Bill Thomas

Bill is a retired USAF Colonel and helicopter pilot with over 30 years of experience in aviation operations and leading high-performance teams.  Bill graduated in 1990 from the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs CO with a Bachelor of Science degree.  He served in a wide variety of operational assignments at increasing levels of responsibility as a USAF helicopter instructor and evaluator pilot executing a diverse range of humanitarian, search/rescue, medical evacuation, counterdrug, aerial firefighting, homeland security and student flight training operations in various locations around the world.  During his military career, Bill had the opportunity to serve as chief pilot for the USAF H-1 helicopter fleet involving 6 operational major commands, 62 aircraft and 200 pilots worldwide.  Additionally, he served as leader of two USAF flying squadrons, an 1100-person Cadet Group at the USAF Academy and the US Department of Defense’s largest Survival Training School. He has a master’s degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with emphasis on aviation operations and management as well as master’s degrees from Air War College and Air Command and Staff College with emphasis on operations, strategy, and leadership.  Prior to assuming his current role, Bill was the Aero-Flite Director of Safety.