It is a pleasure and honor to introduce a dear friend and industry colleague, Giovanni! He goes by Gio and he is creating awareness about a side of the Air Force you may not have known existed.
I can’t wait for you to get to know Gio in this interview, be sure to follow along with his adventures on Instagram as well at @jetsettingio
Q: Gio! Tell us a little bit about how you ended up in your current position flying on
private jets for the Air force?
I joined the Air Force in 2012 and worked in Airfield Management for my first duty location in Hawaii. My passion has always been aviation-based, which drove my desire for a career I could eventually do in the civilian sector. While in Hawaii, I met an Air Force Flight Attendant who introduced me to the career-field. Getting to fly on private jets around the world serving world leaders sounded intriguing to me, plus you get to wear a flight suit! This is an aspiring military aviators dream. I had to wait a few years until my cross-training window opened up in 2017 before I applied and was eventually selected.
Q: How do you think military private flying differs from the rest of business aviation?
It is similar in so many ways, but the biggest difference is that we are still trained Airmen in the
Air Force. Instead of flying billionaires, we fly government officials. Our travels are less about
leisure and more about business. We also fly to locations that are uncommon, while still
following FAA guidance and our own military aviation rules and regulations. Having the
opportunity to fly missions for government officials can be stressful, but that’s what makes it so
unique and thrilling.
Q: What is one thing you wish people knew or understood about your job or the
responsibilities entailed with it?
One thing I wish people knew or understood is that while we do get to go to unique places and
experience incredible things, the work that is put into the pre-mission planning, mission
execution, and even post-mission duties can be exhausting. In comparison to some of my
colleagues who fly with multiple Flight Attendant’s on much larger aircraft, not to say the job is
any easier for them, I am solo on my little C-37 Gulfstream jet which means I do it all including
the loading and unloading of cargo.
Q: What do you love about your career in the Air Force?
What I love about my career in the Air Force is the job security as well as the opportunities it has
provided me. Most of all, I love the people I’ve met. I really believe nothing compares to the
friends you make within the military. You make deep connections in such a short period of time
because it’s common to experience a lot together during that time. Eventually we say “see ya
later” and may not see one another for months or even years, but when we do everything just
picks right back up as if nothing has changed. That is the comradery you just don’t get anywhere
else.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your career and what do you tell
others who are just starting out?
The best advice I have received is this: The Air Force is going to request a lot out of you, so in
turn, take advantage of all the opportunities it provides and always remember where you started.
Mentor young Airmen to their greatest potential to replace you when your time is up. Humility
goes a long way.
Q: Where can we find you on social media?
You can find me on Instagram only @jetsettingio
