Peyton Russell
Landrum,SC
Summary
Current/qualified Captain for globally recognized commercial airline with 7700+ hours of domestic, international and oceanic flight experience. Retired military aviator with extensive background in aircraft acquisitions, maintenance and airport facility management and oversight. Proven ability to work seamlessly within team and adapt to evolving conditions to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Captain, B-767
FedEx
12.2016 - Current
- Responsible for the safe and efficient carriage of passengers and cargo to domestic and international destinations.
- Conducts global all-weather operations to include Category III instrument approaches, and the use of the Heads-Up Display and Enhanced Vision Flight Systems.
- Facilitated productive relationships with various stakeholders including ground support staff, catering providers, fuel suppliers and airport authorities.
First Officer – Boeing 737
Southwest Airlines
04.2016 - 12.2016
- Second in command, responsible for the safe and efficient carriage of passengers and cargo to domestic and international destinations.
- Responsible for exterior pre-flight and flight deck preparations, including Flight Management System loading, and performance planning.
- Assisted in flight operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protocols.
Technical Lead - Office of Aviation Acquisitions, C-27J Project, HC-130J Pilot
USCG Headquarters
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Subject matter expert for a wide range of technical issues, including configuration control and system performance for $1.16B aircraft and mission system acquisitions.
- Led cross-functional teams to deliver complex technical projects on time and within budget.
- Developed a citing plan for initial asset allocation based on airport infrastructure and support facility suitability assessments.
- DHS Level I program manager, Level II contracting officer representative.
Aeronautical Engineering Officer/ Fixed-wing Pilot
United States Coast Guard
2006 - 2016
- Responsible for personnel administration, and airport facility maintenance and repair for two of the largest departments in the Coast Guard Air Station's organizational structure.
- Conducted site surveys of airports domestically and abroad to determine suitability for Coast Guard aviation operations.
- Senior member of fixed-wing Flight Standardization and Evaluations Boards. Conducted oral boards, upgrade flights, and instrument/standardization flight evaluations.
- Primary unit maintenance test pilot following critical maintenance evolutions.
Airborne Use Of Force Mission Commander
United States Coast Gaurd
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Special tactics instructor for aircrews performing counter-drug and counter-terrorism missions. Led international aviation detachments as on-scene commander with sole 'shoot/don’t shoot' authority for the USCG’s only airborne use of force platform.
Company Commander, Platoon Leader, Instructor Pilot, Pilot in Command
United States Army
01.1997 - 01.2002
- Commanding Officer and Instructor pilot. Airfield manager of Army’s busiest airport. Deployed to Tirana, Albania in support of Operation Allied Force.
Education
Coast Guard Aeronautical Engineering Syllabus
United States Coast Guard07-2006
U.S. Army Flight School
Fort Rucker, AL01.1997
Bachelor of Science -
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY01.1996
Skills
- Airline Transport Pilot
- Airplane multi-engine land
- Type Ratings: B737,757,767;L382
- Commercial privileges rotorcraft helicopter, instrument helicopter
Awards and Honors
Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, USCG Commendation Medal (3), Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal; Allen Agency Special Award for Safety at Sea 2013; Order of Daedalians Fixed-Wing Pilot of the year 2009.
Timeline
Captain, B-767
FedEx
12.2016 - Current
First Officer – Boeing 737
Southwest Airlines
04.2016 - 12.2016
Technical Lead - Office of Aviation Acquisitions, C-27J Project, HC-130J Pilot
USCG Headquarters
01.2014 - 01.2016
Airborne Use Of Force Mission Commander
United States Coast Gaurd
01.2002 - 01.2006
Company Commander, Platoon Leader, Instructor Pilot, Pilot in Command
United States Army
01.1997 - 01.2002
Aeronautical Engineering Officer/ Fixed-wing Pilot
United States Coast Guard
2006 - 2016
Coast Guard Aeronautical Engineering Syllabus
U.S. Army Flight School
Bachelor of Science -
Rochester Institute of Technology