Ep. 100 - Pilot/Airline Captain - Thomas Wolford

This week’s guest is 2015 Van Buren graduate Thomas Wolford, who works as an airline captain. In this episode, Thomas shares how he decided to become a pilot, the various paths a person can take to become a pilot, the benefits and challenges of this career, and much more. Whether you are interested in a career as a pilot or still exploring your options, I hope that what Thomas shares today will help all of you make better career decisions and have fulfilling career journeys. Enjoy the show!1:07 - A typical day as an airline captain2:29 - Guidelines pilots have to follow3:39 - Difference between a captain and first officer3:58 - A common misperception4:44 - Requirements to be hired and become a first officer and captain5:32 - Originally planned to become an aeronautical engineer6:40 - University of North Dakota is the cream of the crop for people who want to become pilots7:29 - Attending a Part 141-registered program leads to a smoother path to becoming a pilot8:50 - The University of North Dakota and BGSU’s aviation programs - similar but different9:23 - The effects of hypoxia11:31 - Being hired before even finishing an aviation program11:55 - High demand for pilots - bachelor’s degree no longer required13:00 - Piloting drones and airplanes - similarities and differences13:55 - Still demand for drone pilots14:40 - Stepping from regional to major carriers16:05 - International flights are a goal, but seniority matters18:35 - Planes are planes, but size and age impact the piloting experience19:55 - Mach, knots, and how speed works in the air21:25 - Benefits of being a pilot for a regional or major carrier22:57 - Challenges of being a pilot25:00 - Earning a private pilot’s license is a great first step toward becoming a pilot.26:00 - Cadet programs are very valuable.26:47 - There will be ups and downs on every career journeyQuestions?Connect with Brian on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/brian-bratt/) or e-mail ([email protected]).Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/thomas-wolford-b0535a12a/) or by e-mail ([email protected]).