Leston Watson
Enterprise,AL
Summary
A seasoned Instructor Pilot and Assistant Chief Pilot, I excel in ground school instruction and emergency procedures, demonstrating strong leadership and a results-driven approach. At Amentum and American Helicopters, I enhanced flight safety, mentored pilots, and led critical emergency planning, showcasing my expertise in multi-engine aircraft operation and fostering professional growth.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructor Pilot
Amentum
04.2007 - 06.2024
- Led ground school instruction sessions covering essential topics such as aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation systems, and FAA regulations.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, enabling prompt intervention when necessary to address any learning gaps or challenges.
- Enhanced flight safety by conducting regular aircraft inspections and identifying potential issues before they escalated.
- Adapted teaching methods to accommodate diverse learner needs, including those with physical disabilities or language barriers.
- Assessed student performance using both written exams and practical evaluations, providing comprehensive insights into individual skills and understanding.
- Conducted pre-and post-flight briefings to reinforce key concepts learned during in-flight instruction sessions.
- Established a positive learning environment by fostering open communication and mutual respect between instructor pilots and trainees.
- Served as a mentor for new instructor pilots, offering guidance on effective teaching techniques and strategies for successful classroom management.
Assistant Chief Pilot
American Helicopters
09.2005 - 02.2007
- Led the development of emergency response plans, ensuring preparedness for handling various types of incidents both on and off the ground.
- Served as a primary point of contact between flight operations staff members during times when the Chief Pilot was unavailable or otherwise occupied.
- Addressed potential safety hazards proactively through regular audits of internal processes and procedures related to flight operations.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments for each flight operation to ensure the highest level of safety at all times.
- Mentored junior pilots, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth within the organization.
Education
Associate of Science - Aviation Management
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT08.2011
Skills
- Strong leadership abilities
- Ground School Instruction
- Glass Cockpit Familiarity
- Weight and Balance Calculations
- Multi-Engine Aircraft Operation
- Weather Analysis Competence
- Emergency procedures expertise
- Visual Flight Rules Proficiency
- Crew Resource Management
- Student assessments
Timeline
Instructor Pilot
Amentum
04.2007 - 06.2024
Assistant Chief Pilot
American Helicopters
09.2005 - 02.2007
Associate of Science - Aviation Management
University of Utah