Michael E. Dougherty

Senior Pilot ‘Spirit of Goodyear’
Goodyear Airship Operations
Age: 29 (08/2008)

Michael always appreciated engineering, but he soon realized his preference was an office with a
‘view’. He therefore decided to pursue his passion for aviation.

Michael E. Dougherty graduated from Kent State University, Division of Aeronautics in May 2003.
He began his college education with the University of Akron in Civil Engineering.

Michael was motivated to excel as he began his life-long dream the fall semester of 2000 at Kent
State Aeronautics. He earned his Private Pilot Certificate in August 2001 with flight training
beginning in that spring semester. An intense, demanding class and flight schedule did not deter
his accomplishments toward earning his Instrument Rating in April 2002; Commercial Pilot
Certificate in September 2002; and in April of 2003 his Certified Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI)
and Airplane Multiengine Rating in April 2003. A month later, he earned his Instrument and
Multiengine Instructor (CFII-ME) Ratings.

As no surprise to Michael’s professors, instructors, or classmates, he graduated Magna Cum
Laude in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautics and Flight Technology.

After graduation, Michael was one of five instructors selected to initiate a bridge-program
between Kent State University Aeronautics and ExpressJet Airlines. The program was preparing
the up-and-coming KSU Aeronautics students for a career in aviation with a successful start the
spring 2004 semester.

ExpressJet Airlines was impressed with Michael’s dedication and ability and hired him as a First
Officer on the Embraer EMB-145 Regional Jet shortly after the KSU program began. Within two
years he upgraded to Captain. In his 2 ½ years with ExpressJet, he accumulated over 2000 flight
hours in the RJ with almost 400 hours in the left seat.

Always looking for aviation opportunities, Michael flew for the airlines and worked part-time as
Grounds Maintenance at Goodyear’s Airship Operations facility in Akron, OH. This seemingly
unrelated side job became a career altering opportunity and was just the ‘foot-in-the-door’ many
aviators would love to come across!

Michael made a career shift to a bit slower lifestyle and earned his wings, once again, passing the
Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) Airship checkride in December 2007. But this came only after completing
the standardization requirement by Goodyear for almost 300 Airship hours and a minimum of six-
to-twelve months of hands-on training.

"When looking for a Goodyear blimp pilot we want someone with excellent pilot training and a
proven record, managerial skills and the personal attributes that make that person the 'total
package'." Said Greg Poppenhouse, Spirit of Goodyear Pilot-in-Charge. "In Mike, I believe we
found all of that, and more."

Michael continues to pass-on real-world experiences to the latest group of aviation new-comers
by remaining involved with the KSU Aeronautics program as a check-flight instructor. Michael
says “This also helps me stay up-to-date on the latest rules, regulations, and happenings in the
airplane and flight-training world.” Michael adds to all those earning their wings or considering a
career in aviation, “It’s a challenge but it’s certainly worth all the hard work! Keep your dreams in mind and follow through!”

Now based full-time on the Akron, Ohio Airship crew, he plans to enjoy his career as Senior Pilot
flying the historic Goodyear icon. Michael and his wife Jennifer live in the Akron area and are
expecting their first baby boy.

Who knows, maybe the next generation of Goodyear Blimp Pilots is on the way! After all, there
are very few aviation careers rarer than being an Astronaut!

Goodyear on occasion has Airship Pilot positions and Airship Ground Crew positions available,
such as: A&P and IA Aviation Mechanics, Radio/TV/Avionics Technicians, and ASE Certified/
Heavy-Duty/Auto Mechanics.

For those interested in more detailed information on Goodyear Tires, Goodyear Blimp, or Goodyear Airship Operations, visit: www.goodyear.com/careers; www.goodyearblimp.com; www.goodyearaviation.com

For more information or to reach Michael Dougherty please visit the Mentor Section at www.careersinaviation.org