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Dave Brown

How long have you been flying or working in aviation?
I have been working in aviation since 1998.

Where do you live?

Las Vegas, NV

What makes Sol a standout place to lead a team?

The entire team is dedicated to making each mission successful by living our core value of “the little things matter”

Which of Sol’s Core Values resonates with you the most?

Safety, number 1.  Aviation bears an inherent risk that we must manage each day, each flight and each maintenance event.

How did this opportunity with Sol find its way to you?

Peter and I met a few years ago, and stayed in contact, kind of watching each other succeed at a distance.  He reached out when he had a role he thought I would excel in.  The rest is history!

What excites you most about the work Sol is doing?

Aside from the mapping side of things, which I find absolutely fascinating,  I love that we are a place for pilots to hone their skills before moving on to the airlines or other cool things in aviation.

What makes Sol stand out from its competition?

Sol’s commitment to safety.  From standardizing 310 panels for a consistent flight deck experience, to investing in brand new airframes, Sol spares no expense to be the #1 Aerial Platforming provider.

How do you think Sol sets itself apart from other aviation companies?

Sol Aerial Surveys is able to look so attractive to the outside world because of the people who work here.  This team has created, and implement daily, core processes that keep the boat rowing in the direction Peter has set for us. This vision, and the team’s ability to execute in the background, is what sets us apart.

What is the coolest airport that you have landed at for work?

Leadville – Lake County Airport. North America’s highest airport.

Favorite season of the year?

Spring and fall are pretty similar in Las Vegas, so both of those!

Where is your favorite place that you have traveled to for work?

It would be a tie between Chile and The Netherlands.

What are the first three things on your bucket list?

Basically just travel!

1. Visit Japan

2. Revisit The Netherlands

3. Visit Egypt.

Who or what inspires you to keep going? 

The desire to see what a group of people, working together, can accomplish.

Are you a “jump out of bed” kind of person or a “five more minutes” specialist? 

Weekdays, jump out of bed, but on the weekend’s I’m more of a five more minutes kind of guy!

Is there something you can’t live without?

My wife, of course!

Lucas LaBarbera

How long have you been flying or working in aviation?

Only 3 years, but so far aviation has provided more memories and fun experiences than anything prior.

Where do you live?

Naples, Florida.

Which of Sol’s core values do you try to model into your work?

All of them.  Every day requires your A-game in order to excel at the job.

How did this opportunity with Sol find its way to you?

Tik Tok.   Peter popped up on my FYP one day, and the rest is history…

How do you think Sol sets itself apart from other aviation companies?

Attention to detail. No detail is overlooked, and because of that the airplanes and the processes really shine.

What is your favorite airport to land at or one you are looking forward to landing at?

Miami international (KMIA).  Flying right over the sky scrapers never gets old.

What about Sol made you decide to work here?

The structured environment allowed an opportunity for me to grow as a professional and as an aviator.

Favorite season of the year?

Football season.

What are the first three things on your bucket list?
Visit the Vegas Hangar.  Become a diamond member at Hilton.

Who or what inspires you to keep going? 
As cliche as it might sound, every day is an opportunity to learn and become a better pilot.   There will never be a point at which you know everything in aviation.

Is there something you can’t live without?

My cell phone.

Wyatt Miller

How long have you been flying or working in aviation?
I have been fortunate to have grown up around aviation, however, I never pursued it as a primary career until early 2024 when I started flight training.

Where do you live?
Blaine, Minnesota

Which of Sol’s core values do you try to model into your work?
Integrity.

How did this opportunity with Sol find its way to you?
I was looking for a rotation based opportunity that ideally operated multi-engine planes where I could gain experience working for a structured company and travel the US but still have the ability to fly a variety of aircraft with friends during my off rotation time. When I saw Sol listed on ATP’s pilot pool I immediately and eagerly sent my resume!

What excites you most about the work Sol is doing?
The opportunity to travel the US and fly in a number of different states and consequent airspace.

How do you think Sol sets itself apart from other aviation companies?
Maintenance! Sol takes maintaining and modifying their fleet very seriously and I very much appreciate that.

What is your favorite airport to land at or one you are looking forward to
landing at?
Favorite will have to be where I’ve grown up, the Anoka County-Blaine Airport (KANE).

What about Sol made you decide to work here?
Initially the rotation based schedule and then the highly recommending reviews from current and past employees after I started researching the company.

Favorite season of the year?
Summer, hands down. Spring in second.

What are the first three things on your bucket list?
Own a De Havilland Beaver, travel, and own rental properties.

Who or what inspires you to keep going?
The desire to always do the best that I can and my inability to leave things half done.

Are you a “jump out of bed” kind of person or a “five more minutes” specialist?
Usually a jump out of bed person if I have a packed day scheduled. If it’s an off day, all bets are off though!

What is your favorite way to spend a day off?
I am almost always hanging around the airport. Usually tinkering with or repairing either an airplane, classic boat, or my truck.

Is there something you can’t live without?
Chipotle!

Jeremy Flaxel

How long have you been flying or working in aviation?
I’ve been flying for almost two and a half years!

Where do you live?
I live in Portland, Oregon

Which of Sol’s core values do you try to model into your everyday?
Out of Sol’s core values, integrity stands out the most to me. Being that we’re on the road for long periods of time on our own, it’s paramount that we’re transparent about everything we do. It’s the little things we do when no one is watching that define us as people, and especially as pilots.

How did this opportunity with Sol find its way to you? 
During my time as a flight instructor, I had always eyed Sol as a company I wanted to work for. I continued to build time as an instructor until I was finally met with the opportunity to apply!

What excites you most about the work Sol is doing?
What excites me most about flying for Sol is the adventures it takes me on across the country. The diversity of flying, logistics, and communication is a thrill to be a part of.

Where is your favorite place that you have traveled to for work?
So far, my favorite place has been flying over New York. Seeing America’s biggest cities from miles above never gets old!

Favorite season of the year?
Definitely has to be fall. Cool mornings, sunny days, colorful leaves, and football, it’s hard not to love it.

What about Sol made you decide to work here?
Sol’s drive to be the best survey company on the market and the amazing community. The atmosphere in a smaller company like Sol is tight-knit and super unique. It allows you to know your coworkers on a first-name basis and really get to know them.

What are the first three things on your bucket list?

1. Visit all 50 states
2. Fly fighter jets in the Military
3. Travel to Europe

Who or what inspires you to keep going?
I’m inspired by a long-time mentor of mine who has guided me through all different walks of aviation. His dedication to flying as a First Officer for Alaska Airlines and his previous military career have always been admirable. The advice, stories, and plane talk never get old.

Is there something you can’t live without?
Airplanes!

Bradly Castleman

How long have you been flying or working in aviation?
2 years.
Where do you live?
Dallas, TX
Which of Sol’s core values do you try to model into your leadership style?
Integrity. I’m a big believer that the only way to do anything is the right way, otherwise don’t do it at all. I expect that from myself, the people in places higher, and lower in any organization.
How did this opportunity with Sol find its way to you?
I saw Sol’s Instagram pop up on my feed when I was working on my commercial multi add-on and had been refreshing the “Join Our Team” page every-so-often. One day, I saw that an application was open and I went for it!
What excites you most about the work Sol is doing?
I’m most excited that what we do is helping people, especially post-catastrophe work. It’s exciting.
How do you think Sol sets itself apart from other aviation companies?
The aircraft. The airplanes at Sol are the cleanest and most well taken-care-of piston airplanes I’ve seen anywhere.
Favorite season of the year?
Winter; I do all of my camping in the desert in the winter. It’s a beautiful time of year.
What are the first three things on your bucket list?
Sail around the world, visit every U.S. national park, and experience supersonic flight.
Who or what inspires you to keep going?
Perspective. Knowing that I am, right now, where I dreamed of being not too long ago and knowing what a privilege that is.
Are you a “jump out of bed” kind of person or a “five more minutes” specialist?
Definitely in the “five more minutes” camp.
Do you have any fun nicknames?
Sometimes I kind of wish I did.
Is there something you can’t live without?
Coffee, preferably, but for sure caffeine in general.

Ty Powers

Where did your career take you after Sol?
After Sol, I was hired as a pt91 pilot in upstate NY. I get to fly a Hawker 400 and love to fly in the flight levels.

How did your time at Sol shape your aviation career?
My time at Sol profoundly shaped my aviation career by instilling key principles. I learned meticulous planning, ensuring every flight had a clear strategy, from weather analysis to fuel calculations. Sol’s safety-first culture taught me to prioritize safety, emphasizing rigorous inspections and adherence to procedures. I also mastered staying ahead of the airplane, anticipating changes and making proactive decisions. Finally, Sol trained me to plan for anything, preparing me for unexpected challenges with contingency plans. These lessons continue to guide me as a confident, safety-focused pilot.

What advice would you give to someone starting in aerial survey or aviation in general?
To anyone starting in aerial survey or aviation, my advice is simple but powerful. First, savor the moment! Cherish the thrill of every flight, the view from the cockpit, and the joy of being in the sky. These experiences are what make aviation special, so stay connected to that passion. Second, work hard! Put in the effort to master your skills, study relentlessly, and always strive to improve. Dedication will set you apart. Finally, don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do it—ignore doubters, push through challenges, and believe in your ability to succeed. With passion, hard work, and resilience, you’ll build a rewarding aviation career.

William Wallace

Where did your career take you after Sol?
I am now an airline pilot at Allegiant Air.

How did your time at Sol shape your aviation career?
Sol provided me with the opportunity to gain valuable multi-engine, high-performance, complex, and PIC flight time—experience that can be hard to come by in other entry-level flying jobs. That foundation was instrumental in helping me move forward in my aviation career.

What advice would you give to someone starting in aerial survey or aviation in general?
There were definitely times when aerial survey work could be frustrating for me, but in hindsight, those challenges refined my decision-making, interpersonal, and aviation safety skills. I truly enjoyed my time at Sol—the work itself, the experiences, and especially the friendships and connections I made along the way. My advice would be to embrace where you are, enjoy the journey, and make the most of the people you meet. Aviation is a small world, and the connections you build at Sol can turn into lasting relationships that extend well beyond your time here.

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

WHAT WE OFFER

Aerial Platforming

From nationwide projects to small targeted collections, we are able to effectively and efficiently collect the imagery your business needs.

Our team of experts can install your sensors into our aerial platforms to collect the imagery when and where you need it.

If your searching for an aerial platform to acquire your imagery contact us today

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PILOT QUALIFICATIONS

  • FAA Commercial Multi-Engine
  • FAA Instrument Rating (Current and proficient)
  • High Performance Endorsement
  • Complex Endorsement
  • First Class or Second Class Medical
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Current passport with at least six-months of validity remaining at time of employment.
  • Legal right to work in the United States
  • Must be able to travel freely within the United States and without restriction to all countries Sol Aerial Survey serves
  • 450 Total Time in an Aircraft
  • 80 hours of MEL at time of hire (This is an insurance requirement and cannot be waived)
  • FCC Radio License
  • Multi Engine Night Current and proficient at time of hire

7575 W Washington Ave, Suite 127-122, Las Vegas, NV 89128