Boni Caldeira

So describes a passion that possessed Caldeira at an early age and propelled him from childhood daydreams to executive leadership at one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers. While his list of accomplishments are inspiring, what makes Caldeira’s story so moving is how he went about achieving his goals. His journey was one fueled by tenacity and curiosity rather than access or privilege. Cost remains a well-known, yet often undiscussed, barrier to entry for many aspiring pilots who, on their path to the left seat, may find themselves balancing between passion and financial reality. Caldeira stands as a real-world example that proves success really can be achieved through determination and persistence.

How did you get started in aviation?

My first job in aviation was in an avionics shop just being a gofer, doing avionics inspections. I was introduced to aviation as a young child, and at the end of high school, one of the things that was very influential for me was Microsoft Flight Simulator. There was a flying club, and we did a demo flight. They would take you up for one lap around the traffic pattern, but it was so impactful, and it just locked me in. I didn’t start taking lessons until after college when I saved up enough. I learned to fly at a flight school here in Frederick [Maryland], so it’s funny that I’ve traveled all over the world, but ended up right back here.

What aircraft did you learn in?

The cheapest airplane I could afford. It was $25 an hour, and I think $15 for the instructor. I literally shopped everywhere to find what I could afford. [The school I found] had very low rates. That was the only thing that mattered and the only thing I knew. I could afford about eight lessons, and I’d work my tail off to afford the rest of it.

What is your favorite aviation-related activity?

Every now and then you’re in the cockpit and you’re like, “wow this is magical.” Sometimes it’s a dusk flight, but typically dawn or slightly after dawn, the sun has just come up, the world has barely woken up, the air is perfectly smooth, and you’ve got that truly special light. You’ve got a bird’s-eye view of the world as it’s waking up. That’s my favorite.

Favorite aircraft?

It’s like choosing a favorite kid. The Vision Jet is special for a lot of reasons. I was such a big part of introducing it to the world. And that morning scene I mentioned: In that airplane, with the huge windows and the positioning that you have, it is extra spectacular.

Advice for students?

I fell into aviation as a hobby and fell head over heels. Just by hanging around, I discovered I could actually make this a career. When I started, I thought “well, there’s airline pilot and fighter pilot, and that’s about it.” I wish I had known earlier that there are legitimate careers in aviation that a lot of people make their living with, and they can feed their family and mix their hobby and passion with their career.  

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