If you have flown recently with Aero, you may have had the honor to fly with one of our newest pilots - Christian Kidder or Tony Perez. If you haven’t or didn’t get a chance to meet them, here is a quick Q&A with our new teammates:

CHRISTIAN KIDDER
Pilot, Aero Air Charter

Christian singing “Flying Free” in his head

Why did you become a pilot? It’s what I was made to do. I’ve been an airplane nut since I sat in the cockpit of my dad’s A-6 Intruder at the age of 5.
What has been your top flight destination on any flight? I have a bunch of favorite destinations, but I can narrow it down to two. Ferguson Airport in Pensacola and Bois Blanc Island in northern Michigan. Both have grass runways, and they both share happy memories of great friends I have flown with.
What made you want to join Team Aero? That’s easy. It’s a company with a great mission, and filled with great people who believe in what we do.
Bonus question: when its quiet up in the skies, what song do you sing in your head? Flying Free by Don Besig.

Tony Perez as a kid working around planes

TONY PEREZ
Pilot, Aero Air Charter

Why did you become a pilot? I became I pilot because I’ve always been fascinated with airplanes since I was a child. Still to this date, it’s impossible for me to not look upward when I hear a plane passing by overhead. I’ve always idolized pilots, and have always been curious what all those buttons did. Fun fact: since I was 16 years old, I’ve worked at Pensacola International Airport performing various jobs from concessions inside the terminal, to fueling airlines, to managing a private jet center, flight instruction, and now flying jets out of PNS. I took the long route earning all of my flight ratings to get to this point, but it’s finally paid off, and I have enjoyed the incredible journey.
What has been your top flight destination on any flight? El Paso, Texas has some pretty incredible views from the air and when we land.
What made you want to join Team Aero? I’ve wanted to join the Aero team for quite some time. I strived to get all the required ratings, constantly networked with the Aero team, and worked as a flight instructor to add more hours to my experience and logbook. Every step of the way I was guided by my biggest aviation mentor Thomas “KIT” McCulley who always checked on my progress and gave me a goal to work towards. I have an incredible support team here at Aero and get to learn from the best in the business! I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity I’ve been given. Aero is comprised of an incredible team, the best equipment, highest standards, and let’s not forget the 1st class jets! Who wouldn’t want to work here!?
Bonus question: when its quiet up in the skies, what song do you sing in your head ? That’s easy! Sunday Best by Surfaces