McAir Aviation is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of its instructors and graduates as they advance their careers throughout the aviation industry. After serving as a Certified Flight Instructor and Safety Committee Chairman at McAir Aviation, Michael Place has taken the next step in his professional journey with GoJet Airlines. He recently shared what inspired his passion for aviation, how instructing helped shape his career, and the advice he has for aspiring professional pilots. 

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

A: When I was four years old, I watched Top Gun with my dad for the first time and immediately fell in love with the idea of flying. I also grew up near Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Colorado and spent time with my family watching airplanes take off and land while eating at The Perfect Landing Restaurant. From that point on, I was always looking up at anything flying overhead, knowing that one day I wanted to be a pilot in one of those airplanes. 

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

A: I thoroughly enjoyed my time at McAir as both a flight instructor and the school's Safety Committee Chairman. I had the privilege of working alongside talented instructors and motivated students pursuing careers and hobbies in aviation. 

One of my favorite parts of instructing was celebrating with students when they learned how to consistently land an airplane. Landing is one of the most challenging skills for a new pilot to master, and being able to guide students toward that milestone was incredibly rewarding. Seeing the excitement and confidence on their faces made every lesson worthwhile. 

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

A: Airline operations move quickly and require pilots to work effectively in a crew environment while maintaining a strong focus on safety. Flight instructing helped me develop the ability to stay ahead of the aircraft, anticipate changing situations, and make sound aeronautical decisions under pressure. 

Equally important, instructing strengthened my interpersonal skills by teaching students with different learning styles and personalities. Throughout my airline career, I'll regularly fly with pilots I've never met before, so the ability to establish clear communication and a professional working relationship quickly is critical. As a CFI, I practiced those skills every day while managing workload, maintaining situational awareness, and ensuring safe operations. 

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

A: I could not be more thankful for the opportunity to return to GoJet. While I was in college, I interned with GoJet in the Flight Operations Department and later worked with the company as a pathway recruiter before becoming a flight instructor. 

From my earliest experiences with the organization, I was impressed by the culture, teamwork, and professionalism of the people who worked there. I always knew I wanted to return to the company that first introduced me to the airline industry. I'm excited to fly the CRJ-550, gain real-world experience in a crew environment, and continue learning from the incredible pilots and professionals at GoJet. 

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

A: To students, enjoy the journey. There will be flights where everything goes right and others that make you feel like you've taken a step backward. Becoming a pilot is not easy, and that's what makes it so rewarding. Don't be afraid of failure—failure is often what helps shape you into a better aviator. 

To flight instructors, remember that your students look up to you and may one day sit beside you on a flight deck. You are helping train the next generation of aviators, and the quality of your instruction will directly impact the future of our industry. Continue promoting professionalism, safety, and excellence in every lesson you teach. 

To everyone pursuing a career in aviation, remember that success isn't solely about flight hours or technical knowledge. Relationships matter. Get involved in organizations such as NBAA, WAI, CABA, Alpha Eta Rho, NGPA, OBAP, FAPA, Professional Pilots of Tomorrow, and Challenge Air. Build connections with mentors, peers, and industry professionals. Aviation is a remarkably supportive community, and those relationships can open doors, provide guidance, and deepen your passion for flying throughout your career. 

Start Your Journey at McAir Aviation 

Jay’s story began with a single Discovery Flight and today he’s flying for Envoy 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! 

Michael Pace’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 GoJet Airlines. Airline hiring decisions are made solely by the airline.