For some, a person’s career can define who they are. For Envoy First Officer Daniel Collins, he isn’t just defined by the time he spends on the flight deck but  also by the time he spends riding the waves.

In this installment of our “Double Life” series, we meet with Daniel as he tells about his life as a former competitive wakeboarder and his journey to Envoy.

From Wakeboarding to Aviation

It all started when Daniel was coaching wakeboarding in Orlando, Fla. one summer during his freshman year of college. He would regularly run into two men from France practicing their wakeboarding skills and became curious.

Eventually, he asked them how they managed to visit so often, and they revealed that they were commercial pilots and frequently bid for Orlando overnight trips so they could wakeboard. With that new inspiration, he called his student advisor at his college and switched his major to Aviation.

Daniel completed his flight training at Ohio State University after receiving his Commercial Pilot License and becoming an Envoy Cadet.

“I was sold on Envoy’s bases initially,” said Daniel. “The more I learned about the company, I knew Envoy was the place for me. The flow to American Airlines was a big perk, and the growing fleet of Embraer 175 jets was a bonus that made the decision easy.”

Riding the wake

Daniel’s connection to wakeboarding goes beyond just a fun pastime.

“I loved that it gave me an outlet that allowed me to scratch a competitive itch while also expressing myself through my riding,” Daniel said. “Hours spent working toward each new trick on the water gave me the discipline needed to pursue a career in aviation. It showed me the connection between hard work and success when hours practicing translated into contest wins.”

During college, Daniel joined Ohio State’s wakeboarding team and traveled across the country to compete at national levels. The team won four conference titles, and he built a network of friendships and relationships with various brands who sponsored him along the way.

Where the Water Meets the Sky

Now, even as a commercial pilot, wakeboarding continues to be a huge part of Daniel’s life. Whether he’s flying customers across the country or catching air on a wakeboard behind a boat, he’s learned to find balance between his two passions.

“Without wakeboarding, I wouldn’t be who I am today, professionally or otherwise,” Daniel said.

While he enjoys the rewarding feeling of helping customers, especially those new to flying, there’s another aspect of his job that truly excites him – talking to aspiring pilots.

“I had no friends or family in aviation, so I was very much in the dark about how the industry worked,” Daniel said.

Now, he takes pride in offering guidance to future pilots who are navigating the often-confusing path into the aviation world. His knowledgeable advice to aspiring pilots is to simply enjoy the process.

“The aviation industry can seem like a rollercoaster at times, but it’s an incredible ride and worth every bit of the work it takes to get here,” Daniel said. “Just like I did years ago on that lake in Orlando, don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

Thank you to First Officer Daniel Collins for sharing his story with us! Learn more about the Envoy Cadet Program here.