Instagram story viewer> @flywithdallas> Posts

Dallas Butler

@flywithdallas

2.8K

followers

1322

following

✈️ CFI & CFII | SoCal Pilot
🛩️ Flying the West Coast | Airline-bound
🎥 Aviation tips, training, and experiences

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Holy smoke, we hit the goal. What a ride it’s been. We all start somewhere. I’m just getting started 😎
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#cfi #cfii #fly #pilotlife #flysocal #generalaviation #flighttraining #flightinstructor #pilot #airline #airlinepilot taken in Southern California by @flywithdallas

180

32

2 years ago

If you’ve applied to dozens of companies and you’re still waiting to hear back, here’s what I learned spending a year applying in 2025:

• Set realistic expectations. 1,500 hours might be enough, or it might not. Don’t anchor your self-worth to that number.

• Invest in expos and job fairs. Showing up once isn’t a strategy. Consistent attendance is. Talk to everyone when time allows. Day 2 is almost always slower than day 1, so you can get a lot more face time with recruiters and pilots.

• Look the part. You’ll need a suit... but honestly maybe two or three. Bring a clean resume on heavy weight paper. Be prepared to ask smart questions about the market the company operates in, the day to day operations, what direction the company is headed, etc.

• Consistency is key. Stay visible. Stay professional. Stay patient. You will get better at this the more you do it.

Bonus: keep yourself open-minded and tell people you’re actively looking. Most opportunities don’t come from a pure off the street application — they come from conversations that accompany your application.

If you’re in the grind right now, keep going. It does come together. taken in Lax International Airport Los Angeles California by @flywithdallas

3k

3

9 months ago

I’ve seen quite a few people give up on flight training over the last year. Anecdotally, feels like more than usual. The slow down in hiring, continuous increase in living expenses are no doubt contributing. For those who have the grit to stick it out; you have to sacrifice more time, more money, and who you were before flying in order to make it. Don’t give up just yet 💪 you’ll need that grit in the future taken in Catalina Island by @flywithdallas

7k

5

a year ago

Ramzi and Enrique, you will be dearly missed. I was shocked to hear the news and, like so many of us, I still don’t want to believe it.

Ramzi was a devoted family man who leaves behind a beautiful wife and three young children. Both of these men had their whole lives ahead of them, and the loss is felt deeply by everyone who knew them.

If you are able, please consider donating to their families via the links pinned in the comments. We also ask that you please keep the families in your thoughts and remain respectful in the comments during this incredibly difficult time.

Blue skies and tailwinds, brothers. ❤️🕊️ taken in Corona Municipal Airport by @flywithdallas

719

29

5 months ago

No longer an aspiring airline pilot 👨‍✈️ by @flywithdallas

1k

34

6 months ago

taken in Chino Airport by @flywithdallas

97

10

9 months ago

After a year of applying to airlines, waiting, and staying ready, this became clear.

Success isn’t about wanting it more (trust me, we all want it pretty bad). It’s about what you’re willing to give up to earn it.

This took some time to learn, and now it is very clear.

Follow for more taken in Flabob Airport by @flywithdallas

142

1

9 months ago

by @flywithdallas

56

0

9 months ago

Yep I see why people like this ✈️ taken in Chino Airport by @flywithdallas

79

0

9 months ago

by @flywithdallas

247

6

9 months ago

I’m a bit late one this one but couldn’t get away without a end of 2025 recap. And, what a year. From GA to jets, and everything in between.
I’ve been quiet the last month in airline training, but 2026 is about to go full throttle.

If you love aviation, the grind, and the moments in between, follow along. I’ll share what I’ve learned so you can grow too. More inbound. ✈️ by @flywithdallas

47

6

9 months ago

Merry Christmas everyone! 🎅 taken in Corona Municipal Airport by @flywithdallas

4k

2

10 months ago