Attend TPNx to network for your dream job
Author: Adam Uhan, co-founder of The Pilot Network and Avgeekery guest contributor
This serves as a prohibited sales pitch. Why would you want to express it as something else? My name is Adam and you've probably never heard of me or The Pilot Network. I've been a professional pilot for 22 years, and I'd say it's pretty good. But you already know that. Whether you fly for fun or for money, flying an airplane is one of humanity's wonders. What I mean is that we've shifted from thinking 'what if' to flying anywhere (Antarctica, anyone?). When you sit down and think about it, it's pretty amazing. Maybe most people don't feel like we do, but pilots from all walks of life still seem to be enjoying the magic of flying. At least the people I know seem to think so, but I digress. This post is a sales post, right?
About 12 years ago I started a group on a large social networking website. That was completely selfish. Can I get hired by a large airline, especially one that carries boxes? And can we do this a little faster and easier than our predecessors? I put hundreds of people I 'knew' into this group, asked them a few questions about all things airline recruiting, and named it Pilot Network.
![](https://avgeekery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TPNx-1160x690.jpg)
Besides my personal goals, there was only one real goal for the group. It's about paying it forward. As pilots, it's about passing on our collective knowledge to each other. The idea was to avoid the old ‘I had to go through a gap year, so should you’ approach and start streamlining how we do business when we don’t find ourselves in embarrassing situations. Many people liked it. A lot of people thought it was kind of stupid. I didn't really care. I wondered if we could help each other as a group. Only time will tell.
One of the most unique parts about starting this on an existing platform was that it was pretty turnkey. Unlike the first iteration of forums and other information-sharing platforms, we could actually see the photos and names of people in the group. As military pilots, it felt like we were connecting in a military formation, except online. This was something different and unique. That's a pretty good deal if you ask me! Thanks to the huge social media platforms, which were pretty much the only platforms at the time. The next 12 years went by really quickly.
![](https://avgeekery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/M35B2779-1160x773.jpg)
“okay okay… You might ask, “The history lesson is neat, but what are you trying to sell me?” I don't think they're really selling anything. I just wanted to tell you about our group. Plain and simple. I want you to take away this statement and keep in mind that there is a group of over 30,000 pilots. From the ambitious to the retired, they believe in the mantra 'pay it forward'. What started as a small social media group has grown into an organization that wants to provide the best results for pilots at every stage of their careers. With podcasts, premium platforms, and annual conferences, things have changed since TPN's early days. If we can continue to add new perspectives and ideas, we can shape the future of aviation. One way or another, I believe that if our entire group of aviation enthusiasts continue to work together, we can achieve a lot together.
A quick shout out to the Avgeekery.com team: They are huge supporters of the Pilot Network. similarly! We love what Avgeekery does and the unique parts of aviation that our employees explore. We have tons of articles posted in our group. Jeff Gilmore, founder of Avgeekery, attended the TPNx Expo. When you want a fresh perspective on aviation news, history or events, you turn to our friends at TPN at Avgeekery.com. Thank you again for everything you do!
The future of airplane piloting will change a lot. The best thing we can do is support our fellow aviators. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my little opinion. If you're interested, check us out and let us know what you think. If you want to chat, shoot slingshots and arrows, or make new friends, please contact me at heyguys@thepilotnetwork.com. Fly safely!
PS-I failed as the original intent of the pilot network. I have never been employed by an airline to carry boxes. Instead I get to ferry passengers around the world, which is pretty cool. In fact, it was probably always the right place for me. Who knew?!