Colin Thomas Gilligan

Mission Check Pilot, ensuring pilot readiness through check rides, standardization, and adherence to CAP mission protocols. Execute check rides validating pilot proficiency in SAR/DR missions, navigation, airspace use, and CAP/FAR compliance. Assess pilot performance under mission conditions, including HNL Class B airspace operations and low-level navigation. Participate in joint exercises with the U.S. Navy for testing and evaluation of next-generation surface-to-air radar system. Mission Pilot Trainer, delivered mission-specific pilot training, including dispatch procedures, CRM, and emergency operations. Instructed CAP pilots on mission planning, aircraft systems, risk management, and post-flight documentation standards. Supported internal/joint agency SAR/DR exercises, developing realistic scenarios with Navy and other civil-military partners. Assisted in planning cross-agency training to enhance CAP mission capability and response to real-world emergencies.

Operated FAR Part 135 scheduled cargo flights throughout the islands of Hawaii on behalf of private and government clients. Completed pre/post-flight inspections, reviewed release/weather information, and validated flight routes/alternate airports. Responsibilities included performing system checks, tracking/logging flight time, engine monitoring, and weight & balance. Experienced flying between hot and freezing temperatures, high-crosswind operations, and with volcanic ash considerations. Maintained a breadth of knowledge of the correct handling of Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) and Dangerous Goods (DG).

Led operations planning for 25+ aircraft and 70 pilots, synchronizing air missions CONUS and in deployed environments. Managed cross-functional teams across ops, HR, & logistics, culminating as senior ops lead in a 700-member aviation battalion. Implemented risk management and decision-making frameworks into daily air and ground operations across brigade-level tasks. Directed mission execution timelines, crew readiness, and resource allocation during high-tempo real-world deployments. Coordinated mission tasking, briefings, and airspace deconfliction to support joint and interagency aviation operations.

Taught operational use of manned/unmanned recon platforms at Air Cavalry Leader's Course, enhancing air-ground integration. Delivered instruction on planning, risk management, and reconnaissance employment to junior leaders preparing for command. Graduated Aviation Captain's Career Course with distinction, mastering deliberate planning and doctrinal operations processes.

Operated OH-58D safely in extreme cold, mountainous terrain, and foreign airspace, ensuring mission success and crew safety. Managed flight ops for 10 rotary-wing aircraft and 20+ pilots, aligning missions with maintenance and fuel support capabilities. Coordinated joint Army-Air Force training missions in Korea and Alaska, facilitating multinational airspace & mission planning. Deconflicted airspace and resources with multiple units to sustain continuous flight operations in austere arctic environments.