By Eddie Erdmann – Executive Director of Business Development, Flex Air
After 20 years as a Marine infantryman, I didn't trade the battlefield for the cockpit; I expanded the mission. At Flex Air, we bring the discipline, grit, and mission-oriented mindset of military leadership into every aspect of civilian flight trainng.
Our veteran-first culture doesn't just honor service - it transforms it. From day one through your checkride and beyond, our mentorship model helps build not just pilots, but professionals.
In the military, leadership isn't just a role - it's a responsibility ingrained in every action. The principles that guided me through two decades of service are the same ones that now shape our approach to flight training:
Discipline: Adhering to strict protocols ensures safety and efficiency in both combat and aviation.
Situational Awareness: Understanding your environment is crucial, whether navigating a battlefield or the skies.
Decisive Action: Making timely decisions can be the difference between success and failure.
Continuous Learning: The best leaders and pilots are perpetual students, always seeking to improve.
These core values are not just military ideals; they're essential traits for any successful aviator.
“Came. Saw. Tried. Learned. Failed. Taught.”
That’s not just a personal creed - it’s our training philosophy.
At Flex Air, we believe that mentorship is the cornerstone of effective learning. Drawing from military traditions, we pair each student with experienced mentors who provide guidance, support, and real-world insights. This one-on-one engagement fosters a supportive environment where students can thrive, mirroring the mentor/protégé relationships that are vital in both military and civilian aviation contexts .
The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, but the leadership skills honed in service are invaluable assets in aviation. Programs like Flex Air's SkillBridge Commercial Pilot Gateway are designed to leverage these skills, offering veterans structured pathways into aviation careers. With comprehensive training, career placement, and mentorship, we've helped over 100 veterans transition successfully since 2018 .
In both military operations and flight training, challenges are inevitable. It's through facing these obstacles that true growth occurs. Our training programs emphasize resilience and adaptability, encouraging students to learn from failures and persist in the face of adversity. This approach not only builds competent pilots but also cultivates leaders who can handle the pressures of aviation with confidence.
At Flex Air, we're more than a flight school - we're a community. Our veteran-first culture ensures that students are surrounded by individuals who understand their journey. This camaraderie fosters a supportive environment where experiences are shared, and successes are celebrated together. It's this sense of belonging that sets us apart and reinforces our commitment to transforming service members into skilled aviators.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're a veteran looking to transition into a civilian aviation career, Flex Air is here to guide you. Our programs are tailored to leverage your military experience, providing the training, mentorship, and support needed to succeed in the skies.
Learn More About Our Skillbridge For Veterans