Charles Copeland Email and Phone Number

As the co-founder of a flight school with a career-centric focus, Charlie’s passion for mentoring and leading by example truly shine. Providing career opportunities for both students and instructors through industry-partnerships has helped him build an award-winning foundation for success for all who are part of the Flex Air team.➢ Co-founder of FAR Part 61 flight school comprised of 10 aircraft, 8 flight instructors, 3 administrative staff, and cadre of more than 60 students.➢ Oversee the daily operations including flight training, student records, aircraft maintenance, and career placement for students.➢ Manage flight school growth through the generation of efficiencies and automation of scheduling. Maintain goals of doubling flight training capacity and profitability on an annual basis.➢ Foster career opportunities on behalf of 100+ students annually by maintaining relationships with industry partners including flight schools, charter flight departments, and regional airlines.➢ Manage a financial assistance program with goals to fund 40% of flight training costs for diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged applicants.➢ Serve on the Board of Advisors for Bye Aerospace and provide industry knowledge/expertise on the end-user experience and integration into a flight training program.➢ Launch customer for the initial 10 eFlyer 2 light electric aircraft with expected deliveries to begin Q4 2023.➢ Host 3-week virtual pre-ground school for initial Certified Flight Instructor applicants focused on setting goals, facilitating positive CRM with students, and practicing the fundamentals of instruction.➢ Provide mentorship to students to assist them with successful completion of knowledge, oral, and practical exams. Emphasis on meeting FAA Airman Certification and safety standards.➢ The Most Awarded flight school in the midwest as recognized by AOPA.

Charlie’s experience at Atlas Air has highlighted his passion not only for all things aviation, but his talents for building robust recruiting departments. His expert technical knowledge has allowed the recruiting department at Atlas Air to enjoy more efficient screening processes and identify applicants that embody the company vision and core values. ➢ Transport time-sensitive cargo on behalf of Amazon Prime throughout the United States under FAR Part 121.➢ Extensive experience operating in complex metropolitan airspace around Chicago, Baltimore, and Houston.➢ Mentor newly qualified and upgrading First Officers on regulations, decision making, CRM, weather, and operational idiosyncrasies.➢ Review flight release paperwork, aircraft performance, brief the First Officer, and coordinate with company personnel.

➢ Coordinate with Human Resources and Pilot Recruitment Departments to host company events and perform strategic outreach.➢ Attend community and industry events to promote company core values, offer new pilot opportunities, and inspire future aviators.➢ Create tolerances for pre-screening software algorithms that assist the recruiting department with more efficient selection processes.➢ Selected by management to be member of interview team tasked with corporate and pilot recruiting, supporting a robust talent acquisition/interview process.➢ Responsible for beta-test of personality assessment that increased recruiting automation/efficiency and gauged performance/aptitude of applicants.➢ Served as member of recruiting team during quadrupling of Southern Air pilot group and personally hired 50+ applicants.

➢ Performed interior, exterior, and cargo deck pre/post-flight inspections, supervised loading of freight, and reviewed load manifests.➢ Responsible for ensuring that all emergency equipment was in operable condition and that ground crews were clear of moving surfaces/doors before activating hydraulic system.

➢ Interviewed and hired over 100 pilots on behalf of Trans States Airlines “Rotor to Wings” hiring initiative. ➢ Traveled to military bases to host informational presentations regarding airline operations, the lifestyle, and career progression opportunities.

➢ Provided instruction to new hire first officers and upgrading captains in the Citation Latitude on behalf of NetJets and Citation clients.➢ Taught flows, systems, checklist usage, and normal/emergency procedures per the NetJets Aircraft Operating Manual (AOM).

➢ Oversaw 250+ franchised retail tax preparation locations across 7 states generating over $50M annually.➢ Served as the launch company for the Affordable Care Acts “Navigator Program.” Assisted consumers with understanding plan choices and completing their Marketplace Coverage, Medicaid, or CHIP applications.➢ Coached and mentored a team of 250+ Operating Partners in managing the day-to-day operations and revenue streams.➢ Netted 300% over typical retail tax preparation locations by increasing products/services to customers while offering identity theft protection.

➢ Managed 50+ fireworks retail locations including 5 storefronts all contributing to the generation of $5M in annual revenue.➢ Developed a certification program for the safe handling of Dangerous Goods (DG) and provided free training breakout sessions to clients at industry expos.➢ Certified client trainees as distributors in compliance with United States Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.➢ Coordinated with the global supply chain to facilitate the investment of a manufacturing facility in Hunan, China which enabled expansive efficiencies and cost savings.➢ Became a trusted partner by translating new DOT regulations for mid-sized fireworks operators by creating a training and certification program to be a distributor.

➢ Led team of employees responsible for managing 10 seasonal retail fireworks locations throughout Kansas.