Ready to take off? At Skyeagle Aviation Academy, we turn your passion for flight into reality, guiding you from your first takeoff to a rewarding aviation career or the joy of private flying. Your journey starts here!
Ready to take off? At Skyeagle Aviation Academy, we turn your passion for flight into reality, guiding you from your first takeoff to a rewarding aviation career or the joy of private flying. Your journey starts here!
Meet Andres Vega, a professional pilot who turned his childhood dream of flying into a reality. Originally from Colombia, Andres has worked his way up to flying corporate jets and currently operates the Citation X out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Andres, thank you for joining us. Let’s start from the beginning – what inspired you to become a pilot?
Thank you! My love for aviation began when I was 10 or 11 years old. I remember my first flight on a Hawker 800. I was sitting near the engine – it gave me a terrible headache, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the plane.
I kept thinking, “How is this piece of metal flying?”
That moment stuck with me, and I told myself, “This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
That’s amazing! So, how did you go from dreaming about planes to training as a pilot? How did you become a pilot? And how long does it take to become a pilot?
It took years of planning and saving. In 2015, I finally moved to the U.S. to start my pilot training at SkyEagle Aviation Academy in Florida.
I was determined to get through it as quickly as possible.
In just six months, I went from zero experience starting to learn how to fly to earning my Commercial Pilot License (CPL). I trained every single day – sometimes even flying on Christmas or New Year’s and finally became a pilot!
Wow, six months is impressive! What happened after you completed your training?
After graduating in mid-2016, I returned to Colombia to convert my FAA license into a local one. I was hoping to join an airline there, but it was a tough time. There were pilot strikes and, soon after, the pandemic hit. I ended up working in international business for a few years, but my heart was still in aviation. So, in 2021, I moved back to the U.S. to restart my flying career.
How did you build up your flight hours during that time?
I took a different route. Instead of becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), I built hours through aerial survey work and skydiving operations.
I flew planes like the Cessna 206 and the Caravan.
At one point, I was flying up to eight hours a day. It wasn’t glamorous, but it allowed me to quickly reach the 1,500 hours needed for my Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification.
That’s a lot of dedication. How did you transition to corporate aviation and the Citation X?
I was lucky. At around 1,000 hours, I started applying to corporate jet operators.
One of my contacts recommended me to a company flying the Citation X. I dropped off my resume, went through interviews, and was hired.
The transition from smaller planes to a 46,000-pound jet was challenging, but I prepared intensely before starting my training.
Looking ahead, what are your career goals?
I’d like to transition into the airline or cargo sector, flying larger planes like the Boeing or Airbus. My mom is my biggest supporter, and she’s always dreamed of me calling her over the intercom on a passenger flight. Making her proud is a big motivation for me.
Now that you’re flying such an advanced jet, how do you reflect on your journey?
It’s been incredible. I’ve been flying the Citation X for over a year now and recently upgraded to be eligible as a Captain. Every step along the way – whether it was flying small planes, navigating challenges during the pandemic, or studying for my ATP – has prepared me for this.
Andres, you’ve mentioned that networking played a big role in your career progression. Could you tell us about and how it helped you secure a position?
Absolutely! Scott Leach was actually one of my CFIs back when I trained at SkyEagle. He taught me both my Instrument and Commercial ratings in 2014 and 2015. We stayed in touch, and he became more of a mentor and friend over the years. When I was working on my Multi-engine rating, I ran into him again, and he gave me some fantastic advice. He told me, “Once you’re done with your multi-engine training, go to that hangar, find the chief pilot, and hand him your resume.”
Did you follow through with his advice?
Absolutely. That’s exactly what I did. I walked into the hangar and found the Director of Operations, introduced myself, and said, “You don’t know me, but I want to work here.” (Laughs) He was surprised, of course, and asked me who I was. I explained that one of their pilots, Scott, had recommended me. I was upfront about having close to 1,000 hours, but they liked my honesty and enthusiasm. They told me to build a few more hours, and I’d be considered.
Scott Leach, a respected Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), gained recognition for his recorded lessons featured on the SkyEagle Aviation Academy’s YouTube channel. These lessons, covering the entire journey of becoming a Private Pilot, are highly popular among aspiring pilots, offering them invaluable knowledge and guidance.
In aviation, connections and mentorship are crucial to success. Instructors play a vital role, offering guidance and advice that can shape your career. Their timely insights can help you avoid pitfalls and seize opportunities. Networking with peers and mentors ensures you have a support system, as a single conversation or recommendation can open doors to new possibilities. In this industry, relationships and learning from others are as important as flying skills.
And how did things progress from there?
Well, I flew a few extra hours in a Cessna 172 to get closer to 1,000, and then they brought me on board. I started my training in August and officially began in October. The process was thorough – interviews with the chief pilot, FAA medical checks, and a review of my record. Thankfully, I had no failed check rides, which worked in my favor.
And you completed your ATP-CTP with SkyEagle, right?
Yes, I did! SkyEagle has been a big part of my journey, it was again my ATP flight school – I completed everything there, from my private pilot license to my ATP-CTP. It feels great to come full circle with the same Academy that helped me get started.
Andres, let’s go back to your initial training. How hard is it to become a pilot? What was the hardest part for you during your private, instrument, and commercial training?
Without a doubt, the hardest part was earning my Private Pilot License (PPL). I didn’t know anything about aviation when I started. It was overwhelming to learn everything from scratch. I had taken one flight lesson in France before moving to the U.S., but it didn’t prepare me much. The private training involved so much theory and reading – it felt like a mountain of information to absorb.
Was it the flying or the ground school that made it so challenging?
It was both, honestly. But I’ll never forget my checkride. I remember flying out of KFXE in a C172. The FAA examiner yelled at me, claiming I had entered prohibited airspace. I was nervous, but I checked my navigation tools and confidently showed him that I was not in restricted airspace. He kept testing me with different maneuvers, and the pressure was intense. The oral exam beforehand was about five hours long – question after question. It was tough, but I passed. That private license was the hardest part of my training.
How did the Instrument and Commercial ratings compare?
The Instrument rating was actually fun! Flying with a hood or goggles, relying solely on instruments, was a unique experience. It felt like a challenge but in an exciting way. My Commercial rating was also smooth, and I had a great instructor who helped me through it. The Private License was definitely the toughest hurdle.
Switching gears a bit, aviation training is a significant investment. How much did pilot school cost back then, and what are the costs like today?
When I started in 2015, it was around $40,000 to $45,000. I remember we discussed discounts, and it ended up being just under $40,000. Nowadays, it’s much more expensive – closer to $65,000 for the same training.
That’s quite an increase! How quickly were you able to recover your investment once you started working?
In my current 135 company, flying the Citation X, I make around $85,000 a year. Plus, there are opportunities to earn more. For example, if the company asks you to fly on your day off, you can earn $1,000 for that day, regardless of whether you fly one hour or six. On top of that, they add $80 daily allowance.
So, it’s $1,080 per day if you’re willing to take extra flights. Since I don’t have a family waiting for me at home, I often take these opportunities to increase my income.
Honestly, I was able to recover my training investment in about a year, which made all the effort and cost feel worth it.
What advice would you give to aspiring pilots?
Stay disciplined, study hard, and never stop learning.
Aviation is constantly evolving, so stay up to date.
Build strong connections in the industry, and most importantly, stay humble.
You never know when someone you meet today might help you in the future.
Andres’s journey from a childhood dreamer to a professional pilot flying the Citation X highlights the power of perseverance, adaptability, and hard work. Overcoming challenges like industry disruptions and charting a unique path to build flight hours, he turned obstacles into opportunities. Now, with over 1,500 flight hours and an ATP license, Andres continues to aim higher, aspiring to fly larger jets in the airline or cargo sectors. His story inspires aspiring pilots worldwide, proving that with dedication and a clear vision, any dream can truly take flight.
Our training programs cover everything from Private Pilot License (PPL) to advanced certifications, providing a solid foundation in flight theory and practical skills. With a modern fleet featuring state-of-the-art aircraft and the latest avionics, we ensure an exceptional learning experience. Our team of certified instructors, passionate about aviation, is dedicated to your success. Additionally, we offer customizable programs, allowing you to choose between structured courses or flexible scheduling to suit your individual learning style.
Andrey Borisevich is the CEO, Training and Development Manager of SkyEagle Aviation Academy in Florida, responsible for new training programs, marketing, and business strategy. An aerobatic pilot, entrepreneur, and owner of the academy, Andrey has over 20 years of experience in aviation. He has flown more than 65 aircraft types and holds both fixed-wing and helicopter licenses. His YouTube channel, “Andrey Borisevich About Aviation”, offers aircraft reviews, flight training insights, and advice for aspiring pilots.
