Success Story

Michael Humphreys grew up in the Bronx borough of New York City and was always interested in flying. What tipped him over the edge at age 14 was seeing the movie Executive Decision. “Watching the characters work through several problems and achieve a safe landing was very motivating,” said Humphreys.

Humphreys graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science. He interned at Continental Airlines in Houston for four months. His first flying job was as a CFI for Panorama Flight Service, an FBO at the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York.

“I put on a suit and walked my résumé and application into the flight school,” explained Humphreys. “The director was impressed and he set me up for an interview a few days later.” Humphreys prepared a lesson plan and reviewed regulations. He also had recently completed an interview technique class, which he highly recommends to those looking for flying jobs.

Humphreys utilized Embry-Riddle’s bridge program with American Eagle, where he flew turboprops as a first officer in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Later, he flew Embraer RJs out of LaGuardia Airport in New York. “It was great not having to commute, but I was reintroduced to consistent delays, which can be frustrating,” said Humphreys.

The Continental internship paid off when Humphreys got hired at the legacy carrier in November 2007. After a first round of furloughs at Continental, Humphreys found himself as the most junior pilot on the seniority list. Recently, the company announced further layoffs, which will put Humphreys out of work this fall. His plan is to work for his dad’s electrical company while contemplating launching a business as a grant writer. When Continental calls back, Humphreys will analyze his long-term goals at that point.

Pete Bedell is a Boeing 737 first officer for a major airline and contributor to AOPA Flight Training and AOPA Pilot magazines.