Thomas Sedares

Where did your career take you after Sol?
Since leaving Sol I have been flying and managing a part 91 TBM 700. I also do some contract pilot work, primarily in 400 series twin Cessnas and in Barons.
How did your time at Sol shape your aviation career?
My time at Sol improved my confidence as a pilot and the experience of operating aircraft in parts of the country I had never been to was invaluable. The coordination and planning that you do at Sol as well as the administrative tasks you are responsible for after you are done flying for the day prepared me incredibly well for the job I have now.
What advice would you give to someone starting in aerial survey or aviation in general?
My advice for someone interested in aerial survey or the aviation industry in general would be to jump in headfirst! If you are someone completely new and unsure of where to start, working line service at an FBO, as a mechanic’s helper at a maintenance shop or at the front desk of a flight school are all great options to learn about the industry and to network and make connections that could lead you to a flying job down the road.

Vincent Cheval

Where did your career take you after Sol?
I was hired as a First Officer at Allegiant Airlines. I am also a part-time Air National Guard C-130H pilot.
How did your time at Sol shape your aviation career?
As the product of military training, I had not done much PIC or “solo” flying. Sol helped me bridge that gap and develop Pilot In Command skills which have made me a better crew member both at the airlines and in the military.
What advice would you give to someone starting in aerial survey or aviation in general?
It will likely be a short, transitory portion of your flying experience. Although the days can be long, it is a very unique way to build time and experience. Enjoy your time in those pristine C-310Rs because before you know it, you’ll be flying something bigger and faster (which isn’t always more rewarding).

Shawn Ashby

Where do you live?
San Luis Obispo California

How long have you been flying?
Started flight lessons in 1996, licensed by 1998 and commercial pilot by summer of 2001

What makes Sol a special place to work?
The great people I get to fly with

Which of our company’s core values (Safety, Hard Work, Integrity, The Little Things Matter) resonates the most with you?
Hard work and safety

Where is your favorite place that you have traveled for work?
Survey in Hawaii was fun and very challenging. Mapping landmarks like the USS Arizona and Waikiki beach that you knew millions of people were clicking on every year was pretty neat.

What do you like most about your job?
The travel to parts of this country I may never have thought to go… Lincoln Nebraska was a delight.

What inspired you to choose this career path?
After the “Dinosaurs” phase as a kid I was always playing with balsa wood gliders, plastic airplane models, and by 10 I was designing and building my own radio controlled airplanes.  After that aviation was always THE direction.

What is your favorite way to spend a day off?
While on rotation weather days or mx days I like to go to museums and parks.

At home days off I like fixing my classic cars and then having a pint at a local brewery. Maybe some music or pub trivia.

What excites you about our work?
The diversity and pace of the projects it’s exciting when a plan comes together

Favorite cuisine?
I’m fond of a good chicken wing… and bacon.

What makes Sol stand out from the competition?
The satcom communications ability on long missions.

What are the first three things on your bucket list?
Get a DC-3 type rating, have a beer in every pub on the Isle of Man, travel to Alaska again

What are your future ambitions?
To continue to fly and share Aviation

What is one moment in your life that you would want to relive? 
I would like to re-live the afternoon before my multi engine check-ride.  I had decided to take a break from studying and went with friends to a dirt BMX track behind the college… where after only a few jumps I crashed the bike and broke my collar bone.   Thus I had to cancel the check-ride and then heal for several months, and then do more training.

What or who is your inspiration? Why so?
Damian… for how he keeps up daddy duties for his 6 pack and SOL duties as well.   He’s a machine.

Is there something in life you can not live without?
Coffee… and my classic cars

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.