Meet Our perfectly mediocre Founder
Certified Flight Instructor and Current Airline First Officer
Hi! My name is Jason (: I am the founder of Touchdown Zone. I created this company because I really enjoy teaching current and potential students and love to offer input to those just getting started.
A little about me – how I got started
I am the first pilot in my immediate family. I found myself doing lots of research on flight schools when I first started out in 2018. To be honest, I didn’t know the difference between Part 141 and Part 61 flight schools, and that’s okay if you don’t either! My dad helped me do a lot of research, but we were both so lost! Weirdly enough, our greatest resource was online forums full of personal opinions. Even when we called countless flight schools it was almost always a vague answer or to voicemail! And I get what you’re probably thinking… isn’t this website just another “online forum full of personal opinions?” You wouldn’t be wrong in thinking so, but I’m not hating on the younger generation trying to get into this industry and you won’t find a single “Well back in my day…” comment on this website. GROSS. That’s why I created TDZ, so I can hopefully save you a headache, offer you some insight, maybe help you relax a little, and feel confident in whatever decision you make when you start your journey. It’s the best part!
I attended a Part 141 school in Arkansas where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight. During this time, I was swimming in college and working as an ambassador for Republic Airways(a regional airline) as well as a short stint working as a sales associate at Dollar General. It took me all four years to earn my Certified Flight Instructor(CFI) certificate. I worked as a CFI and check airman for a year before I was hired as a First Officer for SkyWest Airlines. I have since left SkyWest and began my dream job at a major airline.
What I do now
I am currently a First Officer for a major airline. I fly the Boeing 737. Previously I was a captain for SkyWest Airlines. I have been flying in the airlines for a few years now. On my off days I usually ride my motorcycle, play golf, or workout. I have decided to get back into the general aviation world and offer to help those figuring out how to get started!
Why I created Touchdown Zone
The way I went through my flight training was a lot of “well I hope this works”. It was a big guessing game with lots of uncertainty! That’s no fun especially when you’re dumping thousands of dollars into this career.
I also see absolutely HORRIBLE advice on social media platforms. Social media is a great tool for small little questions, but it is horrendous for career advice. That’s why I created TDZ. I want to help people just getting started and help manage the stress levels when you start out (:
Click here for a guide on how to get started. It’s free, we just want to help you have a relatively defined path on your unique situation.
A quick note..
I am not perfect nor do I know everything. This company is for guidance and guidance only. As much as I would love to say there is always a right answer, there hardly ever is in this field! The correct decision is very situation dependent. Think of TDZ as a career mentor.
If you a parent looking how to get started for your kid, we recommend looking at this page. It will guide you on how to get started. As always, please reach out if you have questions (:
Check out some great photos of our owner, Jason, in action!
Get a glimpse of Jason’s aviation journey through these amazing pictures.
