Published by Tom Thinnes on Tue, Sep 15, 2015
Battle Creek, Mich is many things. For some, it is the fictional home of a recently cancelled television show. For others, it is none other than Cereal City, USA. However for Richard Bartlett, Battle Creek, Mich was aviation mecca. It was the city that offered him the access to the key that would unlock the world for him.
Growing up in a military family, a child never knows where life will take them. Fortunately for Bartlett, his U.S. Marine parents were eager to re-establish their Michigan roots. Although his father was originally from Flint, his ultimate goal was to get back to the mitten state. This eventually led to a civil service job at the Battle Creek Federal Center - A move that would have lasting implications for his young son.
As a young child, Battle Creek offered a number of catalysts to peak ones interest. During his formative years, all he had to do was look up – A-10 Warthogs swarmed up high. These tanks in the sky, along with Bartlett’s military father, seeded an interest in the young dreamer’s mind. Coupled with the annual Battle Creek Field of Flight, Bartlett came down with the aviation flu – and he had it bad.
Fortunately for Bartlett, as his passion was building, Western Michigan University’s aviation program was looking for a new home. Much like the Andrea Gale, Bartlett was facing his own personal “Perfect Storm” - A-10s above him, a top-rated aviation program relocating to his hometown, Thunderbirds zooming around during the Fourth of July. As he thinks fondly back on this time, “Battle Creek was rocking for many years!” It is easy to understand why the young Bartlett became enamored with the field of aviation.
With aviation fever quickly taking over his body, Bartlett experienced something that only increased his hunger – a discovery flight. Recalling the gravity defying experience, Bartlett recalled, “Wow. It was amazing. I took the ride from a local flight school. The process of taking off, landing, and performing basic maneuvers was exhilarating. It also changed my perspective of the world. For the first time in my life, I saw my home from the sky. It was incredibly cool!” The flight experience sealed the deal; Bartlett searched for anything and everything aviation.
Eventually, the searching led him to the newly established Western Michigan University School of Aviation located at the W.K. Kellogg Airfield. His investigations uncovered the aviation afterschool program offered by WMU. While attending the program, Bartlett did some initial ground school and immersed himself into the world of an aviation pilot. As he recalls, “Prioritization to fly was given to the student with the most extra credit. Let’s just say, there wasn’t an assignment that I didn’t do.” Ultimately, the payoff was worth the work. Applying what he learned in ground school, the young pilot was rewarded with a flight experience in the University’s Mooney.
From his experience in the afterschool program, Bartlett became aware of an aviation summer camp offered at the University. This experience resulted in the development of two defining characteristics that carried Bartlett forward – the importance of networking and paying it forward. Reflecting on the experience, Bartlett said, “Attending the camp, I was overwhelmed by the investment of time WMU Alumni gave. These people gave their most precious commodity – time! This is something that has stuck with me all these years. From that moment on, I have always believed since others gave me time, it is my responsibility to give mine to someone else.”
Bartlett also developed his understanding about mentorship and networking during his initial aviation experience. “Two people were instrumental in helping develop my passion for being a pilot and aviation: Tom McLaughlin and Dominic Nicolai,” said Bartlett. “Prior to attending the WMU afterschool program and aviation summer camp, I was considering Michigan State University and the Air Force ROTC program. However, those two mentored me and helped me understand why the aviation program at WMU was a better option for me.”
Not only did McLaughlin and Nicolai have a profound effect on the young pilot, so did Western Michigan University. “The camp did a lot for me, both personally and professionally. I was able to make professional connections with people within the industry,” recalled Bartlett. “Also, the University reached out to me personally and made things happen. That meant a lot to me, especially for a kid that couldn’t initially overcome the financial burdens that come with aviation.”
Moving from camper to co-ed was the next logical progression for the eager young pilot. Memories from the time spent on the Western Michigan University campus are numerous, with names like Tom Deckard, Mark Murphy, Bill Rantz, and Lori Brown permeating the conversation. These instructors helped Bartlett navigate the world of aviation, strengthening his understanding, and solidifying his passion. “The faculty and instructors were here for the right reason,” remembered Bartlett. “They were all passionate about their craft and committed to the students. Many brought real-world, relevant experience to the classroom.”
In addition to the academic memories, Bartlett fondly recalls many of the social interactions that took place during his tenure at WMU. “Hands down – football games and spirit days!” stated Bartlett. “The student section at Waldo Stadium was crazy. Not only was their a passion for the game among the student body, we also had Greg Jennings running all over the field. It was a great time!”
Beyond sports, Bartlett remembered cookouts hosted by the College of Aviation. Reflecting on these times, memories turn to the interaction between student, faculty and staff. Operating outside of each other’s normal environment usually resulted in both sides letting their guards down. The net result being, both sides got to know each other on a more personal level.
After graduating in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in aviation flight science, Bartlett was ready to “kick the tires and light the fires.” Using knowledge gained way back in his camp days, he knew the importance of networking and making connections. While still an undergrad, Bartlett worked line services at Marshall Airport and met Jonathan and Liz Amundsen. One wintery day in March, the Amundsens, who had relocated to Winter Haven, FL, called Bartlett to ask a favor, “Would you be interested in flying our 150 down to Florida?” Like the Road Runner of Looney Tunes fame, Bartlett was in the plane heading south; the only thing in his wake was a ball of dust.
Soon after arriving in Florida, he began planting seeds for relocation. Understanding the need to network and make connections, he immediately introduced himself to the FBO manager. Shortly after the introduction, he asked the manager for a job. With no risk, there can be no reward.
Having secured a job, Bartlett made the official move to Florida in August of 2004 – the infamous year of hurricanes in Florida – namely Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. This intensive six weeks was mirrored by Bartlett’s experience at the Winter Haven airport. Said Bartlett, “I was a line service rep, so I pumped gas, moved airplanes, or anything else that needed to get done. I will say, that was the best job on that airport! It gave me the opportunity to network and meet all sorts of pilots, many of which were heavy hitters in the aviation community.”
Making things happen was second nature for Bartlett. Building on his network and making connections, he soon became the personal pilot, flying a Piper Lance, for a local car dealer. Additionally, in 2005 he earned his certified flight instructor rating, racking up about 1,100 hours at Jack Brown’s Sea Plane Base flying a J3 Cub on straight floats. Simultaneously, Bartlett helped a friend put a flight school together in Winter Haven, which enriched his understanding of the aviation maintenance world. He built up his multi-engine time flying Piper Aztecs. Thinking back to the time, all Bartlett can say, “Basically, I lived at the airport!”
Bartlett’s dedication and perseverance paid off when he was hired for his first corporate aviation job: Walkabout Air, a full-service charter management company founded in 1995 by one of the original founders of Outback Steakhouse, Inc. After spending the first 8 months of employment flying a King Air 200, the right seat of the Beech Jet Hawker 400 opened up. Essentially, he went from the right seat of the 200 to the right seat of the Hawker.
After another 8 months, Bartlett moved to Gulfstream, operating as a contract pilot. While this was a great experience, it wasn’t paying the bills - he wanted a full time employment. Bartlett found his opportunity in 2008 with Travel Management Company. Said Bartlett, “TMC is a great place to work. I have a set schedule and can live wherever I want. One of the biggest advantages – when I’m off work, I’m off. Another positive, there is a large contingent of WMU alumni here!”
Another great perk working for TMC is the clientele. “We see a lot of politicians, athletes and other interesting people,” said Bartlett. “I have had the opportunity to fly fellow Michigander, Derek Jeter and Richard Branson.” Of his experience with Branson, Bartlett recalled flying from Philadelphia to JFK, “Mr. Branson was in the back, and after we touched down, he said, ‘That was a good landing!’ I have to say, that made me feel pretty good.”
However, one of the greatest advantages of working for TMC is his ability to pay it forward. Putting his money where his mouth is, Bartlett gave the ultimate gift this past summer: his time! Reflecting on his formative years as a aviation camper, Bartlett decided the time was right – he needed to own up to his responsibility of giving back his time. “As I said earlier, those early mentors in my life gave up the most precious commodity we all have – time. I have now reached a point in my life where I can give up some of mine.”
During the spring of 2015, a job posting was placed on the WMU College of Aviation employment page: Camp Counselors Wanted. Bartlett jumped at the chance, sending in his application. The time had come for him to give back, and he was quickly hired. In August, the time had come for him to graduate from camper to counselor, something he anticipated eagerly.
Working as an Aviation Camp Counselor reinvigorated Bartlett in an unexpected way. “Don’t get me wrong, I still love aviation. However, having a few years under my belt, I started to take the career for granted, the passion I had when I was younger had waned a bit. However, working as a counselor, I got to witness the enthusiasm and excitement of aviation from the perspective of a high school student. Let me tell you, their passion is contagious! It is nothing but good, positive energy. Their passion has reignited, and refueled my passion!”
With just over a decade since graduating from Western Michigan University, Bartlett’s career is wide open. Opportunities are ever expanding, and the future continues to shine bright. As a camper, Bartlett dreamed of taking to the skies. As a captain, he’s made his dreams a reality. Just as important, he’s helped to plant the same dreams in a number of future aviators. Success has never felt so good!