Published by Tom Thinnes on Mon, Dec 21, 2015
For many children, the dream of aviation begins the first time they fly or their initial encounter with an airplane. The wonderment produced by being in the presence of these magnificent pieces of machinery has a profound effect on many young individuals. For some, the introduction to aviation is a passive encounter. For others, the world of the pilot is an active, engaging experience. Brad Coffman grew up in the latter.
Coffman, raised in Arlington Heights, Illinois, developed a love for aviation at an early age. With O’Hare International Airport only 12 miles away from his hometown, it’s easy to understand why. However, like the “force” to Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars saga, aviation was stronger in the young Coffman than most of his peers.
WMU Alumnus Brad Coffman
In addition to living fairly close to the world’s eighth busiest airport, Coffman also came from a strong aviation pedigree -- his father pilots the Airbus A330 for Delta. Needless to say, most of Coffman’s love for aviation was passed on from his father. As he grew, aviation permeated his world. He obtained a first-person account to the piloting world not accessible to many. In addition to sharing the passion for aviation, Coffman was provided the opportunity to jumpstart his career.
With lots of help and determination, Coffman enrolled in a local flight school to earn his private pilot’s license while still in high school. He knew what he wanted and set his sights on the goal. With the resolve of the Wright Brothers, Coffman finished his private license during his senior year of high school. The goal was set; he knew what he wanted: to be a professional pilot. His next obstacle – where was the best location to help him complete his mission.
As many recall, the last two years of high school can be challenging. In addition to the academic strain, there is also the stress of post-secondary options. Where is the best program? What does it offer? Why should I attend? How much is it going to cost? How will the program help me with my career goals? All solid questions, and ones that need to be answered.
After searching many options, Coffman attended an open house at Western Michigan University in the fall of 2011. After the visit, he knew that he wanted to attend WMU and pursue a degree in aviation flight science. In his eyes, he knew this was the best program for him to pursue his dream of becoming a professional pilot.
Fast forward four years and Coffman now possesses a bachelor’s degree from WMU and is working as a first officer for ExpressJet. When reflecting back, Coffman’s plan of attack is easy to understand.
One of the reasons Coffman chose to come to WMU over other aviation schools is because WMU offered him the full college experience with a stellar aviation program. “State-of-the-art” equipment and operating the Cirrus SR-20 were also two major selling points for him. “If I had to chose the number one reason I decided to come to WMU, it would have to be the many pathway programs with various airlines that WMU offers to their students after graduation.”
By the summer of 2013, Coffman achieved two milestones: 1. The flight training at WMU required for his degree was complete, and 2. He was entering into his junior year and was now an upper classman. Not resting on his laurels, Coffman knew he had to push forward with the next phases of his career quest. In the fall of 2013, he started his certified flight- instructor training, finishing the rating the following February.
With a keen understanding of the industry, Coffman knew networking was instrumental in securing a job as a pilot. Knowing internships provided a tremendous opportunity to network and connect with professionals within the industry, Coffman began the search for an opportunity. After interviewing, Coffman was offered a summer internship with ExpressJet in the summer of 2014. The experience was incredibly beneficial and provided him vision into airline operations and other useful knowledge that would further his career in the airlines.
Upon returning from his internship, Brad started flight instructing at WMU and did so until he graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in aviation flight science in May of 2015. A month after graduation, Coffman achieved the first step of his ultimate goal: he was hired as a first officer for ExpressJet. Coffman’s career has just taken off. His final destination is still to be determined. Ultimately, his career goal is to fly for a major airline, travel and experience the world.
Brad claims his favorite memory of flying at WMU is when he was a flight instructor. Particularly he remembers a flight with a student to Sault Ste. Marie in somewhat difficult weather. He enjoyed exposing his student to the different weather conditions and instructing them on how to pilot the aircraft in adverse conditions.
In addition to his duties as a first officer, Coffman has the opportunity to reach back to WMU’s College of Aviation and recruit future ExpressJet pilots.