Henry Jaja
Sunnyvale,CA
Summary
Aspiring professional pilot seeking to join the Destination 225 Cadet Pathway with Southwest Airlines. Bringing strong leadership, operational experience, and a discipline-driven mindset cultivated through management and business ownership. Eager to adopt 'The Southwest Way', develop through structured training, and progress toward a First Officer position.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Automotive Senior Sales Consultant
CarMax
10.2023 - 08.2025
- Conducted high-stakes customer interactions requiring clear communication and decisive action-analogous to onboard cockpit communications and decision-making
- Mentored newer staff-reflecting crew-resource management (CRM) and leadership principles
- Managed regulatory/financial documentation-parallels adherence to aviation safety and regulatory standards
Business Owner
Paka Autos Services LLC
03.2021 - 08.2023
- Oversaw end-to-end business operations: strategic planning, budgeting, vendor oversight-illustrative of flight-ops planning and operational awareness
- Solved logistical challenges under resource constraints, fostering agility, situational awareness, and leadership under pressure
- Cultivated a culture of trust and reliability-key traits for an airline pilot committed to safety and service
Project Manager
Gem Global Consult Services LTD
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Led cross-functional teams under time-sensitive deliverables-mirrors cockpit teamwork, responsibility, situational awareness
- Instituted risk-mitigation protocols and compliance tracking-directly applicable to aviation safety culture
Direct Sales Agent
Stanbic IBTC Bank
01.2015 - 11.2015
- Delivered complex financial products and communicated clearly with diverse clients-parallels pilot communication and stakeholder clarity
- Maintained strict documentation and regulatory compliance-echoing the aviation environment's emphasis on precision and safety
Education
High School Diploma -
Hallel College
Port Harcourt05.2007
Skills
- Leadership & Crew Coordination
- Situational Awareness & Risk Management
- Decision-Making Under Pressure
- Communication & Teamwork in High-Stake Environments
- Safety-First Mentality & Regulatory Discipline
- Multitasking & Time-Critical Execution
- Adaptability & Commitment to Training Excellence
Aviation Qualifications
• Student Pilot License — FAA (Oct 2024 – Present)
• Currently training at Fly Bay Area Flight School (San Carlos, CA) toward Private Pilot Certificate
• Logged 100+ flight hours including dual instruction, solo maneuvers, cross-country, and pattern work
• Holds valid FAA Third Class Medical Certificate; preparing for upgrade to First Class for airline
pathway eligibility
• Passed FAA Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Test
• Committed to the Destination 225° multi-year training pipeline toward First Officer qualification
Additional Information
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License (Exp. 2028)
• Willing to relocate and fully commit to the Destination 225° training timeline (approx. 4 years) to First
Officer eligibility with Southwest
• Already engaged in initial flight training and actively preparing for the First-Class Medical Certificate
and application process
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Automotive Senior Sales Consultant
CarMax
10.2023 - 08.2025
Business Owner
Paka Autos Services LLC
03.2021 - 08.2023
Project Manager
Gem Global Consult Services LTD
01.2016 - 12.2016
Direct Sales Agent
Stanbic IBTC Bank
01.2015 - 11.2015
High School Diploma -
Hallel College