World Pilots’ Day - Central Mountain Air
(SMITHERS, BC April 26, 2023)
Name: Vladyslav Kryvolap (Vlad)
Job Title: Beech 1900 Captain
Years at CMA: This is my second year, I started in January 2022
How did you get your start in the aviation industry: It was a very long journey. I have been dreaming of becoming a pilot since I was 4 years old when my parents took me on my first flight on a Tupolev-134 airplane. The first opportunity came when my wife and I earned enough income from our family business in Ukraine. I obtained my first private pilot license in the Czech Republic in 2014. Back then I wasn't sure if I would fly as a professional pilot because I was already 33 y.o. and we were leaving an abundant and established life. Everything changed in late 2016 when we immigrated to Canada and I started my pilot career from scratch as a flight school student in Manitoba.
What does a typical day at CMA look like for you: I like discipline, so I wake up very early and do my morning routine without rushing. I like to come earlier to work. This way I can take advantage of being ahead of the game. Since I mostly fly scheduled flights, a good pace is very important for on-time performance. We normally fly between 4 to 6 short legs per day, which are quite tiring if starting from the wrong foot. When the day is over, I believe it's very important to do a workout, eat healthy food and go to bed early.
Favourite part about your job: Being able to work with great people as a crew. Teamwork is wonderful here because all CMA pilots and other employees are easy to work with.
What drew you to CMA: Before joining the company, I heard very positive stories about CMA. It felt very attractive to hand fly a wonderful B1900 over the Rocky Mountains - the best place in Canada for being a pilot.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to become a pilot: If a Pilot career is for you, you will know it. Something special will be bugging you from deep inside of you no matter what is going on around you. Listen to your heart, roll up your sleeves, and never give up!
Fun fact about yourself: Sometimes I confuse English words which accidentally changes the meaning of my speech. This makes other people laugh.
