Zachary Willingham
Haslet,TX
Summary
Results-driven aviation professional with a strong foundation in flight operations, training, and operational readiness, equipped to lead in complex, high-growth environments. Demonstrates the ability to translate aviation principles and technical expertise into scalable training programs and standardized operational practices. Skilled in decision-making, advanced navigation concepts, and performance evaluation, with a focus on ensuring safety, efficiency, and regulatory alignment. Proven collaborator who contributes to team success while driving continuous improvement across flight operations. Committed to fostering a culture of operational excellence and safety while supporting the evolution of increasingly automated aviation systems.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pilot In Command
Wing LLC
Addison, TX
06.2025 - Current
- Funtion as a Part 135 sUAS Flight Operator for Wing’s highly autonomous drone delivery service on a regular basis
- Work with the Flight Operations Manager to ensure daily operations are safely conducted.
- Communicate with other crew members to safely and effectively operate the system.
- Maintain the high professional standards required for a drone Part 135 pilot-in-command.
- Maintain the high professional standards required for a drone Part 135 pilot-in-command.
Pilot III, UAS Operations Subject Matter Expert
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.
Fort Carson, CO & OCONUS
09.2022 - 04.2025
- Piloted advanced unmanned aerial systems for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
- Ensured compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations and safety protocols during all operations.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to enhance flight performance and operational capabilities of aircraft.
- Conducted pre-flight inspections and assessments to identify potential risks and ensure mission readiness.
- Mentored junior pilots in flight techniques, navigation, and emergency procedures to enhance team effectiveness.
- Developed training materials for operational procedures, improving knowledge retention among flight crews.
- Analyzed mission data post-flight to derive insights for process improvements and strategic planning.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing complex flight operations, ensuring seamless communication across departments.
- Increased flight safety by consistently performing thorough pre-flight inspections and addressing potential issues.
- Demonstrated exceptional teamwork abilities through collaboration with fellow pilots, flight attendants, maintenance personnel, and other aviation professionals in providing seamless service for passengers and efficient flight operations.
- Collaborated with co-pilots on decision-making processes during high-stress situations, mitigating risks and maintaining a calm environment.
- Reviewed aeronautical charts and used navigational instruments during each flight and maintained strong knowledge of government and company regulations.
- Ensured timely arrivals and departures by efficiently coordinating with air traffic control, ground crew, and other relevant personnel.
- Maintained accurate flight logs for recordkeeping purposes and regulatory compliance.
- Actively participated in recurrent simulator training sessions to continually improve skills related to aircraft handling techniques, emergency procedures, instrument proficiency, and CRM principles.
- Performed comprehensive checklists prior to takeoff to reduce possible safety issues.
- Completed post-flight maintenance reports and worked with crew chief for post-maintenance check flights.
- Exceeded company performance metrics through consistently adhering to established operating procedures and maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction throughout the entire flight process.
- Served as an effective mentor for junior pilots by providing guidance on career progression opportunities within the aviation industry while offering valuable insights based on personal experiences.
- Planned and filed daily flight plans for training missions, sorties, and patrol flights.
- Played key role in seamless introduction of new aircraft into fleet, leading training sessions on advanced avionics systems.
- Improved crew morale and performance, fostering collaborative work environment and recognizing individual contributions.
- Facilitated smooth international operations, navigating complex airspaces.
- Troubleshot in-flight mechanical and operational issues and restored functionality.
- Coordinated with FAA air traffic controllers in safely and smoothly navigating airspace.
Co-Owner/Operator
Farmers Insurance Agency
Houston, TX
05.2021 - 09.2022
- Developed strategic marketing initiatives to enhance brand visibility and client engagement.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and company policies.
- Cultivated strong client relationships through personalized service and proactive communication strategies.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new business opportunities and improve service offerings.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices to improve customer service and operational efficiency.
- Implemented technology solutions to streamline processes and enhance client experience.
- Built strong community ties through active participation in local events, which amplified the brand''s presence in the market and contributed to increased business referrals.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers to secure favorable terms, leading to reduced expenses on materials and services.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with vendors to ensure timely delivery of products and services.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve sales goals and improve performance.
- Trained new staff on sales techniques, customer service protocols, and operational procedures.
- Attended Insurance Sales Lab Training - Dallas, TX July 2022
Tier III UAS Instructor Operator
Textron Systems
Fort Huachuca, AZ & OCONUS
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Led training initiatives as Aircraft Commander while assuming responsibility of a $20 million dollar airframe
- Demonstrated Risk Management at collective and individual levels through flight planning, factoring in FAA & Army Aviation Requirements
- Trained over 1,000 students as an instructor with Textron Systems and General Dynamics
- Maintained a complex records system for 50 Operators in accordance with United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence standards as lead
- Standardization Operator on Site with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
- 2-13th Aviation | 160th SOAR
- Developed and delivered comprehensive training programs to enhance operational proficiency.
- Mentored junior instructors to improve teaching methodologies and engagement strategies.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Implemented innovative instructional techniques to increase learner retention and application of skills.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align curriculum with industry standards and practices.
- Conducted analysis of training outcomes, refining programs based on participant feedback and results.
- Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
- Increased student motivation by developing engaging lesson plans that catered to various learning styles.
- Observed and adopted new techniques from skilled instructors and lecturers.
- Increased student participation via engaging lectures and assignments.
Principle Training Instructor
General Dynamics Information Technology
Fort Huachuca, AZ
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Developed Program of Instruction for Aviation Tactical Employment utilizing the AGM 114 Hellfire Missile based off of published doctrine
- Spearheaded instruction in Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition through a 135 day course for Initial Entry Training Soldiers
- Consistently achieved a 97.3% graduation rate for standards, above the Commander’s goal of 95%
- Accumulated 2000+ Accident Free Flight Hours, emphasizing safety of flight first and foremost
- 2-13th Aviation Training Battalion
Unmanned Systems Operator | Squad Leader (Sergeant)
U.S. Army
Fort Hood, TX
01.2007 - 01.2014
- Mentored 15 junior Soldiers in personal and professional growth, resulting in >80% promotion rate to Non-Commissioned Officers
- Balanced Soldier’s needs with the Army’s mission to ensure warfighter readiness ensuring 0% deployment attrition
- Contributed to Operation Enduring Freedom & Operation Iraqi Freedom as Mission Coordinator & Aircraft Commander resulting in 24 months combat time
- Overhauled the Mission Coordinator Training Packet for all MQ-1C units at Fort Hood, TX
- E. 227th Aviation Regiment
Education
Bachelors of Science - Business Management
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ12-2026
Associates of Applied Science - Unmanned Aircraft Sciences
Cochise College
Sierra Vista, AZ12-2026
Private Pilot's License -
Randon Aviation – Part 61
West Jordan, UT01-2017
Army Basic Instructor Course - Course Management And Curriculum Delivery
U.S. Army
FT Huachuca, AZ01-2014
Skills
- 15 years experience Aviation Training, Operations, Flight Testing & Instructor Operator (IO)
- RQ-7B Shadow (CONUS/OCONUS)
- MQ-1C Gray Eagle (CONUS/OCONUS)
- Training and development SME utilizing proven models (ADDIE, Thorndike’s Laws of Learning)
- Engage, build & mentor large (20) & small group instruction (1 Instructor : 2 Student Ratio)
- 2000 Instructor Flight Hours as Pilot-in-Command (AC)
- Strategic Planning and Development Expert specializing in deadline management in austere and deployed environments
- Cross Functional & Multi-Site Leadership (10-15 persons) focusing on proactive problem solving and lead-from-the-front initiatives
- Standardization experience with Special Operations Command
- Extensive BVLOS UAS operations experience
- Aviation regulations compliance
- Private Pilot Certification
- Pt 107 Remote Pilot Certification
Certification
Private Pilot License
Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Timeline
Pilot In Command
Wing LLC
06.2025 - Current
Pilot III, UAS Operations Subject Matter Expert
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.
09.2022 - 04.2025
Co-Owner/Operator
Farmers Insurance Agency
05.2021 - 09.2022
Tier III UAS Instructor Operator
Textron Systems
01.2017 - 01.2021
Principle Training Instructor
General Dynamics Information Technology
01.2014 - 01.2017
Unmanned Systems Operator | Squad Leader (Sergeant)
U.S. Army
01.2007 - 01.2014
Bachelors of Science - Business Management
Grand Canyon University
Associates of Applied Science - Unmanned Aircraft Sciences
Cochise College
Private Pilot's License -
Randon Aviation – Part 61
Army Basic Instructor Course - Course Management And Curriculum Delivery
U.S. Army