Introduce yourself in a few words:
My name is Tristan Reyes and I am the Assistant Chief Pilot at Sofar. I am 25 years old from Flemington NJ.
Can you tell us about your background and how you became a pilot?
Being a first generation American, education and passion were constantly drilled into my head. Aviation was a passion that came late into my Senior year of high school when it was time to decide what college to go to. One day, my parents asked me to take a discovery flight at Princeton Airport in New Jersey and from that day forward, I knew I wanted to be a pilot. I attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach Florida where I was able to learn how to fly from the “Harvard of the Skies”.
What are the main responsibilities of an aircraft pilot?
Safety is the main responsibility of an aircraft pilot. From the time a pilot wakes up for a flight to when they end the day, their main goal is to ensure that everyone on board of the aircraft is safe. If we as pilots can provide excellent customer service on top of safety, then that is just an added bonus.
What skills are essential for success as a pilot?
A skill that is essential for success as a pilot is humility and the eagerness to continue learning. No matter what stage you are in your flying career, there is always more to learn to hone in on skills.
Another skill that is essential for success is attention to detail. From checking weather to preflight to cleaning the aircraft, having a keen eye for detail makes all the difference.
What type of aircraft have you flown?
I went through all of my flight training in the mighty Cessna 172 and Piper Seneca, then moved into the Pilatus PC-12 and are currently flying the Phenom 100.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
The best part about what I do is that there is no typical day. Everyday is constantly changing based on what plane I am flying, who I am flying with, and where I am flying to. Some days require a bit more attention to detail as the weather and destination constantly changes.
Why did you choose a private jet company?
Coming from a massive aviation university such as Embry-Riddle the dream was to become a CFI and upon hitting ATP minimums, go to a regional airline. That all changed when I got my first job as an Aerial Survey Pilot and got to travel the country landing at both small and large airports. My plan changed when I learned that corporate flying enabled me to land at much more diverse locations while also getting to interact with passengers and ensure that they have the experience they paid for.
What's your favorite part of being a pilot?
My favorite part about being a pilot is the different destinations we get to explore and the different people we get to meet. Aviation is a small community which makes it easier to network and make amazing friends.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a pilot?
The advice I would give to someone who wants to become a pilot is make sure you are willing to give it 100% all the time. Flight training and becoming a pilot is a difficult endeavor to pursue but if you are willing to give it your all, you will surely reap the fruits of your labor.
What do you like about working at Sofar?
My favorite thing about working at Sofar is the opportunity that a growing charter company can give and the motivation that everyone in the company has to ensure the company’s success.
What's your dream destination?
My dream destination is Hawaii!
