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 are 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.”

And while there is plenty of hobnobbing and fun to be had between hangar parties and fleet fly-ins, much of the annual meet-up is spent discussing the issues that face the LGBTQ community throughout the aviation history. This year, the focus of these discussions was action and progress, where as in the past, they mainly centered on problematic issues.

Action and Progress

Eventually those grievances have to turn into plans of action, and that’s exactly what was accomplished at this year’s conference. The most apparent sentiment catalyzing this action was no one else will do it for you, you must take matters into your own hands.

Such was the case at the Transgender Break-out Session, where NGPA Board Member Erika DeLong delineated her plight as a transgender woman transitioning while working for an airline. She didn’t just tell her story, she related it to the action the NGPA Transgender Advocacy Committee is taking to make the aviation industry more inclusive of transgender people in their policies.

At the Allies Break-out Session, aviators outside of the LGBTQ community gathered to discuss the important role allies play in supporting LGBTQ aviators and achieving equal rights throughout the industry. Without allies, equality for LGBTQ aviators would be harder to come by, but with them and their support, that burden becomes lighter.

Down to business

Envoy Pilot recruiters FO Harrison Scott (right) and CA Ricardo Mata (left) speaking with potential Envoy pilots.

However, the Winter Warm-up is not only about making the industry more inclusive, but also a chance for Envoy to meet young aviators and help them begin their journey to an airline career. This year, Envoy upped the ante on their commitment to supporting the NGPA and became a Diamond Sponsor, with their plaque proudly on display during the Industry Expo.

Professional and student pilots in attendance had a chance to meet with our recruiters and discuss their options of becoming a pilot with Envoy. This year, we had a secret weapon; Envoy First Officer and YouTube star Swayne Martin helped recruit some fresh faces to Envoy.

FO Swayne Martin (left) and CA Ricardo Mata address students at a meet-and-greet.

At a meet-and-greet session, Swayne and Captain Ricardo Mata addressed student pilots and presented the many avenues a student can take to lead them to Envoy. Either through the Cadet Program, the Rotor Transition Program or as a Direct-Entry Captain, they demonstrated how Envoy is making the journey to the airlines a smoother ride.

Time flies when you’re flying fun

Some of the tail draggers that made their way to Palm Springs for the Queen of the Fleet contest.

When the recruiting pitch was over, the fun could begin. The first night, NGPA members gathered at the Palm Springs World War II Museum for live jazz and networking.

The following day, those who flew into Palm Springs put up their planes for a Queen of the Fleet contest, where everything from Cessnas to Embraer Phantoms to hot air balloons were on display. Finally, the conference culminated at the Formal Dinner Banquet, which was chock-full of emotions from touching memorials, hilarious antics and inspirational speeches from members of the aviation industry.

Envoy Pilot Recruiters with some of our American Airlines family members. From left to right, former Envoy pilot and current American FO Kiersten Orrick, American recruiter Cameron Rowe, Envoy FO Harrison Scott, American pilot Carrie Muehlbauer, American recruiter Heather Bowers, Envoy Director of Pilot Recruitment Andy LaSusa, Envoy FO Swayne Martin, Envoy CA Ricardo Mata, and American Inclusion & Diversity Senior Specialist Anila Jivanji.

Envoy is looking forward to next year’s conference and as a Diamond Sponsor, will continue to progress with the LGBTQ community and the NGPA’s mission of equality in the aviation industry. After all, Diversity & Inclusion is at the forefront of our strategic goals in solidifying our position as the world’s greatest regional airline.

Click here to view the full gallery from the NGPA Winter Warm-Up! 

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.

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 off 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

LaTroy began his basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina in 1995 and moved on to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland where he received his certification as a mechanic, or “ground guy” as he calls it. Eventually, he moved nearly seven thousand miles away to Seoul, South Korea where he practiced “being the best mechanic” he could be, he says.

LaTroy quickly moved up in the ranks when he eventually moved to Germany, and from there was deployed to Iraq as a mechanic. However, LaTroy believed himself to be more than a ground guy and would often volunteer to go on patrol with the other soldiers.

Again, in Fort Riley, Kansas, before deploying to Iraq for a second time, LaTroy filed for a helicopter pilot position – again, nothing happened. So, LaTroy moved back to South Korea ranked as a Maintenance Warrant Officer.

One day, Latroy was sitting in his office when a swarm of Black Hawks appeared outside his office window. Once again LaTroy was hit with the urge to become a helicopter pilot.

At last, the third time was the charm! He was granted a transfer from Seoul to Fort Rucker, Alabama to immediately begin training as a rotor-wing pilot. After 14 months of training, there he was a Black Hawk pilot on his way back to South Korea.

Flying in his Seoul

For three years, LaTroy worked as a flight instructor on the Black Hawk. But deployment again came around, this time out of Fort Drum, New York.

However, his third deployment, this time to Afghanistan, was different because LaTroy was no longer a ground guy. He flew missions in the Black Hawk and the more modernized UH-60M Black Hawk, which began another question brewing in LaTroy’s head.

But it wasn’t until he read an email from Will Dryden of Coast Flight Training (an Envoy partner school) that the question really hit home – “do you want to become an airline pilot?” At first, LaTroy thought it must not be real or that he was dreaming, but of course he wanted to be an airline pilot – “who doesn’t?” he asks.

At this point, LaTroy was serving his last year before retirement in the place where his military career began, Seoul. But life didn’t stop there, LaTroy was ready to embark on his next mission as an airline pilot.

“Zero to Hero”

Soon enough, LaTroy was in San Diego, California at Coast Flight discussing Envoy’s Rotor Transition Program (RTP) with Will and Envoy Pilot Recruiter Captain David Streit.

“From that first moment talking with Will and David about the RTP, it felt very real that I would be an airline pilot,” says LaTroy. “They sat me down and told me that there’s no gimmicks, no hidden agendas; I just had to focus on training and Envoy would take care of the rest. And I believed them!”

Going into Coast Flight, even though he logged a ton of time on the Black Hawk, LaTroy had not built any hours on a fixed-wing aircraft. Yet, that wasn’t a problem, because Coast and Envoy were prepared to train him in a matter of months to reach the FAA military-veterans minimum for flight hours to begin an Airline Transport Pilot certificate.

Flying the Cessna 172 to build the bulk of his hours, and the Piper Archer, Arrow and Seminole, LaTroy quickly earned the necessary ratings and hours to begin training at Envoy.

“I went into Coast with absolutely no fixed-wing time, but, now, here I am flying a jet,” says LaTroy. “I went from zero to hero!”

Transferring experience credits

Whatever LaTroy lacked in fixed-wing time, he more than made up for it in military experience that requires discipline, attention to detail and following safety procedures. Most importantly, LaTroy had the experience of working in a two-person flight crew from his time flying the Black Hawk, which translates perfectly to life as an airline pilot interacting with flight attendants, agents, mechanics and other pilots.

In the Envoy training center, LaTroy found a similar sense of brotherhood with his classmates that he enjoyed in the Army. He says that if he was struggling with a subject or instrument, he could depend on some of the part-121 pilots to give him a few pointers.

“The tools are all there,” says LaTroy about Envoy training. “As long as I put in the time and effort, I knew I would succeed. Coming from a military background of structure and discipline, Envoy fit that mold and did it very professionally.”

At last, after several months training at Coast Flight and Envoy, LaTroy was awarded First Officer on the Embraer 175 (E175) based out of Dallas-Fort Worth. He spent his first two months on reserve waiting for his opportunity to fly, but that ended quickly and he now holds a line on the E175.

Well worth the wait

The best part of the job, he says, is meeting new people, seeing new places and taking advantage of all the adventures to be had all over the U.S. where Envoy flies. LaTroy says that he’s “enjoying the journey” flying for Envoy and not trying to get ahead of himself.

But off in the horizon, a few years down the line, LaTroy can see his goal of flowing to American Airlines. After all, that was one of the most enticing draws to joining Envoy’s audacious RTP.

“I wanted to strive for that end-goal of flying for American,” says LaTroy. “The pathway was very clearly laid out for me; join the RTP, train to become a pilot, have a great time at Envoy and reap all the glory of flowing to American. It’s been a long wait, but it’s well worth it.”

Whether a mechanic, pilot, gate agent, dispatcher or flight attendant – and all the hundreds of other positions – Envoy is proud to have so many amazing service members and veterans working at the airline. It may have taken LaTroy a few tries to get into a helicopter and eventually into an E175, but the company is glad to have him and the thousands more veterans like him that make up the fabric of Envoy.

Taking that 100th spot is pilot Matthew Silker, retired Army Captain, who flew Blackhawks, Guardrails and KingAirs. A father of four, Matthew is prepared to take the next step of transitioning from military life to civilian, and he has Envoy to thank for the help doing so, he said.

Together with our partner flight school Coast Flight Training, Envoy offers pilots like Matthew the best opportunity for a lifelong career as a commercial pilot. With military veterans at the helm of Coast and veterans within leadership at Envoy, military pilots are given the right guidance in their career transition.

“Having that military leadership at Coast and Envoy is great, because it’s all vets helping vets,” said Matthew. “We can feel comfortable in the transition, because the structure is there and we’re all speaking the same language.”

Perfect partnership

Overall, the relationship between Coast and Envoy is beneficial for military pilots as well as civilian pilots going through our Cadet Program, where they can be hired as flight instructors to build hours before training with Envoy. Alexandra Fortier, operations manager at Coast in San Marcos, says that cadet instructors at Coast are great resources for pilots transitioning into fixed-wing aircraft and the civilian life.

“Our instructors and the RTP pilots can bounce ideas off each other and share their unique perspectives,” said Alexandra. “The pilots starting out at the same time end up leaving here great friends that they’ll have for life.”

When the RTP began, one of the major hurdles for Envoy was how they were going to provide financial assistance to pilots. Through a signing bonus of more than $17,000 and financial assistance up to $23,000, Envoy’s RTP became enticing for those on the fence about taking the jump.

However, Matthew said that any assistance is helpful, but regardless, the “opportunities outweigh the cost.”

“Training to be a pilot at any level is a cost venture,” Matthew said. “You have to be willing to put in what you want out of it. Envoy is giving me the opportunity of a lifetime and has allowed me to see a long term goal of becoming a pilot for American Airlines.”

The path to success

Matthew said he’s taking his status as the 100th RTP pilot as a good omen, but he’s really just hopeful that there will be a thousand pilots after him to go through the program.

“I’m just lucky to be the 100th pilots to go through the RTP,” Matthew said. “I am so grateful for this program, and I truly feel I can be successful as an Envoy pilot because of it.”

If you are a current or retired military helicopter pilot and you want to begin a lifelong career in commercial aviation for the world’s largest airline, American Airlines, visit our RTP page or email our RTP pilot recruiters at envoy.rtp@aa.com.

After contacting numerous airlines and finding no answer, Andrew got word of a new military-transition program starting at Coast Flight Training in San Diego, California. That program, in fact, was the beginning stages of Envoy’s new Rotor Transition Program (RTP) that helps military helicopter pilots transition to a commercial flight deck.

As a helicopter pilot, Andrew had plenty of hours, but not the specific Pilot-in-Command hours on a fixed-wing airplane. That time would need to be made up, and paid for out-of-pocket if Andrew wanted to pursue a commercial-pilot career.

As part of Envoy’s RTP, Andrew received help to finance the hours he needed and instruction at Envoy’s partner school, Coast Flight Training.

“Envoy told me they value my military training and they value my expertise,” says Andrew. “It’s nice to come into an environment where you’re appreciated for your skills and your experience.”

Applying his expertise

Military rotor pilots have a broad skill set that translates well into the commercial airline industry.

Andrew explains that his experience in the military makes him quick to adapt, as well as hardworking, detail-oriented, motivated by serving others and able to fill leadership roles.

He also mentions that the helicopter he flew had twin-turbine engines with hydraulically boosted flight controls, AC/DC powered avionics and a maximum gross weight of 22,000 pounds.

Additionally, Andrew trained with a three-person crew that taught him the importance of crew resource management.

“After looking at the problem airlines face with pilot shortages, I noticed Envoy’s innovation in a problem we’re all facing,” says Andrew. “Envoy is light, innovative, they’re ahead of it – they’re going to be in great shape.”

New beginnings

Andrew recently retired from the U.S. Navy after 23 years of service as an O-5 Commander. Andrew worked as Commander of a weapons school in Jacksonville, Florida where he trained pilot units before their deployment.

Next, Andrew served as Air Boss in San Diego on board an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. After two years of conducting flight operations, Andrew retired from the U.S. Navy.

Retirement wouldn’t mean the end of Andrew’s aviation career. He joined Envoy’s RTP in July, earned all of his ATP hours in August, began training with Envoy in September and is on course to begin generating revenue as an Envoy First Officer as early as mid-November.

He couldn’t be more at ease with his decision.

“I had a lot of choices where to continue my pilot career,” says Andrew. “After researching all of my options, Envoy was the place to come and to bring my family. Without a doubt.”

Are you a military helicopter pilot interested in a commercial aviation career? Click here to learn more about Envoy’s Rotor Transition Program.

By using Veterans Administration (VA) benefits and Envoy funding, former service members can take advantage of the reduced ATP minimum flight experience requirement of only 750 total flight hours. Pilots will obtain the necessary fixed wing experience and flight ratings at Envoy’s partner flight school, Coast Flight Training in San Diego. Once airline minimums are reached, pilots are eligible for the company-paid ATP-CTP course and receive up to $22,100 signing bonus on their first day of new hire training. Combined with industry-leading starting pay, Envoy First Officers can earn nearly $60,000 during their first year.

“Many helicopter pilots who are serving today may not realize that a career in commercial aviation is attainable,” said Captain Ric Wilson, Vice President Flight Operations. “With the solid foundation in aviation gained as a military pilot and the financial assistance and mentoring provided by Envoy, both rotor and fixed-wing pilots can achieve their dream of flying commercial jets in just a matter of months.”

And with its unmatched flow-through agreement with American Airlines, Envoy offers a direct path to fly for the largest mainline carrier in the world.

Pilots who flow through from Envoy to the mainline make up half of every American new hire class – in fact, more than 60% of American’s new hires since 2013 came from Envoy. American receives thousands of applications from qualified pilots, who are vying for less than 150 positions they plan to fill “off the street” this year. Envoy’s guaranteed flow means our pilots have a direct path to the world’s largest airline – without having to interview with American or compete against all those other applicants.

“With our new Rotor Transition Program, veterans can turn their love of flying into a full-time career,” added Wilson. “And with our industry-leading pay, a comprehensive package of life, health and retirement benefits and American Airlines Group profit sharing, your quality of life with Envoy is unmatched.”

Military pilot? Send your resume to envoy.rtp@aa.com and a recruiter will respond with information. Or, call 972.374.5607 for details.

Photo: U.S. Army.