Michael Henley has had a love of aviation all of his life. He comes from a family of pilots who continue to be his inspiration, most notably, his Great-Grandfather who flew C-47’s in the Pacific during WWII. When Michael was seventeen, he was given the opportunity to earn his Private Pilot’s Certificate which truly sparked Michael’s interest of pursing aviation as a career. He attended Middle Georgia State University where he earned his fixed-wing ratings as well as his CFI, CFI-I, and MEI certificates. Michael worked as a flight instructor for his alma mater as well as a pilot for The Georgia Forestry Commission where he flew fire patrol and observation across South Georgia.
Michael’s love for the outdoors and their protection comes from his youth. He spent many weekends enjoying Georgia’s lakes and hiking through its wilderness and wishes to preserve the environment so generations beyond him can enjoy nature as Michael learned to.
Michael is currently a First Officer at a regional airline where he flies the Bombardier CRJ-200. He first learned of SouthWings while searching for ways to give back in through. Michael notes “We as pilots have a unique way of giving back which few people have the qualifications or means. It seems natural to combine our interests for the betterment of the world”. Michael is also giving back by flying as a pilot for Operation Airdrop when given the opportunity and will soon be further spreading his love of aviation through The Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program which serves to introduce children to aviation.
