Aviation Professional • St. Thomas, USVI

Ethan
Popple

"Disciplined. Committed. Reliable. Passionate aviator."

PPL IFR CPL CFI CFII Multi-Engine

Attending in Person

I'd like to meet you at EAA AirVenture 2026

July 22–26, 2026  ·  Oshkosh, Wisconsin

EAA AirVenture 2026
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About

Commercial Pilot | CFII | Open to Relocation

In 2020, my life took a sharp turn in the best possible way. My family relocated from Middletown, Maryland to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a move that opened the door to experiences that would shape who I am today.

I threw myself into island life, learning to sail, building lifelong friendships, and developing a deep connection to a place where the sea and sky feel limitless. It was here that my interest in aviation truly took hold.

At Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy, one of the Caribbean's only International Baccalaureate schools, I balanced the demands of a full IB curriculum with varsity soccer, earning my Eagle Scout Award, and working part time at The Smoking Rooster, a popular BBQ restaurant in St. Thomas, all while beginning my flight training.

At 16, I was awarded the highly competitive Coral Wings Aviation Scholarship through the University of the Virgin Islands and the FAA. That moment turned a growing passion into a clear career path.

Today, I am training full time in the Airline Academy Program at American Flyers in Florida. Since September 2025, I have earned my Private Pilot License and Instrument Rating, and I am on track to complete my Commercial License, CFI, CFII, and MEI by June 26, 2026. Upon graduation, I will have over 200 hours of Pilot in Command time, with an even greater drive to continue learning and progressing in aviation.

I am actively seeking my first commercial opportunity and am eager to contribute, learn, and grow in any environment that challenges me.

6
Target FAA Ratings
200+
PIC Hours on Graduation
15
Years in Scouting
18
Years Old

Flight Instructor

I strongly believe the best way to learn is to teach. Becoming a flight instructor would let me build on the mentorship and leadership skills I developed during my Eagle Scout Award journey, while continuing to refine my own abilities alongside other passionate pilots.

Alaska

Some of the most skilled pilots I have met have spent time flying in challenging environments. I am particularly drawn to Alaska, where flying demands precision, adaptability, and resilience. I would welcome the opportunity to develop those skills, ideally alongside training as an A&P mechanic to broaden my technical understanding of aircraft.

Seaplane Rating

Growing up in the Virgin Islands, I was inspired early by the experience of landing on water. Earning a seaplane rating and developing those skills is something I am genuinely excited to pursue.

Australian License

With both UK and US citizenship, I am fortunate to have opportunities to explore aviation globally. I would be very interested in pursuing an Australian CPL conversion as part of a broader international flying experience.

Beyond Aviation

When I'm not flying, you'll likely find me traveling, diving the reefs around St. Thomas, playing guitar, or putting the finishing touches on a well planned meal. I enjoy cooking almost as much as I enjoy flying. Both require precision, creativity, and attention to detail.

Certifications

Six FAA Ratings

Two earned. Four in progress, on track to complete the full Airline Academy Program by June 26, 2026.

PPL

Private Pilot

The foundation of all flight training. Authorizes solo and cross-country flight as pilot-in-command under visual flight rules, including night operations and basic instrument reference.

Completed December 2025

IFR

Instrument Rating

Authorizes flight in instrument meteorological conditions and operations under IFR. Covers precision approaches, holding patterns, and full situational awareness through the cockpit instruments alone.

Completed January 2026

CPL

Commercial Pilot

Authorizes compensation for flight operations. Builds on private and instrument foundations with higher precision standards, complex aircraft endorsements, and commercial maneuver proficiency.

In progress — target April 2026

CFI

Flight Instructor

Authorizes the holder to provide flight instruction to student pilots seeking private and commercial certificates. Requires mastery of teaching techniques, aeronautical knowledge, and airmanship.

In progress — target June 2026

CFII

Instrument Instructor

Authorizes instruction in instrument flight rules and procedures. Combines the full instrument rating curriculum with the teaching skills required to develop safe and proficient IFR pilots.

In progress — target June 2026

ME

Multi Engine

Authorizes operation of a twin-engine aircraft. Includes critical engine failure management, asymmetric thrust procedures, and the full systems knowledge required for multi-engine operations.

In progress — target June 2026

NBAA

Professional Membership

Proud member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)

Journey

A Life in Motion

From the suburbs of Maryland to the cockpit over the Caribbean. The milestones that shaped an aviator.

2025–Present, Pompano Beach, FL

Full-Time Training at American Flyers

Enrolled full-time on the Airline Academy Program at American Flyers, Pompano Beach FL, completing PPL, IFR, CPL, CFI, CFII, and Multi-Engine ratings in sequence. On graduation (June 2026) will hold six FAA certificates and 200+ hours PIC.

Actively seeking my first commercial aviation role.

American Flyers Airline Academy 200+ Hours PIC

2025, VIMSIA, St. Thomas

Graduation & Eagle Scout Award

Graduated from VIMSIA, an International Baccalaureate school, having completed the full IB curriculum alongside soccer, Scouting, work, and active flight training. In the same year, earned Eagle Scout rank, Scouting's highest honor, after 15 continuous years of BSA membership. Fewer than 4% of all scouts reach the rank of Eagle Scout Award.

IB School Eagle Scout Award VIMSIA

August 2023, Saemangeum, South Korea

25th World Scout Jamboree

Selected as part of the official United States contingent for the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum, South Korea, one of the largest youth gatherings on Earth. 43,000 scouts from 158 countries. A two-week cultural exchange and leadership experience with a truly global scope.

25th World Scout Jamboree
World Jamboree South Korea 43,000 Scouts

2023, Coral Wings Aviation Scholarship

🏆 Coral Wings Aviation Scholarship

Awarded the Coral Wings Aviation Scholarship through the University of the Virgin Islands and the FAA, one of the territory's most competitive aviation honors, awarded at 16 years old. This was the defining moment that turned a growing passion into a committed career path and funded the first serious flight training.

Scholarship Aviation UVI & FAA

Jun–Aug 2022, 2023 & 2024 · Cascade Range, Oregon

Camp Counselor & Camp Commissioner

BSA Camp Pioneer · Cascade Range, Oregon, USA

Exercised leadership and mentorship in a high-responsibility camp environment, leading hikes and overnight expeditions, delivering nature education, and supporting archery and shooting programs while serving as a strong role model.

BSA Leadership Oregon

2020–2024, USVI National Team

Soccer: USVI National Team & VIMSIA Varsity

Selected to compete with the USVI National Youth Soccer Team and represented VIMSIA at varsity level throughout high school. Four years of elite competition helped to build skills in teamwork, composure, and discipline that translate directly to professional aviation.

Athletics USVI National Team

2020, Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico

Philmont Backcountry High Adventure Camp

Completed the multi-day backcountry wilderness expedition at Philmont Scout Ranch in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, one of Scouting's most demanding high-adventure programs. Over 100 miles of high-altitude terrain with a full pack. Also completed high-adventure programming at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, West Virginia (2018).

BSA Wilderness New Mexico

2020, St. Thomas, USVI

Family Relocates to the Virgin Islands

During the Covid pandemic, the family relocated to St. Thomas, USVI US Virgin Islands. Ethan immediately integrated into island culture and community activities, learning to sail through the St. Thomas Yacht Club and the VIMSIA school programme, joining school teams and amateur athletic soccer teams, and discovering a life that intersects sea and sky.

USVI Sailing VIMSIA

2007–2020, Middletown, Maryland

Born in Maryland Maryland

Born as a dual US and UK citizen, Ethan grew up on a small farm in Middletown, Maryland, where he developed an early love of everything outdoors and exploration. This would define everything that followed, from high adventure Scouting expeditions to the cockpit.

Origin Dual Citizen
Actively available

Available for Hire

Ready to Fly Your Mission

  • Actively available to fly your mission
  • Passionate about flying
  • Keen to learn
  • Thrives in demanding, non-standard, and remote environments
  • Open to relocation
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Whether you're hiring, want to swap flying stories, or just say hello, I'm always happy to connect.

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