Pilot Spotlight: Matt Vogel
Follow Matt and his flying adventures on Instagram here at @Matt_Vogel1
Fun Aspects of Flying: What do you enjoy most about flying?
I love traveling the world and seeing so many different places! From the tiny airports in the middle of nowhere to the major airports and cities. There is so much to see. Two standout memories for me were when I was trying to finish up my time building flying with Amber from ORL and flew it up the East coast of the USA with stops in Hilton Head, First Flight, Elizabeth City, Charleston, and finally back to Orlando! My other memory was flying a 172 from Lantana, FL, up to Morristown, NJ, and back with my best friend, Zach! We did this during COVID times to land a 172 at JFK, LGA, and EWR, all on the same day!
Tell Us About Your Aviation Journey:
My aviation journey is slightly different from many people I know. It wasn’t until I was a junior in college that I had any thoughts about becoming a pilot. I took my discovery flight on 3/4/2017 and instantly got hooked! Getting to fly around central Florida, seeing my college (UCF, Go Knights!) from above, and feeling the thrill of being in the air were some highlights of my discovery flight. From that day forward, the rest is history. As I progressed throughout my flight training, I faced numerous challenges, from instructor changes to maintenance issues, weather (you know, the drill in the summertime in Florida), and many other challenges. I did all of my flight training part 61, which allowed me to manipulate my flight training schedule to accommodate my schedule outside of aviation. Not to say Part 141 doesn’t, and Part 141 training is a great way to complete your training on a structured schedule; I chose the Part 61 route for the flexibility.
Upon completing my Commercial Multi, I was allowed to be SIC for a Part 135 operator out of Central Florida, flying a Citation Encore and Falcon 2000. It was there that I gained experience flying jet airplanes, along with being able to build my flight time. Upon reaching the 1500-hour mark, I decided to trade in my position in the charter world for my first airline job. That leads me to where I am, flying the Airbus A319, A320, and A321 for a carrier in Florida!
Throughout my training, my passion for aviation grew stronger and stronger. As I look back now, I am incredibly fortunate for the opportunities I have had through my aviation career, from getting to meet lots of other people who share the same passion as I do for aviation to getting to travel to numerous destinations to finally just being able to share my love for aviation with others. This industry will always hold a special place in my heart because of the opportunities it has given me.
Current Status
Airline Pilot Flying the Airbus for a US Airline.
Career Highlights:
What have been your aviation career's standout moments or achievements so far?
The last seven years I have been in aviation have given me so many highlights and memories that I could write a book about all of them. However, some stand out: My first solo was a significant highlight. The first time, I flew a jet. Everything moves a lot faster! My first flight on the plane was from Sanford (SFB) to Orlando International (MCO). For those who know Central Florida, that is a swift flight. So, that was an eye-opening experience for my first flight on a jet. Going through a 121 training program has its challenges, and by no means was it easy! 8 weeks of nonstop studying led me to obtain my Airbus A320 PIC Type and my ATP. That, for sure, is another highlight in my book. Finally, just a couple of months ago, I had been scheduled to operate a flight from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando and back with the airline I currently work for, and my parents were able to come along for the ride! It was their first time flying with me at the airlines, so to share that experience with them was one I will cherish forever.
Matt in the right seat flying the Citation.
Advice for Aspiring Pilots: What tips or advice would you give someone starting their flight training or aviation career?
I would always be willing to learn - My advice for those aspiring to pursue an aviation career. Someone told me when I started flying: "The day you stop learning is the day you should stop flying," and I still abide by this. Finally, networking and having a mentor in this industry is critical. Like many people say, it's all about who you know. The opportunity to fly as SIC in a jet at 500 hours was partially due to networking and who I knew. This industry is tiny, and you never want to burn a bridge. You never know; the person sitting next to you in your new hire class could be your chief pilot one day!
Aviation Organizations: Are you a member of any aviation organizations ?
NBAA- helped me throughout my time in corporate aviation by networking and meeting others in the industry!
Favorite Aviation Tips and Tricks: Do you have a favorite aviation hack or tip that improves your flying experience?
Chair flying is essential! As silly as it sounds, when someone tells you to chair fly, it will help throughout your entire career. Chair flying doesn't stop once you get a job flying! Even throughout training at the airlines, I would still chair fly, and to this day, if I go an extended period without flying, I will still sit there and chair fly to make sure when I do go back into the flight deck, I am still proficient with the items I need to be adept about!
Additional Comments: Do you want to share anything about your aviation experience?
Feel free to reach out to me at any time. I was extremely fortunate to have had plenty of mentors and help throughout my career from the day I started flying even until now. I will be happy to help out in any way I can. I have always told myself and others that I want to give back to those in the same position I was just a short time ago. I know the path to becoming a pilot is not easy, and you will face many challenges along the way, but I can assure you that this career is the best one around. As my teachers told me growing up, I am sure some have heard this before: "You will never get paid to stare outside the window." Well, all it takes is a little dedication and some time, and you'll be getting paid to stare out the window in no time!
Follow Matt and his flying adventures on Instagram @Matt_Vogel1
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Follow Matt and his flying adventures on Instagram @Matt_Vogel1 〰️
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:
