- Marriage mentor, providing guidance and support to engaged couples through Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts curriculum
- Committed to improving personal fitness through regular participation in golf, running, tennis, and hiking
David Schmitt
Kokomo,IN
Summary
Dynamic leader in aviation with a comprehensive background in military and commercial flight operations, including instruction on high-performance and general aviation aircraft. Strong track record in training program development, project management, and strategic goal achievement. Committed to optimizing processes and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Valued for a team-oriented approach and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
737 Captain
American Airlines
07.2016 - Current
- Provided scheduled air transportation passenger services for the US, Mexico, Canada, Latin America and South American covering 2.1M miles, and safely delivering over 302K passengers.
- Demonstrated exceptional decision-making abilities during high-pressure situations, maintaining a calm demeanor and focusing on passenger safety. Managed emergency response to engine fire on ground preventing any injuries to passengers or crew. Completed three safe medical recoveries resulting in favorable outcomes to passengers, and one instance for an incapacitated aircrew member.
- Kept abreast of current industry trends and regulatory standards for aviation safety.
Participated in continuation qualification training every nine months, covering both academics and practical simulations.
Demonstrated proficiency in emergency and normal procedures during simulator training, adhering to FAA guidelines. - Managed challenging weather conditions through expert piloting skills, minimizing delays and ensuring passenger comfort.
Squadron Commander and KC135 Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force Reserve
07.1999 - 06.2016
- Ranked #1/80 Operations Group Officers. Commended for being phenomenal driving force behind every single unit success.
- Trusted Advisor; top Air Force Reserve Command representative to Headquarters Air Force, special advisor to Pentagon Air Staff for sensitive worldwide highly classified missions. Collaborated among multiple agencies for mission success.
- Created contingency plans to address unexpected tactical scenarios. Spearheaded execution and rapid planning, beddown, regeneration, and return of 28 F-22s/$4.2 billion dollars during Hurricane Irene
- Authored strategic and contingency plans for 24/7/365 for short notice worldwide missions ensuring successful multi-agency mission execution. Plans became the benchmark for other US units.
- Coordinated with other Pacific Commands in response to North Korea weapons testing. Facilitated joint exercises, strengthening inter-service relationships and improving overall mission effectiveness.
Interior Trim Manager
Ford Motor Company
06.1993 - 02.2000
- Delivered comprehensive training program for largest door panel launch instructing 200 individuals, achieving 7000 hours of training
- Developed strong vendor relationships, resulting in cost-effective sourcing of high-quality materials which produced a cost and labor savings of over $1M.
- Orchestrated acquisition, testing, and validation of $50M manufacturing equipment for Ford's highest volume door panel Taurus/Sable program exceeding 600K units annually.
- Oversaw the creation of a comprehensive requirements and specifications for multimedia systems to include audio and telematics products for the Mustang and SUVs.
- Optimized Contour/Mystique production layout design and equipment efficiency achieving 30% growth in volume and 107% cost savings.
F15 Fighter Pilot and T38 Instructor
USAF
06.1985 - 04.1992
- Demonstrated combat readiness for dual-role air-to-air operations, both defensive and offensive. Applied advanced avionics systems to maximize flight efficiency. Engaged enemy aircraft successfully within intricate tactical frameworks.
- Directed investigation for F16 Class A mishap; jet destroyed without fatalities. Conducted thorough analysis for 2 months, dedicating 12-16 hours daily to evaluate human factors, equipment failures, medical issues, checklist procedures, technical orders, and maintenance and pilot errors. Compiled detailed report, presented findings, root causes, and recommendations to USAF senior leadership.
- Facilitated daily constructive group discussions among students, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills related to aviation emergency scenarios.
- Provided constructive feedback on student and instructor performance. Graded 50 different areas each flight, conducted thorough post flight debriefings helping them identify areas for improvement and develop targeted action plans.
Education
Master of Science - Manufacturing Management
Kettering University
Flint, MIBachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MINo Degree - Aircraft Mishap Investigator
University Southern California
Los Angeles, CANo Degree - Graduate Level Leadership And Joint Operations,
Air Command And Staff College
Maxwell AFB AL Distance Learning06-2006
No Degree - Instrument Flying
Advanced Instrument School
Randolph AFB, San Antonio TX03-2005
No Degree - Educational Leadership And Management
Squadron Officer School
Maxwell AFB, AL05-1988
Skills
- Leadership qualities
- Continuous learning mindset
- Technical aptitude
- Teamwork
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Organizational skills
- Decision-making
- Team building
- Task prioritization
- Analytical thinking
Accomplishments
- Demonstrated the highest standards of excellence in flight leadership and ability; designated 737 Captain for domestic and international destinations.
- Accomplished 42 F15 missions in support of Desert Storm.
- Completed 32 KC135 missions in support of Enduring Freedom.
- Contributed outstanding leadership as Chief of Flight Safety that enabled the 8th Fighter Squadron to reach 100,000 Class A mishap free flying and 40,000 hours for the 9th Fighter Squadron.
- Selection of 1/60 F15 pilots for live firing of AIM7 and AIM 9 missiles against F100 drone aircraft.
- Achieved Distinguished Graduate and Top Gun Lead-In-Fighter-Training.
- Awarded Distinguished Graduate Michigan State University AFROTC program.
- Handpicked to brief former Prime Minster Margaret Thatcher, 4-Star Generals, US Senator, US Representative on air missions as well as both conventional and nuclear war plans.
- Rated "Superior" by HQ AFRC 10 training programs while Chief of Training.
- Voted Best Instructor Pilot twice by students Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program.
- Chosen 1/50 US AFROTC candidates to attend the prestigious Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program.
- Received MSU President's Award for achieving highest AFROTC rank, academic excellence, and Cadet Corp Commander of 150 cadets.
- Outstanding Alumni Award, 2015 Commencement Speaker Plainwell High School.
Affiliations
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
- Allied Pilot Association
- Lifetime Member Veterans of Foreign Wars
- Lifetime Member of Reserve Officer Assocation
- Lifetime Member of Air Force Association
Certification
- Airline Transport Pilot Airplane Land B707, B720, B737
- Flight Instructor Airplane Single Engine Land
- Ground Instructor Advanced Instrument
Interests
Timeline
737 Captain
American Airlines
07.2016 - Current
Squadron Commander and KC135 Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force Reserve
07.1999 - 06.2016
Interior Trim Manager
Ford Motor Company
06.1993 - 02.2000
F15 Fighter Pilot and T38 Instructor
USAF
06.1985 - 04.1992
Master of Science - Manufacturing Management
Kettering University
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Michigan State University
No Degree - Aircraft Mishap Investigator
University Southern California
No Degree - Graduate Level Leadership And Joint Operations,
Air Command And Staff College
No Degree - Instrument Flying
Advanced Instrument School
No Degree - Educational Leadership And Management
Squadron Officer School
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