Pilot Spotlight: Ed Peart
Follow Ed on Instagram! @flyinghockeydad
From Early Fascination to First Flight
Ed's aviation story began in his hometown of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. Like many aviation enthusiasts, his initial spark came from a childhood experience. "I remember as a kid watching Top Gun with my Dad and brother," Ed recalls. Although he didn’t know it at the time, that movie would significantly impact his future career.
His grandfather, a Colonel in the RCAF and a former Canadian Naval Aviator, also had a subtle influence on Ed’s growing interest in aviation. However, it wasn't until high school that Ed started seriously considering a career in flying. "I was always into war documentaries, and a video project on Canadian Peacekeeping got me thinking that airplanes were pretty neat."
Air Cadets: The Gateway to Flight
Ed’s first concrete step towards becoming a pilot came through the Air Cadet programme. Encouraged by his stepmother, Ed joined the 825 Yellowknife Elks Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in September 1998. He was instantly hooked. "From there, I was 100% motivated to fly," he says. Ed excelled in the programme, reaching the rank of Warrant Officer First Class and earning his Glider Pilot wings in the summer of 2001. A proud moment for Ed was having his grandfather present his wings to him on parade.
After aging out of the Air Cadet programme, Ed moved to Whitehorse, Yukon, and joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a Cadet Instructor Cadre Officer. "As of July 15, 2024, I have 20 years in a CAF uniform as a CIC Officer," Ed proudly shares.
The Professional Path Begins
Ed's professional aviation journey truly took off when he joined Air North, Yukon’s Airline, in 2012. Initially working in sales and later in management, Ed flew all over the country, often enjoying the view from the jump seat. His real turning point came in 2018 when he joined Alkan Air in Whitehorse. "They did bush flying and held the Territory’s medevac contract. They also owned a flight school," Ed explains.
Encouraged by the Manager of the flight school, Ed took his first official flight lesson. "I flew with Kasha, who became a dear friend. Lesson 1. She walked me through putting my first 1.2 hours in my log book. I asked if that counts and is that all it takes? She’s like, yep, that’s it, man. Boom. Hooked."
From there, Ed pursued his flying career with vigor. He earned his Private Pilot License in just 10 weeks, his Commercial License in a little over a year, and his Multi IFR rating by two years. "I knew from working at Alkan that while I wanted to fly professionally, it wasn’t in the bush. It was at the airline, and that meant Air North," Ed explains.
Achieving the Dream
Ed's dedication paid off when he was selected to attend the ATR 42 ground school with Air North in February 2020. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ed qualified as a First Officer. He also earned his Instructor Rating and taught part-time while flying the ATR. "Now I fly the B737 Classic and NG -800 as a First Officer. I love my job. The 737 was why I started flying, and now I’m doing it."
Ed’s journey is filled with standout moments, but being qualified on the 737 remains a highlight. "That’s what I wanted, and now I get to fly that beautiful airplane."
Wisdom for Aspiring Pilots
Ed’s advice for aspiring pilots is straightforward and practical. "Just do it. Don’t wait. I know it’s expensive, but this will pay off immediately. Do not drag out your learning and flying; fly 3-4 days a week to get it done and over the finish line."
He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and commitment. "Everyone will hit a roadblock in their training. Just keep pushing on through. It’s so rewarding and worth it in the end."
Community Involvement and Final Thoughts
Ed is actively involved in the aviation community, serving on the Yukon Aviation Advisory Committee. He is also a firm believer in the power of mentorship and community support. "If you need something, say something. There are so many resources out there. No one is going to let another pilot fail in a situation."
Reflecting on his journey, Ed shares a powerful message: "If you want to do it, do it. When I was instructing, I always told my students that the excuse train stops with me. I put myself through all my flying training as a dad with two full-time jobs raising a daughter. Don’t make excuses."
Ed’s journey from a young aviation enthusiast to a seasoned B737 First Officer is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the supportive community surrounding the aviation world.
I’m on a mission to gather some incredible pilot stories to feature on the On Final blog. Whether you’re just beginning your flight training or you’ve been soaring through the skies for years, I want to hear from you!
Your experiences and stories can inspire others in the aviation community, and I’m excited to share them on the blog. If you’re up for it, please send me your story and some photos through the link below:
