How To Become a Professional Pilot with Christopher Jones

2022-11-20

Chris’ fascination with aviation began in early childhood with after-church visits to the Charlotte Airport each Sunday with his grandmother. She would encourage him by proclaiming “Son, you can do whatever you want to in this world!” He enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after graduating from high school becoming an aircraft mechanic where he quickly learned to appreciate the value of higher education. He later graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with his flight ratings and w...

He enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after graduating from high school becoming an aircraft mechanic where he quickly learned to appreciate the value of higher education. He later graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with his flight ratings and was commissioned as an Air Force officer.

While serving as a maintenance officer in the Air Force reserve, Chris’ desire to fly still burned strong. He has done a variety of aircraft pilot jobs including Air Taxi, Air Charter, Air Ambulance, and the regional airlines. Perhaps the most life-changing opportunity of his career was being a pilot for a humanitarian organization in Afghanistan serving those in great need. That incited a deep commitment to using his passions and talents to encourage, motivate and inspire others.

Currently employed as a Boeing 737 pilot for Alaska Airlines, Chris credits his work with OBAP and the Aviation Pilot Development Program (APDP) for helping to achieve the position he is in today. He has participated in multiple programs built to enhance youth, such as Big Brother/Big Sisters of America, ACE Academy and Aerospace Professionals in Schools (APIS). Chris truly believes in purpose and hopes to use his career to bolster the message that despite challenges ahead you can, indeed, do whatever you want to in this world!

OBAP

Founded in 1976, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education and advancement of minorities in all aviation and aerospace careers. OBAP’s Project Aerospace offers annual opportunities to inform and prepare aspiring aerospace professionals for their future careers. This dream-to-career commitment includes initial exposure to the industry through in-school career day events, immersive summer programs,

Other Resources

Aircraft Owners Pilots Association (AOPA)
Sister’s of the Skies (SOS)
Women In Aviation (WIA)
Ninety-Nines: International Organization of Women’s Pilots

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