United Airlines First Officer, 737-800/900ER
Career Timeline:
- Began UVU flight training & degree in 2006
- Finished Commercial/Multi-Engine Certificate in July 2007
- Hired by Piedmont Airlines in August 2007 - degree was put on hold
- 2007-2012 - Flew the Dash-8 for Piedmont, accumulating 4,000 hours
- 2012-2015 - Flew the CRJ 200, 700, 900 for SkyWest Airlines
- 2015 - Finished UVU Professional Pilot degree and hired by United Airlines
How did you get involved in aviation and what made you select it as a career?
My father was an airline pilot for my home country Cameroon Airlines. I used to jump
seat with him on a 737-200. Once we did a few takeoffs and landings, I just knew that
I wanted to do this as a career. I was 6 years old at that time.
What made you select UVU for your flight training & degree?
I selected UVU because I’m LDS and wanted to be around the LDS community. UVU offered
the combination of attaining a degree and flying, which was my interest. I was really
looking for a college that had an aviation background and I found UVU online. That’s
what made me come to UVU from New Jersey after my LDS mission.
How has your degree & training at UVU helped you in your career pursuit?
My degree taught me to have discipline and to stay focused on my career goals. If
you don’t stay ready and prepared for opportunities, you will miss out. UVU prepared
me for a challenging career with discipline and focus.
How has aviation changed you as a person?
Aviation has taught me to have empathy. It has taught me to be a better leader. By
being in a position of leadership at United, it is my job to make sure the crew is
happy and having a good day. I learned to recognize the importance of all members
of the crew – flight attendants, maintenance, ground crew, and all.
What advice would you give to those considering aviation as a career or those still
in flight training?
Have determination. Stay focused and have the drive to help you realize that if you
put your mind to it you can accomplish whatever your goals are. Be willing to go outside
your comfort zone in networking. Introduce yourself to people in the industry, do
extra curricular activities to set yourself apart from the rest.