She took a job at AC Spark Plug after high school to save money for flight lessons.[1] She obtained her pilot's license before she received a driver's license.[2] She became a charter pilot and eventually opened her own flight school and charter company, Trimble Aviation, based in Flint, Michigan.[2] Steadman trained more than 200 men who ultimately became airline pilots at her school.[2] Bernice Steadman became one of the first women in the United States to obtain an Airline Transport Rating (ATR), the highest rating a pilot can receive.[2]