We’re proud to be a team made up of individuals with unique backgrounds and experiences. This Pride Month, we’re sharing the stories of some of our team members and how their personal journeys have shaped their careers and strengthened our airline
Captain Dillon – DTW, Supv Flight Operations

Captain Dillon discovered his love for aviation in fourth grade, after flying for the first time during a spring break trip with his family. He found everything about the airport environment fascinating and afterwards told his parents he was going to be a pilot one day. He spent his spare time playing flight simulator and also joined an Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) chapter at his local airport. This gave him a chance to meet retired aviation enthusiasts who would sometimes take him out for a quick flight on their prop planes.
By 15, Captain Dillon was taking flying lessons. At 16, he completed his first solo flight, and, by 17, he had earned his private pilot license. He continued to pursue his aviation dream at Western Michigan University (WMU), where he earned additional ratings and instructed aspiring pilots.
While he was attending WMU, Captain Dillon helped start a National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) chapter with the goal of promoting acceptance within the flight deck.
“It was all about camaraderie,” Captain Dillon said. “I was part of the summit where we discovered that people who are not accepting of others can create a breakdown of crew resource management in the flight deck. The NGPA organization was designed to support diversity and connect like-minded people who want to become friends.”
Through mutual friends involved in NGPA, Captain Dillon met his partner – also a pilot – and the two have been together for over eight years. Their shared love of aviation helped bring them together and has been a cornerstone of their relationship.
“I appreciate being able to fly for SkyWest because I can be proud of the person I am and can live life as myself,” Captain Dillon said. “The culture here is incredibly accepting. I have so many friends here, and our crews feel like family. SkyWest is made up of people from so many different backgrounds and it is so important that we are all able to work together and understand each other.”
Captain Dillon has enjoyed his time at SkyWest and adapting to the daily challenges of the job. He values the opportunity to see the bigger picture while collaborating with various departments across the company to help ensure smooth and efficient operations.
Dietrich S. – PHX, Flight Attendant

Growing up, Dietrich was involved with the Civil Air Patrol and had the opportunity to help marshal, taxi, and fly in airshows. That early exposure to the thrill of flight sparked a lifelong passion for aviation and inspired him to pursue a career in the skies.
“I was drawn to SkyWest because of its reputation for having one of the most rigorous training programs for flight attendants,” Dietrich shared. “I thrive on challenges, and that training gives me confidence. When I’m working alongside another SkyWest flight attendant, I know we’re both well-prepared to handle any emergency situation. Another aspect I really enjoy is working with our partner airlines. It keeps you vigilant; every day is different. Whether it’s safety, service, or announcements, you’re constantly engaged and paying attention to every detail of the job.”
Dietrich says his unique background in aviation helps him to more effectively communicate to customers and bridge the gap between the flight deck and the cabin.
“I see myself as a translator between pilots and passengers,” Dietrich explains. “When there are delays or turbulence, I am able to let passengers know what’s happening in a way that is reassuring and helps put them at ease.”
Dietrich also says he appreciates SkyWest’s experienced leadership team.
“Most of our management have been flight attendants,” Dietrich said. “They know what it is like to be in our shoes, and we have so much support from them.”
Today, Dietrich is happily married to his husband, and the two are excitedly preparing to welcome a baby into their family.
“I’ve come a long way in my journey,” Dietrich reflects. “When I first came out, I quickly realized how important community is. Finding people who support and uplift you makes all the difference.”
That sense of connection is something Dietrich carries with him every day at work. He’s passionate about creating a welcoming environment, engaging with his fellow crewmembers, and building genuine connections and friendships with them.
“One of the things I love most about this industry is the opportunity to work with people from so many different backgrounds,” Dietrich said. “Every flight is a chance to learn something new, to connect, and to build a sense of belonging and camaraderie.”