Major: Commercial Aviation

Year of Graduation: 1998

Current Position: CRJ Captain / Check Airman, Air Wisconsin Airlines

Hometown: Oshkosh, WI


Please describe the path you took from graduation to get to the job you have today:

Flight Instructed at UND for about six months in 1998. Went to Warrensburg, MO, for grad school in the summer of 1998 and instructed there while obtaining an MS in Aviation Safety in May of 1999 from Central Missouri State. After graduation from CMSU I instructed for Beechcraft in Kansas City for the remainder of 1999. I then worked as an air ambulance/charter pilot for Valley Aviation in Fargo, ND, for a year and a half before being hired by Air Wisconsin in April 2001. I began as a Dornier 328 First Officer based in Chicago in 2001 and Denver in 2002. Transitioned to CRJ First Officer in Atlanta in 2003 and Chicago in 2004, then upgraded to CRJ Captain in Washington, D.C., in January 2005. Became a Check Airman conducting new-hire and upgrade Initial Operating Experience, as well as line checks, in November 2005.

What is the best part of your current job?

Instructing, I enjoy being part of a pilots' learning process. I know the CFI/CFII/MEI background I have from my years at UND and CMSU have a lot to do with my success as a Check Airman today.

How has your education from the University of North Dakota helped you in your career?

The well-rounded liberal arts background, in addition to the flight-related curriculum, made me a better pilot. It wasn't all aviation all the time, which I think is good. UND Aerospace taught me the fundamentals upon which I could later expand.

What advice would you have for student in the aviation program today?

You have to really want this. The lifestyle of an airline pilot has changed dramatically from what it was 10 years ago. If you're in it for the money and schedule find something else to do. But if being an airline pilot is your passion then pursue it and enjoy the ride. I still thoroughly love going to work every day, it's not glamorous and it's not easy, but it sure is fun. Pursue other interests within the industry as well, there are plenty of options other than flying, and always have something to fall back on.