Alumni Flyers: Bill Charles
Business Administration and Economics: Class of 1981
30 Years Later, Aviation is Still in His Blood
by Krista Deangelis
Growing up with a father who worked in reservations for United Airlines, Bill Charles
can’t remember a time when he wasn’t interested in aviation. “Our house was directly
under the general aviation traffic pattern for runway 35/16 at Salt Lake,” he recalled.
“I will always remember when I was young, looking up at airplanes in the traffic pattern
in amazement and wonder. I have always wanted to be a pilot for a major airline.”
While attending Westminster, Charles worked as a ground and flight instructor and
flew part-time for a corporate flight department. After graduating in 1981, he flew
for various charter companies, several small airlines, and a freight operation; he
was eventually hired by United in 1985.
Fifteen years ago, he also started a small business offering contract pilot services
to corporate flight departments in the western US. “I did this on my days off and
was fortunate enough to fly for various clients flying Cessna Citations and Bombardier
Challengers. I eventually became the Chief Pilot for a corporate flight department
based in Salt Lake City.
After 30 years in the industry, Charles says, “I certainly would recommend the aviation industry, specifically being a pilot, to someone looking for an exciting career.”
About the Westminster Review
The Westminster Review is Westminster University’s bi-annual alumni magazine that is distributed to alumni and community members. Each issue aims to keep alumni updated on campus current events and highlights the accomplishments of current students, professors, and Westminster alum.
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