Veteran Spotlight: Michael O., VP of Government Relations

As we take off into Aviation History Month, we were honored to speak with a former pilot who has spent thousands of hours in the sky. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, this seasoned pilot has a unique perspective on the evolution of not just aviation technology, but also our own technological advancements. So, please ensure your seatbelt is securely fastened, your seat is in the upright position, and your tray table is stowed as we embark on this journey with Michael O., Vice President of Government Relations.

Michael's pilot experience began in the U.S. Marine Corps. Similar to a lot of other military pilots, he was excited about the chance to serve our country while flying a high-performance aircraft. During his 26-year career in the Marine Corps, Michael spent the majority of his service flying the F/A-18 Hornet, amassing around 3,000 hours in this iconic aircraft. It was during this time that he first used SNC’s Automatic Carrier Landing System, or ACLS, which he described as a fantastic piece of technology. Michael finished his aviation career running a test squadron where he also learned to fly the V-22 Osprey..

Michael says some of his best memories were with the people he was fortunate enough to serve alongside.

"There were some exciting moments providing close air support to ground forces and training to fight the best pilots in the world… I can never forget the night carrier landings… They were a real wild ride."

Among these memories, Michael also commented on the incredible growth of unmanned and autonomous flying vehicles.

"Our team has certainly embraced new technology while we continue to build on our core work of manned aircraft."

For those interested in the aviation industry, Michael advises setting goals and pursuing them with tenacity. This advice is not just for those that want to be pilots – this also goes for those who want to build, modify and repair aircraft.

"Any part of business is rewarding… the aviation industry is a great place to be. You can’t help but be inspired by the rapid growth of new technologies and just the simple thrill of flight."