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Sarah O'Brien, Senior Aviation Analyst

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Bachelor of Science, Professional Aeronautics, 2002
Minor, Communications

Certifcations and Ratings
Airline Transport Pilot—Airplane, multi-engine land
Type Ratings—Cessna 525, Single Pilot
FCC Radio Telephone Operators Permit

Ms. O’Brien has over 12 years of experience in the aviation industry working in a variety of operations including Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 135, general, and corporate aviation.  She started her flying career at Pontiac Flight Service during the spring of 1997 and continues her involvement in aviation to the present. 

Ms. O’Brien earned her flight ratings from private pilot to certified flight instructor, including single- and multi‑engine land‑instrument ratings, while completing high school and beginning college coursework at Oakland Community College.

Ms. O’Brien began work as a flight instructor for Pontiac Flight Service at age 19.  In addition, she provided copilot services for the Part 135 charter operation.  As a certified flight instructor, her first six recommended certified flight instructor candidates all passed their first check flight.

Ms. O’Brien graduated Cum Laude from Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University in December 2002.  While at Embry-Riddle, she worked as a reporter for the school’s newspaper, Horizons.  She also served as an intern in flight operations at Northwest Airlines’ (NWA) training facility.  The internship provided Ms. O’Brien an opportunity to attend NWA’s Advanced Qualification Program in the DC–9 and become a fully qualified first officer on the aircraft.  In addition, Ms. O’Brien was able to directly observe operations during visits to the ramp and airfield, maintenance facilities, and flightdeck jump seat.

In October 2004, Ms. O’Brien began her Part 135 flying career with Pontiac Flight Service.  She was assigned to the Cessna 421 and operated as a single pilot over the United States and Canada.  In addition to her flying duties, she provided all levels of customer service to support the operation, including authoring the company’s customer service guidelines.