McAir Aviation is proud to celebrate alumni success stories that showcase what’s possible when passion meets opportunity. Today, we’re highlighting Andy White, a former Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) at McAir who recently made the exciting transition to SkyWest Airlines.

From overcoming a fear of flying to earning a seat at a major regional airline, Andy’s journey is one of determination, leadership, and perseverance. Here’s his story in his own words.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in aviation and become a pilot?

About six years ago, I went on a cruise with my wife, and that’s where I met my best friend, John. At the time, I had a terrible fear of flying. He shared that he was working on his private pilot license and even owned a small aircraft. He encouraged me to take a Discovery Flight to help conquer my fear.

I came home and did exactly that — and that was all it took. After that first flight, I decided I wanted to become an airline pilot. The most exciting part? My best friend joined me on the journey. We attended flight school together, earned all of our ratings side by side, and today we’ve both achieved our dreams — he’s flying for Frontier Airlines, and I’m flying for SkyWest.

Q: What was your experience like as a Certified Flight Instructor at McAir Aviation, and what did you enjoy most about instructing?

Being a CFI is incredibly challenging, but it’s also one of the most rewarding roles in aviation. There’s nothing like nurturing not only your own dreams, but the dreams of others — and helping those dreams become reality.

One of the best parts of teaching at McAir was the reliability of a large, well-maintained fleet and having maintenance on-site. That support system, along with a strong team of instructors and leadership, allows CFIs to focus on what matters most: their students. At McAir, you’re never doing it alone — you’re surrounded by a team that supports you and your students every step of the way.

Q: How did your time as a CFI help prepare you for the transition to the airlines?

My time as a CFI strengthened my technical flying skills, but even more importantly, it helped me develop leadership and people skills that are essential in a crew environment on jet aircraft.

McAir’s leadership encourages both students and CFIs to pursue additional training opportunities and airline cadet programs. Personally, I helped assemble a team that built a CFI Academy designed to help commercial pilots earn their instructor ratings and develop critical leadership skills. The academy is incredibly unique in how it prepares the next generation of instructors — and that experience prepared me well for Part 121 airline operations.

Q: What does joining SkyWest Airlines mean to you at this stage in your career?

I chose SkyWest because of its impeccable history — the company has never furloughed a single pilot, regardless of the state of the industry or the world. That demonstrates not just fiscal responsibility, but ethical leadership.

SkyWest prioritizes safety and encourages pilots to grow and pursue new opportunities, much like McAir does. While I haven’t fully decided my long-term path, I may remain at SkyWest because of the opportunity to help train the next generation of pilots in the 121 world. That aspect of mentorship continues to be important to me.

Q: What advice would you give to current students or CFIs working toward an airline career?

Watch your feet.

This journey is a marathon like no other. There will be highs and lows, encouraging days and discouraging ones. If you constantly look only at the summit, it becomes overwhelming. Focus on where you are. Enjoy the journey.

Have goals and strive toward them — but don’t get lost in how far you still have to go. Look back occasionally and recognize how far you’ve already come. Never give up on your dreams.

To the CFIs specifically: be proud of where you are. Nurture your students’ dreams the same way others nurtured yours. Your students look up to you and want to be where you are one day. Own that responsibility, and take pride in it.

Start Your Journey at McAir Aviation

Andy’s story began with a single Discovery Flight and today he’s flying for SkyWest Airlines. If you’re ready to take the first step toward your own aviation training, McAir Aviation is here to help!

Book your Discovery Flight with McAir HERE!

Andy White’s experience reflects his individual circumstances and career progression. Employment with an airline is not guaranteed and depends on individual performance, certifications, flight hours, hiring needs, and other external factors. McAir Aviation is not affiliated with SkyWest Airlines. Airline hiring decisions are made solely by the airline.