David Modder

Provide contract pilot services on flights throughout North America on behalf of aircraft owners and their guests under Part 91. Remain adaptable to dynamic schedules & client needs, providing bespoke experiences while upholding a commitment to safety. Seamlessly integrate into diverse operations, ensuring standardization, procedural compliance, and sound CRM/ADM skills. Execute flight/fuel performance planning & conduct pre-flight risk/weather/NOTAM analysis, ensuring regulatory compliance. Perform pre/post flight oxygen, oil, and hydraulic fluid servicing, avionics/system diagnostic testing, and routine maintenance. Advise owners on best practices, maintenance intervals, and service center options, enabling optimal performance and integrity. Previously provided contract pilot and maintenance services to clients from 2021 to 2022 during an independent tenure.

Designed, built, & maintain two 1940 Ford jet-powered pickup trucks equipped with GE J-85-17 turbojet engines, producing 6,000 pounds afterburner thrust. Featured in drag racing events, airshows, & car show static displays throughout North America. Collaborate with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to support fundraising efforts that provide financial assistance and counseling services for the families of firefighters who have been injured or lost their lives in the line of duty.

Conducted flight operations throughout the United States, Europe, and Northern Africa on behalf of a corporate department. Experience flying in non-radar/overwater environments utilizing CPDLC, SATCOM, and HF Radio to communicate with ATC. Coordinated with handlers to file international flight plans, achieve overflight/landing permits, and secure parking/services.

Supervised 10 pilots (4 full-time/6 contract) and managed flight/maintenance scheduling, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. Collaborated with service centers, vendors, and the FAA to ensure department regulatory compliance and safety standards. Developed & implemented flight department policies, enforcing standardization & compliance that enabled operational safety. Tasked with acquiring four Learjet 40XR/45 and one Cessna 441 aircraft, optimizing supplemental lift and operational integrity. Worked with the FAA Principal Operations Inspector (POI) to achieve LOAs and integrate aircraft into department manuals. Managed the acquisition of hangar and office space, performed light aircraft maintenance, and allocated a $2M annual budget.

Collaborated with the Federal Aviation Administration/National Transportation Safety Board to investigate company mishaps. Represented ALPA at FAA Roundtables/investigations following an EMB-120 accident in GA and an EMB-145 accident in IL. Performed comprehensive data collection through crew interviews and root cause analysis to develop safety recommendations.

Enabled the safe operation of scheduled Part 121 flights as a Chicago-based Captain operating on behalf of American Airlines. Coordinated with system operations, maintenance control, & dispatch to solve operational challenges/enable on-time departures. Demonstrated sound situational awareness/CRM/ADM while transiting complex airspace, often in adverse weather conditions. Previously served as an ATR 42/72 and Embraer 145 First Officer, supporting the Captain with duties as required.