Major: Aviation Administration       Date of Graduation: May 1985

Hometown: Wilmar, ND

Current Job Title and Company: Chief Pilot at Horizon Air

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

I started as a first officer in the SA-227 Metroliner for Horizon Air in June 1985. After upgrading to Captain on that airplane the following year, I was asked to become a check airman. In May 1988 I was offered the position of Assistant Chief Pilot.

I maintained that position for almost nine years, while remaining current on the SA-227 and then Do-328. In September of 1996 I was asked to take over the role of Turbo-Prop Chief Pilot for our fleet of SA-227s, Do-328s, and Dash 8s. In January of 2000 we reorganized the structure of our Flight Operations group. At that time we went to a single Chief Pilot, and I was named System Chief Pilot. I transitioned from the Dash-8 to the Q400 in January 2001.

Today I remain current in the Q400 and oversee a great team of five Assistant Chief Pilots and 750 pilots.

What is the best part of your current job?

Working with some of the nicest people I have ever met. At Horizon Air, the Chief Pilot's Office is all about helping and being an advocate for our pilots.

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

The structure of UND fits seamlessly with the structure of an airline. From accounting, business law, to IFR procedures, my UND education has been an essential foundation for who I am as a person and professional pilot.

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

Follow your passion. If it's what you want to do, don't worry about the business cycles. The ups and downs will come and go, but a passion for a vocation is such a precious thing. I have talked to so many people who are going through life not enjoying their work at all. They are more than willing to sacrifice their current work for the joy of flying full time. Follow your passion.

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