Stated by EAA CEO and Chairman of the Board, Jack Pelton, “2022’s fly in proved to be unlike anything else. We had seven days of nearly perfect weather along with this year’s programs and activities, which brought out people and airplanes in numbers that we haven’t seen before.”

Envoy Maintenance and Pilot recruiters were on-site for the week, “Recruiting the best of aviation talent,” shared Austin Decker, Envoy Air Operations Outreach Manager. “Pilots from around the world gather to enjoy the week-long air show and this is a great opportunity to talk to them about their next steps with Envoy Air and American Airlines.” The team was able to share more about the programs and careers that Envoy offers, and also conducted on-site interviews.

“The Air Operations Recruitment team also hosted a dinner for Envoy Cadets, employees and applicants” continued Austin. “Our Vice President of Flight Operations, Captain Ric Wilson, addressed the crowd and shared the exciting new improvements to Envoy’s pay and quality of life for Pilots.”

Eric Rose, Envoy’s Air Operations Recruitment Manager, said “Our presence representing the maintenance side of Envoy was quite impactful. We were fortunate to have met with a considerable number of vocational schools which improved our overall outreach efforts in recruiting freshly graduated mechanics.” Overall, the team had a great time connecting with the thousands of aviation enthusiasts in attendance at the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration”.

Here’s to another successful year! Watch a video of the event below and click HERE to view the gallery of photos from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022:

All hands on deck! It’s a phrase we’re hearing all too often these days.

When Envoy First Officers Adam Kee, Brian DePuy, and Derek Schurman heard that American Airlines was drumming up volunteers to send care packages to military service members, they jumped on the chance to help. Now, they’re forming a drive of their own.

With a goal of sending 1,000 packages, Brian, 25, said that they are “fortunate” to be in a position to help out by virtue of their pilot profession and affiliation with Envoy and American.

“Community service is fundamental to our society,” Brian said. “When society needs it most, regardless of how things are going for you, it’s important to contribute. As a pilot, I recognize that I have the means, time, and connections to be involved. As such, it’s only natural to make good on this duty.”

Pay it forward

Adam, 25, who spent six years in the Air Force Reserve, has always known the military life since his father served in the U.S. Army for 32 years. That longstanding love for veterans and the military is what inspired him to join in the efforts.

“Having served in the military, I try to volunteer when I hear of events that would enable me to ‘pay it forward’ to other service members,” Adam said. “We hope that these care packages help relieve some of the stress from these difficult situations and let service members know that we care about those sacrificing so much to help our country during this crisis.”

Brian didn’t serve in the military but said that his support is to show respect to the people who serve the country and “are truly one of our nations greatest assets.”

“Working at Envoy, I’ve seen the caliber of individuals that the military produces and wanted to do my part to support the opportunities they sacrificed for,” Brian said.

As they begin reaching out to friends, families and coworkers, the three First Officers are hoping they can find enough volunteers who are as passionate as they are about helping service members. Assuming poker online freethey raise enough money by June 10, they plan on holding packaging events to assemble the thousand care packages in the next few weeks.

Until then, they’ll continue to heed any call that comes their way, be it as a pilot or a concerned citizen.

“An airline pilot’s commitment to the safety and well-being of our passengers becomes a part of our daily lives,” said Adam. “So naturally, helping others during this crisis is a responsibility I take very seriously.”

If you want to get involved in this grassroots effort and join Adam, Brian and Derek with their drive, you can send an email to Brian at (brian.depuy@aa.com) or Adam at (adam.kee@aa.com). If you wish, you can also make contributions by donating to defendersoffreedom.us and let them know it’s for Envoy Care Packages.

]]> /2020/06/01/silver-linings-envoy-pilots-start-grassroots-campaign-military-2/feed/ 0 /2019/11/20/ex-army-envoy-pilot-golfer-lands-green-dfw-2/ /2019/11/20/ex-army-envoy-pilot-golfer-lands-green-dfw-2/#respond Wed, 20 Nov 2019 20:14:21 +0000 /?p=12641 It took a few years, but Colter Kautzmann now realizes that he can’t always swing for the hole-in-one. Maturity, a family to care for, and a steady career have taught the amateur golfer – and Envoy First Officer – that sometimes life is about growing up and keeping the ball in play.

Right out of high school, Colter received a scholarship to play golf at the University of Idaho, but soon after college followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the military as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot. Colter had also just met Sara, his soon-to-be wife, which played a part in his decision to enlist.

For a few years, Colter and his family lived the military life – moving from one country to the next – which he knew all too well, having grown up the son of an Air Force pilot. However, during his deployment in Germany, his mother was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer and her condition worsened, prompting Colter to request a move to the Arizona Army Guard where he and his family could be closer to her.

Although his domestic tasks were of a more tame variety than the Medevac missions he performed in Europe and the Middle East, Colter still enjoyed it given his passion for aviation. Eventually, Colter’s interest to become a commercial pilot was piqued when he got word that Envoy had created the first Rotor Transition Program for military helicopter pilots.

“At the time, if you wanted to be an airline pilot, you had to do it on your own,” said Colter. “The fact that Envoy did their homework and were the frontrunners for the Rotor Transition Program made me choose Envoy. They had everything we needed and made a great plan for pilots like me to make an easy transition.”

Perfect fit

As far as First Officer training, Colter said there are a lot of similarities between Envoy and the Army. Colter especially appreciated the step-by-step process communicated to the pilot trainees, which kept everyone abreast of what to expect and focused on the learning aspect of training.

He also mentioned that Envoy was smart in going after military pilots, because they have experience working as a crew. Just like on a Medevac mission, Colter and his fellow crewmates depend on strong communication and proper planning for every departure.

His years of experience, whether it be in the military or playing golf, are something Colter wears proudly like a badge of honor. He said he’s never felt any regret starting his aviation career later than most pilots.

“The experiences that my family and I have had has prepared us for this opportunity,” said Colter. “I’m 35 years old, so that means I still have 30 years left with the company. You can’t really ask for much more than that in terms of career stability.”

Back in the swing of things

After a few years off from Colter’s true passion of playing golf, he is now at a place where he can focus on competing at the same level he played at during college. He’s a member of the Veteran Golf Association (VGA), a non-profit organization promoting service members who play the links, and has basically picked up where he left off.

As a result of his fantastic play in VGA tournaments, he was named 2019 VGA Overall Men’s Champion, which granted him entry into professional tournaments on the PGA Tour. In 2020, Colter will be competing at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and A Military Tribute at the Greenbrier, as well as taking part in Jordan Spieth’s Top Golf Fundraiser.

Even though he had to tweak a few things about his game, Colter feels that this is the best he’s ever played. He said that a big part of his success is his ball striking and the ability to place the ball where it needs to be.

He said he views his career the same way. For years in the military and as a new pilot, he was always looking for the next milestone, but now just wants to enjoy the moment.

Getting in the groove

Without a doubt, Colter said, he wouldn’t be in this great of spot in his life if it weren’t for the support of his family. For now, Colter, his wife and two daughters poker online freeare cherishing the moment in their new home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where they can be closer to Colter’s father who is a test pilot at Gulfstream Aerospace.

At this stage in his life, it seems that Colter is planting some roots and really finding a groove in life.

“I’ve just matured enough to see that it’s not just about a long drive off the tee,” Colter said. “It’s like the flow to American; sure, it’s an incredible and exciting part of being an Envoy pilot. But I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I’m just happy keeping the ball on the green, for now.”

With 2018 coming to a close, it’s time to review this year’s progress in RTP. From new initiatives to new planes, we are proud  to run a program that is always evolving and improving. 2018 was a year of progress and we look forward to continuing that in 2019.

Click here to read the end-of-year RTP newsletter!

First, I’d like to thank Envoy for giving me the opportunity by creating the very first RTP. I’m thankful that they were willing to train military helicopter pilots, and help ease the transition.

Their foresight has taken hold of the regional airline industry, and set up opportunities to help the military community transition into one of the best careers imaginable.

On the move

I transitioned from active duty in the Army after almost 10 years of service in April 2017. I spent most of my time flying Blackhawks in Assault and Medevac units between Ft. Campbell and Hunter Army Airfield.

My timing for the transition could not have been better.

Shortly after I made the decision to become an airline pilot, the industry as a whole began increasing their compensation for pilots. A few months later, Envoy went public with their RTP and I was one of the first to interview.

When I started at Envoy for training, it was some of the most intense training I had experienced to that point. With help from my classmates and guidance from their experienced training department, I made it through to my first flights as an airline pilot.

I was fortunate enough to be based out of Chicago – I’ll tell you that no other airport is better to cut your teeth. If you can handle it there, you can handle it anywhere.

My Initial Operating Experience training was a blast! Everything happens quickly above 250 knots and trying to stay ahead is tough to wrap your head around at first, but you’ll get the hang of it before your instructor releases you to the line.

Luckily, our prior experience flying military helicopters pays dividends. Our experience managing crews is extremely helpful, and our ability to manage high-stress situations is also a plus.

Just stay humble and listen to and seek advice from the many captains with whom you will fly. There is a wealth of knowledge coming from the pilots who have sat in those seats.

Boost your Quality of Life

First Officer Richie Mercado (right) with fellow Envoy RTP pilot, First Officer Shawn McLaughlin

After training, the day-to-day job is amazing – I truly love it! I find myself looking out the window like a child amazed that I’m cruising at six miles above the ground. I’m doing the job I never thought was within my reach growing up.

The best part of the job is the off time; my wife loves it, too. When I’m home, I’m 100-percent home.

That time at home has a higher quality today than it ever did on my weekends or leave while in the Army. Now that I’m here, it would be hard for me to go back to any other job that would require me to work the hours I did in the Army.

I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to serve our nation, and to support our military overseas. Now that I am a regional airline pilot with Envoy, I feel as though my life can only take off from here.

Where It All Began

It was third grade, and I’m playing four-square during recess holding the coveted “A” server square, when an airplane flies over. I take a moment to pause from serving to admire the magic of flight overhead.

It was here that I knew what I wanted to do in life and where my passion lied; a career where I would never have to work a single day, one of an airline pilot. Soon after that moment, my dad purchased my first remote controlled airplane. I was addicted, flying them year round.

However, that was not planning pokerenough, I wanted to actually fly them. I went to my local airport, West Michigan Regional Airport, and took my discovery flight.

I was hooked, I still remember that flight clearly. However, my flight instructor explained the vast amount of studying and challenges I would face in acquiring my licenses to one day be an airline pilot – a challenge I happily accepted.

The Wright Stuff

Years later, I graduated from Western Michigan University majoring in Aviation Flight Science and joined the U.S. Navy. After Officer Candidate School graduation, I pursued my dreams of being an airline pilot, and interviewed at Envoy Air, where I acquired a Cadet Instructor position teaching individuals the principles of flight.

The Cadet Program afforded me the chance to experience what so many of my professors had the ability to watch someone grow. I learned that teachers who love teaching, teach individuals to love learning.

My job caused me to gain a new passion in life – a passion for teaching. I learned that a great teacher’s passion for the subject gets their students curious about the subject material and generates enthusiasm in the classroom.

That affects the students’ performance, and drives their success. As a flight instructor, I loved the opportunity to challenge my students and push them to be the best pilot they can be.

Attitude is Everything

During flight instructing, I observed that student performance is greatly altered by the instructor’s assessment of the student’s ability. If the instructor thinks that the student has the aptitude and skill, the belief will become reality.

A good instructor needs all of these skills. An instructor that knows a lot but has poor communication skills will have a hard time conveying knowledge to their students.

As a flight instructor, I begin by figuring out my student’s hobbies and what he or she enjoys. This allows me to tailor the information in ways they will easily understand.

As a pilot and a teacher, I knew I should never stop learning no matter what. In an effort to provide the best instruction and knowledge to my students, I acquired my Master of Science in Aeronautics, double majoring in Aeronautics and Human Factors in Aviation Systems.

I am currently working on a second master’s degree with a double major, and I plan to pursue a PhD in General Psychology, specializing in Cognitive Science, Human Factors and Human Performance in Aviation Systems.

pmang poker

Life at Envoy

At Envoy Air, I now work as a Check Airman. With my position, I’m afforded the opportunity to help new hires become prepared, successful, and safe airline pilots.

Along with being a Check Airman, I’m also an ALPA Mentor and volunteer with the Education Committee. It is through these programs that I’m able to help pilots with situations and questions that arise from day-to-day operations and life challenges, as well as spread the love for flight through pilot educational programs.

My career provides me great satisfaction from how I am able to connect the world, and get passengers to where they need to be safely. I love hearing from flight attendants and ground personnel that they are following their dream and starting their flight lessons — it is never too late to pursue any passion, whether it’s teaching, flying, starting your own business or going back to school.

“Do or do not. There is no try”- Yoda

In the sweltering Alabama heat, thousands of aviators and aviation enthusiasts gathered to take in the glory of the Red Tails Over Montgomery Air Show, and to get up close with the marvelous flying machines that some can only dream to fly.

As part of its continuing support for our country’s military and veterans, Envoy was also part of the air show with a static display of the Embraer 175. For two days, on September 7 and 8, a crew of three Envoy pilots and three flight attendants gave a tour of the aircraft, from the cabin to the galleys to the flight deck.

Welcome aboard

One after another, thousands of attendees walked down the aisle, sat in the first class cabin and picked up a few cookies along the way. Many who passed through remarked how it was their first time aboard a commercial aircraft, and were eager to take a flight of their own.

Over the loudspeaker, the air show emcee revved up the crowd as he announced the next acts. Taxiing across the tarmac and onto the runway, a bright green and purple carbon-fiber plane took its position before taking off into a spectacular array of aerobatics that seemed to defy the law of physics.

Throughout the day, there were paratroopers showing pmang pokeroff their precision landings, a taildragger landing on top of a moving truck, Marine A-4 Skyhawks performing tight barrel rolls, Red Tail F-16s from the 187^th Fighter Wing demonstrating tactical ground-support missions, and – best of all – the F-22 Raptor, in all its glory, slicing through the sky with the greatest of ease.

“The sound of freedom”

On the ground, a Red Tail P-51 Mustang and a B-17 Flying Fortress were on display to pay homage to the Tuskegee Airmen who escorted B-17 bombers to great success during World War II. Like swarms of bees to mighty flowers, air show attendees got to touch and experience the iconic aircraft of the U.S. Military, like the C-130 Hercules and KC-135 Stratotanker.

Whether a Junior ROTC cadet or a general aviation enthusiast, the common thread weaving through the crowd was their love and respect for our country and the men and women who serve in the military to keep us safe. There was no shortage of American flags, salutes to passing guardsmen or hands-on-hearts during the National Anthem.

“We had the best vantage point for the air show and as each jet flew over, the sound of freedom was felt by all of us.” said Envoy First Officer Jim Davis. “I’m proud to fly for Envoy knowing that it takes amazing care of its veterans and supports military initiatives alongside American Airlines.”

We’d like to thank the men and women at Dannelly Field who helped guide our plane, hooked us up with power and cool air, and for serving our country on a daily basis. Also, to the Envoy crew who attended the event and made it a special day for everyone involved, thank you: Captain Kyle Brantley and First Officer Jim Davis; Flight Attendants Elizabeth Bustamante, Alicia Morris and Jennifer Psota; and pilot recruiter First Officer Tyler Bridge.

Click here to view all of the photos from the Red Tails Over Montgomery Air Show

Thomas’ fascination with skydiving started at 19 years old and his love of aviation from as young as two. Growing up in a family of aviators, it’s not surprising that Thomas picked a career as a commercial pilot.

Read along as Thomas explains his love for aviation, the “adrenaline rush” and the special friendships he’s made in the sky.

Born to fly

What came first, you wanting to be a pilot or a skydiver? 

Being a pilot came first, because I started flying when I was very young – 2 or 3 years old. I come from a family of pilots – my great uncle flew B-24s in WWII; and my dad, a handful of cousins, and my uncle were also pilots. Primarily it was my uncle George who taught me to fly. He was a former Navy P-3 pilot who flew for Eastern Airlines for 17 years.

My dad and he had a grass runway and a Cessna 182 at our farm in Illinois, and I would fly with my uncle just about every evening in the summer. I made my first unassisted takeoff and landing at 9 – sitting on couch cushions so I could see over the nose.

I got into skydiving when I turned 19. I had two cousins that were skydivers, and I always looked up to them. We had an annual fly-in at the farm every year, and my uncle would fly them up and they would jump in.

My cousin Rich ended up helping me get a flying job at Skydive Chicago, where I worked as a pilot flying jumpers to altitude. I remember flying right trail in a 7-airplane formation, seeing skydivers zoom past my wingtip like giant birds and thinking to myself, “That is cool! I want to do that someday.”

I didn’t know it then, but that ended up being my foot in the door to participating in skydiving world records. After many years of training, I earned a spot on the Vertical Elite world record skydiving team. Since then, I have been a part of six different large formation skydiving world records.

What about aviation excites you as a pilot?

I’ve been doing it for so long that it’s just a part of who I am. I think above all, I enjoyed the journey to get here and the adventures and memories that went along with it.

From student pilot to private, instrument, flight instructing, flying skydivers and then to Envoy – it’s been a really fun experience building my way up to where I am now. Now that I’m at Envoy, every day is a new adventure of its own.

As a skydiver?

Initially it was the excitement and the adrenaline rush that drew me to the sport. I think the best part now is the people I get to meet.

Getting to jump with people from all different backgrounds is an adventure, and these adventures make unbreakable bonds. planning pokerSome of my best friends in the world are skydivers, and I wouldn’t have gotten to meet them unless the sport brought us together.

Jump for joy at Envoy

Do you still get the same thrill you did from day one?

In the beginning, it was for the excitement of stepping into the unknown and the adrenaline rush that comes from doing it. After a handful of jumps, the adrenaline wears off and there are other reasons that keep me around.

Mostly it’s for the feeling of flying in the sky. From an outsider’s perspective, it looks like we are just falling. But in relation to the person I am jumping with, I am also flying – I can move my body to deflect the air to push my body to go up, down, and across the sky in relation to the other person.

First Officer Thomas Johnston, left, with fellow First Officer Tony Sabos.

What were the main reasons you chose to fly for Envoy?

One of the best things about working at Envoy is the ability to have a work-life balance and schedule flexibility. Having a schedule with chunks of time where I can work, and chunks of time where I can travel is priceless. It enables a lifestyle that is almost impossible to have with a typical Monday-to-Friday job.

What does your family think of your skydiving escapades?

My mom and Dad are usually quiet but supportive. I like to call it Type 2 supportive.

For instance, when we are doing these world record attempts, it definitely makes them nervous. They definitely don’t push me to do it, but they are quietly supportive.

They don’t really say much about it because they are worried about me. But as soon as we set a new world record, my mom is the first one to go home and brag to all of her friends about me.

What records have you and your team broken?

Every couple of years we try and break our previous world records. This summer we are going for a 200-person head down formation.

Current records I have been a part of:

• 72-way Head Up World Record
• 164-way Large Vertical Formation, Head Down (pictured above)
• 33-way Large Vertical Formation, Head Down at Night

Throughout the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, thousands of women from many walks of life spent time looking for career opportunities, engaging in dozens of seminars and inspiring the next generation of aviators in a special Girls in Aviation event. We caught up with a few of these women to learn more about their unique paths through aviation and to hear what they think is most important about women in aviation.

First Officer Carrie Muehlbauer, American Airlines

First Officer Carrie Muehlbauer began her aviation career in 1981 when she joined the U.S. Air Force, and has spent the last 28 years with American. When she first joined the Air Force, it was still at a time when few women were flying planes in the military; women weren’t admitted into the Air Force Academy until 1976.

“We were some of the first women flying for the Air Force alongside men when I joined,” said Carrie. “We didn’t have any mentors to talk about the issues we faced. It was a lonely place.”

Once she began pilot training, she met some of the women who would go on to be her longtime friends. There, Carrie had some hope that she wasn’t alone, and could feel a little bit more comfortable being a woman in a male-dominated arena like the military, she said.

Today, Carrie, with many other women pilots flying for American, mentor young women to help and inspire them to take on larger roles within the airline.

“Coming to the WAI Conference is a great way to meet with young aviators and provide mentorship,” said Carrie. “It’s a great place to share ideas, inspire others and see all of my friends.”

Some advice for young women aviators?

“Don’t listen to the naysayers, you can be anything you want to be,” said Carrie. “Find a mentor or someone to look up to, and they can show you the way.”

Kristen Kop, WAI Chapter Member – Honolulu, HI

Seventeen-year-old Kristen Kop is about as ambitious as they come these days. She’s a member of the Civil Air Patrol, The Ninety-Nines and the Honolulu WAI chapter.

She currently studies at Mid-Pacific Institute, a college preparatory school in Honolulu. She is also pursuing her private pilot’s license and aims to join an ROTC program in college next year.

For Kristen, the WAI Conference is all about opportunity.

“It’s the perfect place to network and make connections in the industry,” said Kristen. “I can meet with different airlines and schools that can help financially to train pilots of the next generation.”

This being her first time at a WAI Conference, Kristen was in awe of how many women are involved throughout the industry.

“I had no idea what to pmang pokerexpect,” she said. “It feels really good and assuring for a future where more and more women are getting every opportunity available. For me, I feel good about my career opportunities in this industry as a woman aviator.”

Allison Righter, President of Wings for Val Foundation

In 2013, Navy Lieutenant Valerie Cappelaere Delaney passed away in an accident during a training mission in Washington State. At her funeral, over 200 women pilots would leave their wings with Val showing solidarity with their fallen sister.

Val’s family, including her sister Allison Righter, were so touched and inspired by the community’s gesture that they began a non-profit foundation to provide scholarships to women aviators across the world. Allison, the president of Wings for Val Foundation, came to the WAI Conference to share her sister’s story, thank people for their support and congratulate this year’s scholarship recipients.

“The best part of the conference is getting to meet our scholarship winners,” said Allison. “They also meet one another, which can begin a really supportive relationship.”

Wings for Val is all about “reaching forward and reaching back”, which means learning from the women who have experience and teaching the young women who are the industry’s future.

“The only way we can make any progress is if we do both; learn and teach,” said Allison. “Our mission is spread awareness, inspire women in and outside of aviation, and to find the best aviators to help them achieve their goals.”

Thanks to women like Allison and Carrie providing mentors, scholarships and inspiration, youngsters like Kristen can find opportunities to better their futures. Together with the millions of women and men in the aviation industry, Envoy is proud to join in that mission.