and, with her permission, incorporated it into their marketing campaign for the entire year. Suddenly, Amanda’s face was everywhere—on conference backdrops, brochures, and even in magazines like Flying Magazine.
The Face of Telex Aviation
The campaign was designed to highlight the headset’s comfort, durability, and advanced noise-canceling features—essentials for any pilot. Amanda’s authentic presence and passion for aviation resonated with Telex’s audience, making the campaign a success.
A few months later, just before the renowned Oshkosh AirVenture event, Amanda’s car was broken into, and her headset was stolen. When Telex heard about it, they immediately stepped in.
“We can’t have our model without a Telex headset!” they told her, presenting her with a brand-new replacement—valued at $758—at the expo.
Beyond the campaign, Amanda built lasting connections with the Telex team. When Vonnie, a beloved team member, retired, Amanda was honored to contribute a personal excerpt for her retirement gift.
“She ‘mommed’ me! I was just 19 when I received the scholarship, and she was so wonderful,” Amanda recalls.
John, Sherry, Vonnie, and the Telex crew weren’t just part of a marketing team—they made Amanda feel like family.
Reflections on an Unexpected Path
Looking back, Amanda sees her brief modeling career as an unexpected but valuable chapter in her journey.
“It was a great opportunity to combine my passion for aviation with a new challenge. Modeling wasn’t something I ever pursued, but it taught me a lot about branding and the importance of staying true to who you are, even in unfamiliar territory.”
Today, Amanda leads Refined Steele, where she blends her love for aviation with top-tier pilot and jet management services. Every so often, images from her modeling days resurface—a reminder of her versatility, her adventurous spirit, and her ability to embrace new opportunities.
Whether she’s in front of the camera or at the controls of a Dassault Falcon jet, Amanda Steele continues to leave a lasting impression in the world of aviation.