Matthew Lawton

Fly search & rescue, aerial survey/photography, ATC training, and other mission sets under FAR Part 91. Serve as a Flight Release Officer, evaluating mission objectives and associated risks and making final go/no-go decisions. Conducted FEMA aerial photography missions following Hurricane Helene (2024), documenting disaster areas. Participated in search and rescue flights related to a downed Marine Corps F-35 in the Charleston, SC area (2023). Support Air Force Fertile Keynote training missions, providing AF pilots with aircraft intercept training opportunities. Operate advanced G1000 avionics while applying automation and workload-management skills. Operate as part of a three-person search-and-rescue crew; coordinate mission observer and mission scanner roles while adhering to SOPs. Analyze and mitigate risks associated with low-and-slow flight, including aircraft controllability, terrain, and manmade obstacles. Deliver search & rescue flight training and prepare pilots and non-pilot crew members for mission training/checkout Form 5 rides and bi-annual recurrent line checks. Instruct at structured 10-day CAP Flight Academies designed to take cadets from zero flight time to solo flight; provide CAP/ROTC orientation flights to local youth.

Supported aircraft operations including fueling, marshalling, and towing while ensuring safe ramp operations. Managed high-volume operations during significant events such as the Hartford Open. Trained and supervised two team members with accountability for quality control, safety standards, and service. Performed FBO closing duties including daily paperwork, securing fuel trucks, and maintaining guest/client areas.

Fulfilled aircraft fueling and handling contracts for local flight schools and the UCONN women’s basketball team. Maintained situational awareness in the ramp environment while adhering to industry safety standards. Worked overnight shifts, completing upkeep and cleaning tasks in the hangar and common traffic areas.