Happy Mother’s Day to all of our SkyWest moms and the mothers who have inspired our aviation dreams to take flight! This was especially true for E175 First Officer Andrew.

Andrew grew up around the aviation industry. His mom, Wendy, began her aviation career in 2006 at Rockford Airport. She worked in ground operations and often brought Andrew with her to work.

“My mom started working at the airport when I was six,” Andrew recalled. “We didn’t have a babysitter, so I would go with her and spend time in the waiting area where I could watch the airplanes take off and land for hours every day.”

Wendy’s career eventually evolved when she made the leap to become a flight attendant for SkyWest.

“We have amazing colleagues at SkyWest and everyone is super kind to one another,” Wendy said. “I really love the people and feel like we have a beautiful SkyWest family.”

Wendy’s love for aviation was passed along to Andrew and his own passion grew thanks to his early experiences with his mom at the airport. By his senior year of high school, he took his first discovery flight and knew he wanted to become a pilot. He pursued flight training at Parkland Community College and the University of Illinois, eventually joining SkyWest’s Pilot Pathway Program in 2020.

“SkyWest was my first choice because it is the best regional in the industry and has a range of flight routes,” Andrew said. “I wanted the opportunity to travel and fly all over the country.”

Wendy and Andrew’s shared journey in aviation has strengthened their bond. They are grateful for the opportunity they have had to both be at SkyWest where they’ve even been able to work a trip together.

“From watching the planes out the window at six years old to being the one flying them at 25 years old, Andrew has come a long way and I am so proud of his hard work and dedication,” Wendy said. “It took many sacrifices, but I would do it all over again.”

“I know I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the support of my family,” Andrew said. “I am so thankful for mom, and all she has done to help me get to where I am at SkyWest today.”