At FlightAware, our passion for aviation goes beyond work; it's ingrained in the relationships we build with our coworkers inside and outside the office. One of our favorite traditions is organizing flyouts. While our work revolves around the intricacies of aviation, these outings provide an opportunity to unwind, connect, and strengthen the bonds vital for a successful team.
Back in 2019, the inception of the official “Flying Alliance” group marked a significant milestone for promoting general aviation within our company. The main objectives of the group were to:
The inaugural flyout on May 25, 2019, saw four pilots and ten passengers taking off from Houston and soaring toward (KLFK) Angelina County Airport in Lufkin, Texas. Since then, the Flying Alliance has orchestrated a total of 15 events, each one strengthening the aviation community within FlightAware.
Our most recent adventure took place on February 2nd, after our last Town Hall (the team gathers in our Houston office for training and updates from leadership on the upcoming year). Utilizing our #FLYING Channel in Slack, it was decided that we would chart a course to Aransas County Airport (KRKP), with delectable food from Pier 77 Fulton selected as our culinary stop.
Excitement grew as we gathered at the airport, pre-flight checklists in hand, and smiles on our faces. As the engines roared to life and we took to the skies, the stresses of the workweek melted away. The beauty of flight never fails to inspire awe, and experiencing it with colleagues who share the same love for aviation amplifies the joy exponentially.
Prior to landing, the team arranged for courtesy cars through KRKP, a service commonly provided by Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) across the United States. These courtesy cars afford visiting pilots the convenience of transportation, making the coordination of our trip to the food venue notably smooth and stress-free. Following a delightful lunch, during which we overindulged in seafood, we embarked on our return journey home.
Our flyouts are not just about the destination or the gastronomic delights; they are about the shared experiences and the bonds forged high above the clouds. Whether we're swapping aviation tales, discussing the latest advancements in flight technology, or simply reveling in each other's company, these outings serve as a poignant reminder that we are not just coworkers—we are a community of aviators united by our passion for flight.
FlightAware is not officially affiliated with or a sponsor of these events.