In honor of World Pilots Day on April 26, we are proud to highlight the journey of a Shenandoah Valley aviator whose path to the flight deck began right here at home.
When we first featured Kenneth Todd in 2021, his aviation journey was just beginning to take shape. At the time, Kenneth was working as an aviation maintenance technician at Classic Aviation LLC while also serving as a flight instructor at Blue Ridge Aviation, building both technical knowledge and flight experience. His passion for aviation was rooted in a lifelong interest, shaped by growing up just a few miles from Shenandoah Valley Airport and surrounded by a family with deep ties to the industry.
Kenneth’s approach to building a career in aviation was intentional. Rather than taking on significant debt to fast-track flight training, he chose to immerse himself in the field through hands-on work, gaining experience as a mechanic while continuing to develop as a pilot.
That foundation set the stage for what would come next.
Since that time, his career has taken a significant step forward. Now a captain with SkyWest Airlines, Kenneth is flying commercial routes across the country and returning to the very airport where his passion for aviation first began.
As we celebrate World Pilots Day, his story is a powerful reminder that aviation careers can begin locally and grow into opportunities that connect communities across the world.
We caught up with him to learn more about his journey, his experiences, and what it means to now fly into SHD as part of his professional career.
Since we last featured you in 2021, your career has evolved quite a bit. Can you tell us about your journey from aviation maintenance technician and flight instructor to now being a captain with SkyWest Airlines?
While working as a mechanic at Classic Aviation LLC, I was privileged to help provide local maintenance services to SkyWest Airlines when they previously served SHD. Being able to see inside their operation and interact with their team of aviation professionals really fueled my desire to transition into a more flying-focused career. I was privileged to be mentored and also to mentor many incredible aviators throughout my journey to SkyWest Airlines, and I can’t thank those individuals enough for their impact.
After being hired by SkyWest Airlines in late 2022, I spent 22 months working as a first officer in virtually every market that SkyWest offers CRJ service. I was again fortunate to fly with so many amazing captains and instructors who molded me and prepared me for the ultimate upgrade to captain. Since becoming a captain in November 2024, I’ve been based in Detroit and Chicago, flying mostly Delta CRJ-900s and American CRJ-700s. It’s been an incredible experience, and having the opportunity to operate into SHD as a result now brings it all full circle.
As someone who grew up watching airplanes over the Shenandoah Valley, how did it feel to fly into SHD for the first time in the CRJ700, knowing you are operating flights that connect our community to the world?
Flying into the Shenandoah Valley while at the helm of the CRJ was, and is a pretty surreal feeling. Being able to see so many familiar landmarks and to operate in the same area where I have so many fond memories over the years is incredible. Additionally, having the opportunity to connect so many of my friends and neighbors to the world through American Airlines’ global network is truly an honor and a privilege.
Your career includes experience as an aircraft mechanic, flight instructor, first officer, and now an airline captain. How have those different roles shaped the pilot you are today?
I feel that my career has taken a somewhat natural progression, where each role has complemented or benefited from a previous skill set or experience. While my path is not necessarily traditional or efficient, having a mechanical background and experience as an instructor continues to pay dividends in my current role as I manage aircraft systems and mentor our future captains.
What are some of the most memorable destinations or experiences you’ve had flying across the country?
Due to SkyWest Airlines’ diverse network and business model, I’ve had the opportunity to connect many smaller cities and less-traveled areas to a mainline hub. Some of my favorites have been Durango, Flagstaff, Aspen, and of course our own Shenandoah Valley.
What does a typical weekly schedule look like for you?
Our trips generally range from one to four days in length, and may include anywhere from one to six flights per day. Our overnights are regulated to be a minimum of 10 hours, but sometimes we are fortunate to be given as much as 30 hours off during a trip, making it legal to connect multiple trips into a larger-than-usual block of workdays.
Sometimes the overnights are in great locations with many options for food or exploration. Other times, quite the opposite is true. Each month we get to build our schedule based on seniority and company trip coverage. We don’t always get what we want in a schedule, but it is nice to have that flexibility and input in creating it.
Are there any responsibilities that come with being a captain that might surprise people?
I’m not sure there are many surprising captain responsibilities. However, one responsibility that may be less thought about is communication. Most of my responsibilities revolve around effective communication, rather than purely flying the airplane.
A captain is the primary link between the airline’s operational branches and must use available information and resources to keep operations running effectively, efficiently, and safely. The results of this behind-the-scenes communication are often evident as captains fulfill their customer service role by communicating with passengers.
What advice would you give to others in the Shenandoah Valley who dream of becoming pilots?
I believe when it comes to aviation, the sky’s the limit. Whether you choose to do it as a hobby or as a career is up to you. There are many great programs, events, and organizations that are dedicated to helping you pursue your dreams in aviation, whatever they may be.
Your local EAA chapter, RC flying club, flight school, or aviation maintenance school can be great local sources of information and aviation involvement.
Thanks, Kenneth! On World Pilots Day, stories like his remind us that behind every flight is a journey shaped by dedication, learning, and a deep passion for aviation. From watching airplanes over the Shenandoah Valley to leading them into SHD as a captain, his path reflects the opportunities that can begin right here in our community.
Today, we celebrate not only the role pilots play in connecting communities, but also the paths that bring them there.