ABOUT US

The Origins of Pilot Pathfinder

At Pilot Pathfinder, our mission is to provide comprehensive and accessible resources to aspiring and transitioning pilots across the aviation industry. We recognize that navigating the path to a career in aviation can be challenging, and we’re committed to providing support and guidance every step of the way.

We founded Pilot Pathfinder because we identified a significant gap in the available resources for military pilots looking to transition into the commercial sector. With the complexities and nuances involved in making such a shift, we realized there was a need for an all-encompassing platform that could guide pilots through this process. We didn’t want to stop there, though; we wanted to create a resource that would also benefit civilians on their journey to becoming professional pilots and those just starting their aviation adventure.

Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for all the information and resources needed to pursue a career in aviation. We understand that a consolidated platform can save time and reduce stress for individuals looking to make informed decisions about their careers. With everything from detailed guides on military transitions to tips on how to become a professional pilot, we strive to offer everything an aspiring aviator could need, all in one convenient location.

Beyond providing resources for those looking to begin or advance their careers in aviation, we also wanted to create a platform that would keep aviators up to date on current news, topics, tips, and insights relevant to their professional pursuits. That’s why we developed “Flight Deck Insights.” This dedicated section of our website serves as a hub for industry updates, expert advice, and valuable information designed to help pilots stay informed and competitive in their job searches.

At Pilot Pathfinder, we are passionate about fostering a supportive and knowledgeable community of aviation professionals. We believe that by offering comprehensive resources and expert insights, we can help pilots at every stage of their journey to achieve their goals and realize their dreams.

With 13 years of flying experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by both military and civilian pilots, our team brings a unique perspective to the table. We are dedicated to sharing our knowledge and experiences with those who are eager to embark on their own aviation journeys.

Whether you’re a military pilot looking to transition into the commercial sector, a civilian working toward a professional pilot career, or someone just starting to explore the world of aviation, Pilot Pathfinder is here to help. We invite you to join our community and take advantage of the wealth of information and resources we have to offer. Together, we can navigate the skies and make your dreams of a successful aviation career a reality.

The Founder

Hi there! I’m Bryan Newbold, the creator of Pilot Pathfinder. As an experienced aviator who’s been through the unique struggles of navigating the world of aviation, I felt compelled to create this website to help fellow pilots on their journey. I remember how difficult it was to find the resources, direction, and location of the information I needed when I was starting my flying career, applying to the Air Force to become a pilot, and later transitioning to the major airlines. I wanted to make it easier for others, so I put together Pilot Pathfinder as a one-stop shop for all the guidance you need.

With 13 years and over 3,000 hours of experience in aviation, I’ve gone through the challenges and can relate to your journey. Unlike a lot of military pilots, I didn’t take the traditional route of attending a military academy or joining ROTC. I was a late bloomer to aviation and I didn’t even take my first flight until my last year of college (a good ol’ Cessna 172). I didn’t have any direction in my life at the time and I had no idea what I wanted to do. Honestly, it was by sheer randomness that I thought of becoming a professional pilot as the path I wanted to explore. My grandfather was a B-24 pilot at the tail-end of WWII and I thought that would be a cool job to have. I also, thought to myself, “How hard can it really be to get into the military to be a pilot? I mean, the military will take anyone!” Wow, was I wrong. After 2.5 years of scrounging around the internet, sparking up conversations with pilots, calling recruiters, applying 3 times, and working to finish my Private Pilot’s License, I was finally accepted into the Air Force Officer Training School with a subsequent follow-on to Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus AFB, in Mississippi. I served at Tinker AFB, in Oklahoma, for close to 7 years, eventually becoming an E-3 AWACS schoolhouse instructor. From there I was fortunate enough to be hired by the 89th Airlift Wing to fly the C-32A at Andrews AFB, where I currently reside today. Just like a lot of you, I’m in the middle of applying to Major Airlines and after hearing all the heartache from my buddies around the Air Force, I’ve come to notice and experience the EXTREME lack of guidance, resources, and up-to-date information regarding the process.

My mission with Pilot Pathfinder is to share the knowledge and insights that I’ve experienced, as well as learned from others, with you, so you can embark on your aviation journey with confidence. Whether you’re transitioning from the military, starting as a civilian pilot, or simply curious about flying, Pilot Pathfinder is here to provide the resources and guidance you need. I also dabble as a writer for our blog, “Flight Deck Insights,” where I share my expertise on general aviation, the airline industry, product reviews, and more.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to helping you reach new heights in your aviation career!