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!