FREE LIVE WORKSHOP | PAPA EXPO | MONDAY, JUNE 1 | 4:00 PM PT | PAVILION 4, WESTGATE RESORT
What Airline Hiring Managers Actually Look for in a Pilot Resume.
Hear it straight from airline recruiters who made those decisions.
This year, we’re heading to The Professional Asian Pilots (PAPA) Expo — and to kickoff the event, we’re going make sure you are ready to put your best foot forward. Join us on Day 1 of the PAPA EXPO, for the Live Resume Workshop.
Free. Walk-in. No registration required beyond your PAPA Expo ticket.
Event Details
Live Resume Workshop | PAPA EXPO
Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PT
Location: Pavilion 4, Westgate Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
Presented By: Ernie "Big Ern" Meeks
Admission: Free. Open to all PAPA Expo attendees.
We're making a big announcement at PAPA this year. Opt in now and receive an exclusive bonus.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
In 30–45 minutes, you'll Learn:
What gets a pilot resume filtered out in the first 30 seconds.
What recruiters are actually looking for, and what most pilots never include.
The mistakes that quietly disqualify strong candidates.
What personal branding really means in this industry, and how to use it.
After the workshop, stick around for the Mentee Social. Built-in time to connect with the coaches and other pilots in the room.
WHO’S TEACHING IT
They didn't just pass airline interviews.
They conducted them.
Ernie spent years as airline hiring decision-makers, reviewing applications and deciding who got the CJO. Most pilots never hear this side of it. This is a chance to.
Your Presenter
Ernie "Big Ern" Meeks
Ernie Meeks has spent his career on both sides of the interview table.
As a Boeing 737 Captain for Southwest Airlines and a retired Lieutenant Colonel, KC-135 Command Pilot, and Director of Operations in the Arizona Air National Guard, he brings firsthand insight into what major airlines are truly looking for in pilot candidates.
With more than a decade of experience interviewing and selecting pilots at both the major airline and military levels, Ernie has evaluated thousands of candidates and understands exactly what separates those who get the offer from those who don’t.
He founded Aviator Intelligence to give pilots the preparation, mentorship, and insider perspective needed to walk into interviews confident, prepared, and ready to succeed.
Meet the Team
Capt. Dustin Benker
Major airline Captain and former Arizona Air National Guard Director of Operations with 15,000+ flight hours across six aircraft types. Dustin brings elite military and airline leadership experience to helping pilots succeed in the hiring process.
Capt. Steve Hutchinson
Retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel and longtime major airline interviewer who has evaluated thousands of pilot candidates. Steve combines military and airline hiring expertise to prepare pilots for high-stakes interviews.
FO John Scharf
Former regional airline interviewer and aviation leader with experience spanning corporate, regional, and major airline operations. John helps pilots understand exactly how interview boards evaluate candidates.
FO Joni Thiesse
Major airline pilot and former recruiter/interviewer with nearly two decades in the airline industry. Joni coaches pilots on career strategy, applications, and interview confidence.
FO Tyler Bennett
Major airline pilot and former regional airline interviewer who evaluated hundreds of pilot candidates. Tyler helps aspiring airline pilots present themselves as confident, competitive hires.
Come See Us At The Booth!
Bring your resume. Our team will be at the booth and happy to give you a quick, informal review...
So you walk into those airline conversations ready.
It's free. Just show up.
The workshop is walk-in on June 1 at 4pm in Pavilion 4. Drop your info here to get an exclusive bonus to our big announcement. That’s right... We're announcing something new at PAPA on June 1, and everyone on this list gets first access and an exclusive launch discount.
PAPA Expo | June 1–3, 2026 | Westgate Resort, Las Vegas, NV