As proud supporters of the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF), Envoy and American Airlines continue to provide charters and assistance, in the air and on the ground, to actor and humanitarian, Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band,as they bring honor, gratitude and rock ‘n’ roll to the military community.

Band aides are there because of the music — and to support our nation’s heroes.

Earlier this year, the Lt. Dan Band visited numerous locations across Envoy’s network where music fans (also known as Envoy employees) were happy to greet them upon arrival. One of the earlier stops in the year was at Watertown International Airport (ART) in Jefferson County, NY when the band played at the nearby U.S. Army Base in Fort Drum, NY.

“We had an Envoy Embraer 170 charter with a very special guest onboard. It was an awesome experience, and it was wonderful to work with our team from the System Operations Control (SOC), Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band members. It was a true pleasure,” said ART General Manager, Cheryl Weaver.

9/11 Never Forget

After their visit to ART, the Lt. Dan Band did a three-city tour. They visited Fort Liberty and Charlotte, NC and closed the tour in Erie, PA on September 11th for First Responder Appreciation Day at the Highmark Amphitheatre at Liberty Park. With the concert open to the public, over 3,000 people were in attendance.

“It was such an incredible honor uplifting local first responders of Erie, PA, on September 11th during our Gary Sinise Foundation First Responders Appreciation Day. The 22nd anniversary of the attack on our country was spent connecting with folks who answer the call every day, and the families who sacrifice alongside them. A huge turnout for our concert! It was a joy to see this wonderful community having a great time celebrating their local police and fire departments”, said Sinise on his Instagram account.

“This is the second charter that I’ve had the honor of working. They have both impacted my life greatly”, said Chicago O’Hare (ORD) based Flight Attendant, Twyla Balstad, who was part of the crew on the three-city tour. “The energy at the concert on September 11th that was expended by the band was soaked up by the crowd. I can’t even begin to describe it, it was an incredible experience”, she continued.

To learn more about the GSF charter from September, view the video below and be sure to click HERE to see the gallery of photos from the Lt. Dan Band concert in Fort Liberty, NC on September 9th.

Cover photo: Molly Callinan (left), Gary Sinise (right) with the Lt. Dan Band, rockin’ out in Fort Liberty, NC.

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 they 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 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.”

Last week, coworkers from the Envoy Financial Services team lent their afternoon to volunteer at The Gatehouse in Grapevine, Texas. The Gatehouse is a “privately funded community where women and children end cycles of abuse and poverty” and provide its members with resources such as housing, transportation, and professional counseling, according to their website.

Find your reason why

The Envoy volunteers were tasked with organizing the onsite general store and Keeps Boutique, which provides clothing to members who have job interviews or other important meetings. Volunteers in the boutique did everything from sort donations to rearrange the clothes rack in the store, while those working in the general store organized the stockroom.

“Sure, lifting heavy crates of bottled water is a good workout, but I’m not here just for that,” said Sean Flynn, Envoy Financial Analyst. “It’s very humbling to give my time to a community that could use the help. That’s the real reason I’m here.”

For some of the volunteers, it was their first time ever giving back to the community, like Accounting Analyst Mahim Haider who said she wanted to give back her time to “help these women get back on their feet.”

“For us, it’s also really good team building,” said Mahim. “We get to spend time together outside of work and get to know each other better.”

Pay it back

The volunteer trip to The Gatehouse was proposed by Envoy newcomer Mallory Hubbard, who was a vice president of The Rotaract Club at the University of Texas at Dallas. With her background in networking and community organizing, Mallory saw a natural fit in taking on volunteer initiatives within the Envoy Financial Services team.

“Here at headquarters, I wanted Envoy to have a positive influence in the community,” said Mallory. “I saw the opportunity to involve us more frequently within the community, so I went for it. I just think that since I get help from others and use community resources that I should give my time back.”

Emily Avedikian from The Gatehouse says that every bit that volunteers can accomplish comes as a big help to her and the organization. As the director of the Keeps Boutique, she normally has to take care of the shop herself.

“If I can get a handful of volunteers for just two hours, that’s a huge help,” Emily said. “It would have taken me two weeks to do what they did today. As for our members, by making the shop more efficient it relieves the anxiety they might have about shopping.”

It’s a small act, but the volunteer team is glad they gave up their day to help others that need it.

“It feels good to help someone else,” said Accounting Clerk Valentina Todd. “Everybody’s time is precious, so why not share that with others and give back? It’s a great feeling.”

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 enough, 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.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”- Nelson Mandela

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 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

Among the group were people of all ages from as far as South Carolina, and a father-son duo who both served in the U.S. Army.

Hangin’ at the hangar

The day began with a tour of Envoy’s maintenance hangar at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport where the self-proclaimed avgeeks got up close and personal with an Embraer 140. The maintenance team answered any and all questions the visitors had about the maintenance process, the engines on display and the fleet the mechanics work on every day.

After the E140 was pushed back to begin it’s day of work on the DFW line, the group moved on to Envoy’s headquarters. Captain Jessica Hines and First Officer Tyler Bridge led the tour of Envoy’s training department with an inside look at the cabin trainers used by flight attendant trainees, the control simulators for the Embraer 175 and the classrooms where new pilots learn their ground schooling.

Moving on to Envoy’s Systems Operations Control, our avgeeks learned all about the ‘brain’ of the operation. They met with dispatchers, crew schedulers and maintenance operators who gave them a glimpse into what it takes to keep the 24/7 operation flowing.

Continuing a wonderful dAAy…

After a quick lunch, it was time to head off to the American Airlines Training Center beginning with a visit to the flight simulators, which was definitely the highlight of the trip. Next, they got to see a Flight Attendant training day firsthand, and learned how rigorous an emergency evacuation lesson is for the amazing men and women who keep us safe in the skies.

The final stop of the day was at the newly-renovated C.R. Smith museum where our visitors got to climb into the flight deck of a McDonnell Douglas MD-80, check out the majestic Douglas DC-3 Flagship Knoxville and play a few games, like the new baggage-stacking simulator.

Overall, our special guests had a great time delving into their life’s greatest passion, and the Envoy team had a great time geeking out along with them.

“AAviationDay at Envoy is always a wonderful time,” said Matthew Garcia of Airlinegeeks.com. “The hospitality at Envoy was out of this world. Going behind the scenes at the largest regional carrier for American Airlines really shows how much weight regionals pull for mainline carriers. I would like to extend a thank you to Envoy for opening their doors to avgeeks and providing us with a one-of-a-kind experience. Thank you for celebrating aviation with us!”

Click here to view all the photos from 2018 AAviation Day at Envoy

From an early age, Dean was mesmerized by airplanes and looked forward to every Christmas when he would get to travel on one. If it weren’t for his love for travelling the world and collecting model planes, Dean might be somewhere fighting fires or building homes for the homeless.

His compassion and desire to help people any way he can is what ultimately makes him the perfect flight attendant. His customer service is lauded by passengers and coworkers alike, and it’s something Dean said starts with the attitude he brings to work every day.

“I come in ready to work,” Dean said. “I love working with the public and making them feel comfortable. That’s just me. That’s how I roll.”

Make the best of any situation

Simply having that passion won’t make someone a good flight attendant. They have to possess the skills and confidence to execute every task safely and with a focus of elevating the passengers’ experience.

For instance, Dean gives his customers the benefit of the doubt if ever he’s confronted by someone who is grumpy or rude. He figures that they may have had a bad day, and it’s up to him to make their day better.

Dean remembered one customer who was especially sick on the plane. Instead of ignoring the customer, he brought him ice chips, ginger ale, and a blanket and suggested he take the empty row in the back of the plane to lie down.

Afterward, the customer’s mother went up to Dean and thanked him full-heartedly for his attention to her son and going way out of his way to make him feel better.

“Whenever someone says thank you or gives me a hug, it makes me feel so good inside,” said Dean. “Then, when my managers notice my work and reward me with special assignments, like helping on a special charter flight, I feel like my dedication pays off.”

Bros before Galapagos

Before applying to Envoy, Dean was a flight attendant for another regional airline. So, when he applied for a position as a fleet service clerk at DFW airport three years ago, he already had in mind that he would work his way up to become a flight attendant.

His desire to travel and “get back in the jumpseat” is what he said called him back to flight service, but it’s the family-like atmosphere at Envoy that keeps him right where he is. In fact, Dean has  never thought about working for a major airline, because he’d rather have a close-knit group of friendly coworkers than fly to far-flung destinations across the globe.

“The Embraer 175 is like a small mainline plane, so you get a similar feel to being on one of the big ones,” Dean said. “You get to fly with some of the same people a lot, so you can make some great friends. Plus, if I wanted to go to Greece or Paris, I’d just go on vacation using my flight privileges and relax, not work.”

Many callings, only one passion

A native of Bermuda, Dean moved with his family to the U.S. when he was six years old. As is the norm with children of military parents, Dean moved all around the country and beyond from New Mexico to Panama to New York City to North Carolina, with his father serving in the U.S. Air Force.

Soon after 9/11, when Dean was living in New York, he was inspired to volunteer with the fire department. There he learned C.P.R. and contributed to his passion to serving others, which both would eventually come in handy as a flight attendant.

Dean is also highly skilled with his hands. In Charlotte, where he moved to help his mother battling with cancer, he taught himself basic home improvement skills that blossomed into a home-remodeling business.

Today, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Dean continues to work on home improvement projects when he’s not flying. But his first love will always be the sky.

As an on-the-job instructor for Envoy, he tells his new flight attendants that they need to relax, stop and focus on the task at hand, and think about what’s the best way to safely go about executing that task.

“But it all starts with caring for the customer,” said Dean. “For me, that’s what I was born to do. Now, it’s my job to pass it along to make Envoy the safest and most comfortable airline for our customers.”