John McDermott
John McDermott’s passion for aviation began in a Michigan bookstore when he found a story about a chance encounter between enemy pilots during World War II. Soon, after watching countless hours of fighter jets and traffic from his home near O’Hare International Airport, he was hooked forever. These days, John is a student pilot from Chicago pursuing a career in professional aviation. He works with Professional Pilots of Tomorrow’s Digital Media Team and has experience as an airline ramper and customer service agent. Though he is also pursuing a Religious Studies degree at Northwestern University, he does not plan to become a missionary pilot. Instead, he dreams of far-off destinations with warm beaches and fun adventures. With years of experience writing and editing for aviation news websites, John is ready to take the next step towards pursuing his life-long career goal of becoming flight crew.
Learning About Aviation Through Literature
My aviation career started when I was in the 8th grade. Until that point, I had not considered aviation as a career path despite...
Staying Involved in Flight Training as an Airline Pilot
As a professional pilot, I spent two years as a flight instructor before making it to the airlines. Across two flight schools in as...
Remembering the Unity Within the Aviation Industry
Spirit Airlines’ demise earlier this month was the most visible airline bankruptcy in over a decade. The first Chapter 11 bankruptcy by a major...
Learning How to Be a Student Again
One of the most fascinating dichotomies of aviation, I find, is how to keep learning as a pilot. I have spent a few years...
Creating a Crew in the Training Environment
Over the years of my flight training, I have heard of various ways that different operators make sure their pilots can work effectively as...
The Power of Real-World Mini-Meetups
Through the years I have been flying, I have had the opportunity to meet a wide variety of colleagues. Many are pilots—flight instructors who...
Consider All Available Information
A student and I recently discussed his plans to attend a major flight school. Though advertising promised a quick path to commercial flight, reviews...
Aviation Goals for 2026
Welcome to the new year! As always, now is a common time to consider the year gone by, what is ahead, and decide which...
The Value of Walkable Airports
Like all flight crew, I spend a lot of time in a variety of airports. After years of working at and passing through many...
Prepping for Airline Training
Towards the end of September, I finally received the long-awaited email that I would soon begin company training at a U.S. regional airline. Almost...
