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January 14, 2025

Career Advancement with Chris Sailer: From Intern to Director at PSA

Chris Sailer’s career at PSA Airlines exemplifies the remarkable career advancement opportunities within the company and the aviation industry. Starting as an intern over a decade ago, Chris’ journey highlights dedication, versatility, and a lifelong passion for aviation. 

The Path to Aviation 

Chris’ fascination with flying began early in life. His parents fueled his interest by taking him to airshows, sparking a dream that would shape his future. At nine years old, a family friend took Chris and his dad on a flight, offering Chris a chance to sit up front and even take the controls. This pivotal moment solidified his ambition to become a pilot. Later, a family trip to Disney World and his first flight on a commercial jet further deepened his love for aviation. By the time he was 16, Chris was already taking flying lessons which led him to flying an airplane solo before even getting a driver’s license. 

Building the Foundation 

Like many aspiring pilots, Chris faced the challenge of the FAA’s 1,500-hour rule for earning an Airline Transport Pilot certificate. Determined to build the required experience, Chris pursued an Aviation Management degree, followed by a master’s in Aviation Safety. This academic foundation not only prepared him for a career in aviation but also introduced him to the critical field of safety—an area he would come to love. To build his final few hundred flight hours, Chris took to the skies in his Cherokee 180 single-engine aircraft, flying it all over the country and further deepening his passion for aviation.  

 A Career in Safety 

Chris joined PSA Airlines 11 years ago as an intern, quickly finding his passion in the safety department. Over the years, Chris’ role expanded to encompass various facets of aviation safety, including flight safety, investigations, data monitoring, trend analysis, maintenance safety, regulatory compliance, quality assurance and collaboration with training departments to address safety trends. These experiences solidified Chris’ belief in the critical importance of safety and prepared him for leadership roles within the airline. 

 Balancing Piloting and Safety 

While Chris always aspired to be a pilot, his growing commitment to safety posed a dilemma: should he focus solely on becoming a pilot or continue his work in safety? PSA Airlines offered him the rare opportunity to do both. Today, Chris serves as a First Officer while maintaining his position as Director of Safety, a balance that keeps him connected to the operational realities of flying. He undergoes the same rigorous training and recurrent checks as all pilots, ensuring he remains sharp and current. 

Chris’ experience as a pilot enhances his safety work, allowing him to bridge the gap between safety protocols and real-world operations.  

 A Model for Career Advancement 

Chris Sailer’s journey at PSA Airlines illustrates the opportunities for growth and advancement within the company. His story demonstrates that with passion, hard work, and a willingness to embrace diverse roles, it’s possible to achieve great heights. From his first solo flight to his dual roles as a pilot and Director of Safety, Chris embodies the values of PSA Airlines and serves as an inspiration to those seeking a dynamic and fulfilling aviation career.  

 At PSA Airlines, career advancement isn’t just a possibility—it’s a reality for those who are ready to seize the opportunities and grow with the organization. Ready for your next opportunity? Check out our open roles at psaairlines.com.