Jonathan Heggie

Where did your career take you after Sol?
After Sol, I took a position flying Part 91 Corporate for an Oil Company owner out of Houston. We currently fly a Gulfstream GIV and King Air 350.

How did your time at Sol shape your aviation career?
My time at Sol shaped my career far more than I could ever articulate in this small survey. Most notably being Peter and Damian. Peter’s relentless drive to be the best survey company on the planet really pushed me to be a better pilot and ultimately a better manager during my time at Sol. Peter helped shape the pilot I’ve become by indirectly teaching me that my biggest competitor is myself. It never mattered what other companies were doing, as long as you strive to be better than you were yesterday, you’re likely blowing the competition out of the water. Additionally, my time working under Damian was invaluable to my growth as a pilot and professional. Damian’s commitment to safety and commitment to being a good leader was something that resonated with me and influenced how I conducted myself. Both of whom are two people I still look up to personally and professionally.

What advice would you give to someone starting in aerial survey or aviation in general?
The advice I would give someone just starting out in aviation would be to enjoy your current job, and focus on doing it safely and efficiently. The airlines, or corporate jet job will come some day, but the fun you’ll have and the friends you’ll make when burning Avgas will truly be something special. And if you’re just starting in the aerial survey world, I would encourage you to always use your checklist as a solo pilot! Additionally; I would encourage you talk through the checklist out loud, brief everything out loud, give yourself call outs out loud! This will make a smoother transition into a crew environment and will also create self awareness and prevent complacency as a single pilot!

Louis Bieler

Where did your career take you after Sol?
After Sol, I went to PSA Airlines flying the CRJ, then moved to Spirit Airlines on the Airbus A320. I’m now joining United Airlines, aircraft type TBD.

How did your time at Sol shape your aviation career?  
My time at Sol was instrumental in shaping my aviation career. Operating in a dynamic and often challenging environment taught me the value of decisiveness, accountability, and situational awareness—instilling a strong PIC mindset early on. Even after Sol, in my first officer roles, I was encouraged to think and act like a captain: staying ahead of the aircraft, anticipating the next move, and making safety-driven decisions. That mindset has remained a constant throughout my flying career.

What advice would you give to someone starting in aerial survey or aviation in general?  
Treat every flight like it matters—because it does. Whether you’re flying aerial survey or in training, build good habits early: stay ahead of the aircraft, know your systems, and always prioritize safety. Approach every flight like a check ride, even if you’re alone. Plan every landing as if it could turn into a go-around, and every leg as if it might require a diversion. Stay humble, keep learning, and surround yourself with people who push you to be better. And when you reach your goals, remember to turn around and help the next person up.

Miguel O’Neill

Where do you live?
Jacksonville, FL

How long have you been flying?
3.5 Years

What makes Sol a special place to work?
The ability to travel to amazing locations

Which of our company’s core values (Safety, Hard Work, Integrity, The Little Things Matter) resonates the most with you?
Safety for sure. In most places with older planes it seems the mx side of things can get left behind. Here at Sol we do such a great job at making sure the aircraft are in tip top shape 24/7.

Where is your favorite place that you have traveled for work?
So far I’d say San Diego/Los Angeles. The nature there was so pretty to look at while working.

What do you like most about your job?
I love the decision making aspect. It forces me to be a better pilot because I am the only one there in the cockpit at all time.

What inspired you to choose this career path?
After realizing architecture school wasn’t for me I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. A few of my friends convinced me to go on a discovery flight and I fell in love with it.

What is your favorite way to spend a day off?
Scuba diving and spear fishing! Nothing beats being down in the ocean catching your own dinner.

What excites you about our work?
The ability to learn and adapt. I’m always going somewhere new, so learning how different airspace, towers, airports and things operate keeps me going.

Favorite cuisine?
Thai food

What makes Sol stand out from the competition?
The attention to detail. Here at SOL we are very interested in every detail making sure nothing goes unchecked. No matter how big or small.

What are the first three things on your bucket list?

  • Visit all the wonders of the world
  • Scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef
  • Buy my own airplane

What are your future ambitions?
I’d like to make it to freight or corporate aviation

What is one moment in your life that you would want to relive?
I’d like to relive any of my family vacations growing up. My family and I went on international trips every other year growing up. Once my sister and I moved out life got in the way.

What or who is your inspiration? Why so?
My dad for sure. He is such a hard worker than has earned every penny he has made as well as a 100/10 father. He inspires me to be the best I can at every aspect of life.

Is there something in life you can not live without?
Pets. Having cats and dogs in the house to come home to is a must. If I could bring my pets in the plane I would