Nov 18

SkyWest Bases Host Family Fly-ins

On top of providing crews with some of the best flying opportunities in all the industry, SkyWest Airlines is proud of the culture of teamwork that extends across the 13,000 aviation professionals at the airline. And that team spirit was on display as SkyWest people at hubs across the country organized fly-in picnics for employees and their families.

Crewmembers in Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis and Detroit hosted events where those in attendance were able to fly the open skies as pilots brought in their personal aircraft and gave sightseeing rides. Additionally, everyone shared excellent food and great company.

During the events, SkyWest leadership joined in the fun with COO Mike Thompson, Flight Ops VP Tracy Gallo, InFlight VP Sonya Wolford and more leaders attending the fly-ins.

“I love SkyWest,” said PDX flight attendant Elaine Hergert. “Who has a company picnic and gives airplane rides to kids? So awesome! I love my job.”

These fly-in events are just one of the many examples of how SkyWest people create a culture of teamwork and success for employees and their families.

To learn more about becoming a part of our team, click here.

Oct 28

Father and Son Co-Pilot First Flight Together – Delivery of a New E175

“Roger that Dad, … I mean Captain.”

Brent Wilson, a SkyWest pilot and manager of aircraft operations, along with his son Michael, a newly-minted first officer, recently saw their dreams come true when they operated their first flight together.

It was a special moment for both SkyWest employees as the father-son duo took delivery of one of the company’s newest E175 aircraft at the Embraer factory in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil.

“It was an amazing experience and such a great moment for me and our family,” said Michael. “It’s something we’ll never forget.”

“It was a blast and really proud moment for me,” added Brent. “I wasn’t sure we would ever get to fly together. We always talked about it and wanted to, but when Michael first started flight school our schedules never worked out. Then he had some health issues come up and had to take a break. Then with my position without a regular flight schedule we didn’t think we would ever get this opportunity. So to be able to do something like this is truly amazing.”

The day before they left – with the aircraft getting its final checks at the factory – Brent and Michael got to spend some quality father and son time together and experience some of the Brazilian culture.

“We didn’t have a lot of time, but we were able to go to the beach and also try some new food,” said Michael. “It was a great cultural experience and lot of fun.”

The morning of the aircraft delivery, Brent surprised Michael with a gift. As they pulled up to the factory, Brent handed Michael a hat that read, “Bring Your Dad To Work Day.” He then showed him the other hat that read, “Bring Your Son To Work Day” to which they both wore proudly.

“We went all out,” Brent said, jokingly. “It was just something fun to do and everyone loved it and thought it was the coolest thing ever.”

For Brent, the delivery marked a major milestone for him as it was his 50th E175 pickup in Brazil.

“When I got home I looked at my passport and all the stamps I’ve gotten over the years and told everyone ‘I’m going to need a new passport soon,’” he said, laughing. “But it’s been fun seeing all the new aircraft SkyWest has taken lately and we keep getting more.”

With a fleet of 453 aircraft and counting SkyWest continues its dominance as the leading regional airline with more new aircraft and domiciles than any other regional carrier.

“It’s the place to be,” said, Michael. “Not only does SkyWest have a great reputation, but the quality of life along with its new aircraft and domiciles just makes sense. The training is world class and is structured really well. I have friends in other programs who aren’t even out on the line yet. I keep reminding them that they should have come to SkyWest.”

For Michael, his love of flying first started when his dad invited him on a quick trip to drop off a plane to that needed repainting and to pick up the newly-painted jet from the facility in Roswell, New Mexico.

“It definitely sparked my interest for sure,” Michael recalled. “I got to ride in the jump seat and see the whole operation. I just fell in love with it.”

“Michael decided that night that all we (pilots) do is push buttons and so he wanted to have an easy job like that when he grew up,” Brent said joking. “So he decided to join the team and I couldn’t be happier.”

The two made the 6,000 mile journey back from Brazil, joking along the way.
The long journey required a few stops; after taking off from Embraer’s factory in Sao Jose dos Campos, the two flew to Manaus, Brazil; San Juan, Puerto Rico and finally to the United States, landing in Fayetteville, Arkansas before arriving at SkyWest’s hangar in Boise, Idaho to complete the delivery. Both Brent and Michael alternated flying each leg and held a friendly competition between the two.

“We were laughing and joking about who had the better landing,” said Michael. But just to set the record straight, I had the better landing,” he concluded with a smile.

Oct 09

SkyWest Pilots Give Back To Aviation Community

Whether its search and rescue missions to finding missing hikers, or coming to the rescue when natural disasters strike (Tornadoes, Hurricanes, etc.), the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), with its 60,000 members, continues to support communities across the country by donating their time and aviation expertise to provide essential services for those in need.

Photo by Robert Bowden

SkyWest pilots Kyle Curtiss and Matt Creed are among the many volunteers that donate their time to help with the different programs that CAP has to offer. From providing emergency services both on the ground and in the air, to its award-winning aerospace education and cadet programs, CAP – an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force – is providing paths for youth to become aviation leaders.

“I just love watching their eyes light up,” said SkyWest pilot and Flight Operations Supervisor, Kyle Curtiss.

“It’s an experience unlike any other” added SkyWest Assistant Chief Pilot, Matt Creed.

When they are not in the air flying one of SkyWest’s 2200+ daily departures across North America, you can find Kyle and Matt helping out their local CAP units which they help oversee.

“I got started in 2013 and I just love it,” said Curtiss who is now the Central Michigan Group Commander in the CAP program. “I love my job, I love flying and I just wanted to give back and get involved in the aviation community.”

Photo by Robert Bowden

For Matt, who has been involved with CAP for more than two decades and is now the Great Lakes Region Commander, it was love at first flight.

“I got involved with CAP when I was 10 years old. I later became a cadet and I’ll never forget my first lesson. I had great CAP instructors and to be able to pass that on to the younger generation is something that I really enjoy and love to do. They are our future leaders and their excitement is contagious.”

Photo by Robert Bowden

Together, the SkyWest pilots give tours of the facilities and different aircraft. The tours have quickly caught on with units doing so across the state.

“It’s great to show the kids how the operation is run and all the different aspects that go into flying,” said Curtiss. “Their eyes light up when we’ve taken them to the airport to see air traffic control tower. How many people can say they have been able to do that?!”

“We love giving tours and giving the kids that opportunity to experience sitting in the front seat of an airplane and seeing the control tower,” added Creed. “Most kids don’t get to see the operation up close like that, but CAP has allowed us to give them those experiences. It’s awesome!”

Many thanks to Matt and Kyle, as well as all the SkyWest people who volunteer countless hours across the country to make a difference in the lives of others! You are excellent representatives of SkyWest and we thank you for all that you do and for sharing your love of flying.

For those interested in joining SkyWest, you can learn more here.

Photo by Robert Bowden

Oct 02

SkyWest Cadets Enjoy Night at the Ballpark

SkyWest cadets in the Phoenix area were treated to a night at the ballpark last week, as more than 40 joined SkyWest Airlines to watch the Diamondbacks win on a walk-off home run over the Dodgers at Chase Field. The event was sponsored by SkyWest and gave cadets the chance to interact with pilot recruiters and Tracy Gallo, SkyWest’s VP of Flight Operations, while also enjoying dinner, and a great baseball game!

“It’s a great opportunity for SkyWest cadets to gather, network and learn from pilot recruiters, and in this special case, from the VP of Flight Operations at SkyWest,” said Deanna Konopka, a SkyWest Recruitment Specialist who attended the event. “It was such a fun night to be able to gather CFIs from several surrounding schools and start showing them what the SkyWest culture is all about.”

SkyWest’s evening at the ballpark is just one of several cadet-focused events that have taken place throughout the year. Barbeques, meet and greets, golf tournaments and more complement the opportunities for regular connection with SkyWest mentors SkyWest cadets receive throughout their aviation journey.

The Pilot Pathway Program provides a defined path for those desiring to take control of their aviation careers. Company seniority activates upon becoming a cadet, and pilots earn increased seniority within SkyWest’s ground class. Upon completion of the program, cadets have a guaranteed final interview for a SkyWest first officer position and may become one of SkyWest’s more than 4,000 pilots. Learn more about the Pilot Pathway Program.

Sep 26

SkyWest ORD Team Puts Their Strength to the Test for a Good Cause

On Saturday, Sept. 22, SkyWest Airlines participated in the 10^th Annual Special Olympics Plane Pull hosted by United Airlines and UPS in Chicago. The Plane Pull event is the ultimate tug-of-war competition as teams of 20 battle to pull a UPS Airbus A300 or United Airlines 737, weighing more than 180,000 lbs over 12 feet as fast as they can.

The event took place on the cargo ramp at Chicago O’Hare where SkyWest Airlines fielded two teams which included over 40 employees! SkyWest believes in supporting the causes our people are passionate about through the Spirit of SkyWest: Our People in Action program, which is set up to allow SkyWest to contribute fundraising dollars for any SkyWest team member participating in an eligible charitable cause. All proceeds collected from the Plane Pull benefit over 22,000 adult athletes and over 20,000 young athletes (ages 2-7) whom compete in the Illinois Special Olympics.This year the event raised nearly $190,000 to provide life-changing opportunities for thousands of Special Olympics athletes.

Beyond this event raising funds for a good cause and participating in some friendly competition, the SkyWest teams and their friends and family enjoyed entertainment, music and food at the event. It’s just another example of SkyWest people giving back and having a great time while doing so! Learn more about SkyWest’s people making a difference.

Sep 23

SkyWest Crews Volunteer for Wings for Autism Event in Boise

The airport is fast-paced, loud and can be overwhelming for almost anyone. For those with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, it can be unfamiliar and even scary. It is easy to understand why families who have children with such disabilities shy away from the airport.

That’s why SkyWest Airlines teamed up with Boise Airport, The Arc of Boise, TSA and Delta Air Lines, to offer Wings for Autism for some very special passengers.

According to The Arc, “Wings for Autism is designed to alleviate some of the stress that is experienced when traveling by air, the program provides families and individuals the opportunity to practice entering the airport, obtaining boarding passes, going through security and boarding a plane.”

SkyWest has participated in several events helping families with children who have special needs understand and get familiar with airport and aircraft procedures. Time and time again SkyWest crews have gone above and beyond to volunteer their time and resources to help these families.

This past weekend in Boise, Idaho (BOI), that same story rang true as volunteer after volunteer poured into BOI to help The Arc of Boise with their Wings for Autism event.

Whether it was Savanna Son, BOI InFlight Supervisor, talking to each family individually and making them feel welcomed and comfortable as they awaited their flight or ERJ Captain Patrick Persson hosting each child in the cockpit and taking several minutes with each of them to show them the insides and outs of the plane, our SkyWest crew made this a special day for all involved.

The children boarded a SkyWest E175, complete with a special sendoff from crews lined up on each side of the jetbridge. After a full safety demonstration from the flight attendants, they “taxied” around the airport while enjoying snacks and beverages. They were welcomed back to the gate with high fives and plenty of smiles.

Many thanks to the SkyWest people who volunteered countless hours of coordination and expertise to share their love of flying and provide these families with memories that will last a lifetime! Interested in joining the SkyWest team? Learn more.

Sep 21

SkyWest Celebrates OKC Hangar Opening

SkyWest was pleased to host a ribbon cutting ceremony and recruiting event at our new Oklahoma City Airport (OKC) hangar on Thursday, marking the latest addition to our impressive maintenance footprint! The ceremony was attended by local dignitaries including Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce Chair Rhonda Hooper.

This new SkyWest maintenance base will support SkyWest’s flying for every partner and every aircraft type in our fleet. At 135,000 square feet, the new space will be able to accommodate up to nine overnight aircraft and will eventually be the workplace for 100 Maintenance team members.

The OKC base will be a pivotal piece to maintaining SkyWest’s unmatched reliability as its geographical location supports the entire SkyWest route system and will also support future growth.

This new hangar required much planning and execution from a number of SkyWest team members. Thank you to everyone on the SkyWest team who put in tireless work to prepare this beautiful new facility for operation. And, thank you to our OKC team (and a warm welcome to our newest SkyWest team members) for your daily commitment to safety and reliability as you work on the SkyWest fleet.

Interested in joining the SkyWest team? Click here for open positions in OKC and throughout the SkyWest system.

Sep 17

A True Blue SkyWest Appreciation Week

Appreciation Week 2018 is officially in the books and it was a week to remember! From pancake breakfasts to BBQs to photo booths and shoe shining, teams across the system went all out to show appreciation for each other.

It is that appreciation and respect for one another that continues to make SkyWest the Partner, Employer and Investment of Choice. Together, we are more than 13,000 strong and it takes every last one of us to make SkyWest Airlines the best in the industry!

Check out photos from celebrations across the system!

Learn more about joining the SkyWest team.

Sep 08

Learning From the Best: Inspired by Mom to Take Flight

For most of us in aviation, we distinctly remember always having a fascination with the miracle of flight. And this is no different for Detroit based First Officer – Brooke Patterson. Inspired by her mother’s successful flying career and love of aviation, Brooke embarked on her own path to becoming a pilot. Read her story below!

My mother had been a pilot for United since before I was born, and because of that I was exposed to aviation at a young age. I was fortunate to have parents who wanted me to find my own path in life and encouraged me to explore all of my career options. I graduated high school and went to college with an undeclared major. Although I love travelling, I didn’t know I wanted to be a pilot until after I was well into college. There was something so exciting about showing up to the airport and looking at all of the “heavies” behind the glass windows. Boarding the airplanes, I always stopped by the cockpit to see the controls, panels and lights. I loved getting the window seat and listening to the pilots talk on the ATC radio option. (Remember when you could plug headphones into the armrest and listen in on the pilots talking on Channel 9?) I was the kid on the airplane with her faced pressed against the window staring at the ground below, hoping for a turbulent flight as it was “more fun”. I knew I loved flying, but I never considered becoming a pilot because that was my mother’s career.

While I was still in college, my mother would occasionally bring me along on her trips. I got to see some really cool places, and my favorites were Beijing and Hawaii. Not only did I get to see the world, I got a behind-the-scenes view of the life of an airline pilot. I got to see flight ops, where the pilots meet before flights to go over their flight plans. I watched my mom go through her flows and set everything up in the cockpit before I went back to my seat. I loved watching her interact with passengers and hand out wings to kids who boarded the aircraft. This is when it finally clicked for me that this is what I wanted to do. I was actually on the beach in Hawaii while out with my mother and her crew when I decided I wanted to take an intro flight. I really admired my mom’s hard work, dedication and passion for her job. She was an amazing role model for me, and I learned that with hard work and dedication I could achieve anything I wanted. Flying wasn’t just my mom’s career: now it could be mine, too.

It wasn’t a surprise that after my first intro flight I was absolutely hooked on flying. With the support of both of my parents, I enrolled in ATP Flight School in Denver to get my ratings. In seven months, I went from zero flight hours to CFI, CFII and MEI. It was a seven day a week program to which I dedicated all of my time. I had amazing instructors who mentored and encouraged me all of the way. I loved how much I was learning and improving with each flight, and it only fueled my passion to get to the airlines. To build my flight time, I was a flight instructor based in Scottsdale, Arizona. It increased my knowledge base and put me in scenarios that allowed me to make pilot in command decisions. The experience that I gained during that time was invaluable.

As I got closer to reaching 1,500 hours of flight time, I began interviewing with different regional airlines. I received a couple of job offers, but I knew SkyWest was where I wanted to fly. I love the crews I fly with and the sense of community I feel at work. I met some amazing people during new hire training who have become life-long friends. I absolutely love what I do for a living. I’m so thankful for my supportive family, friends, instructors and co-workers who have encouraged and mentored me through my aviation journey. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

For more information on becoming a SkyWest pilot, visit skywest.com/pilot.