"Built for the skies above islands."
About
Ethan Popple grew up in Maryland before his family relocated to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands in 2020 — right as the world went quiet. Rather than retreat, he dove headfirst into island life: learned to sail through his school's programme, made lasting friendships, and fell in love with a place where sea and sky share the same horizon.
Enrolled at VIMSIA — one of the Caribbean's only International Baccalaureate schools — Ethan balanced the academic rigour of a full IB diploma alongside varsity soccer, Eagle Scout advancement, a job waiting tables at The Smoking Rooster, and the first flight hours that would define everything that followed.
At 16, he was awarded the Coral Wings Aviation Scholarship through the University of the Virgin Islands — one of the territory's most competitive aviation honours. That scholarship was the catalyst that turned a passion into a profession.
Today he trains full-time at American Flyers, Pompano Beach FL, holding six FAA ratings and 200+ hours of Pilot-in-Command time. Off the flight line you'll find him diving the reefs (PADI Advanced Open Water), strumming guitar, or planning the next sailing passage. He is actively available for his first commercial role.
✈️ Flight Training
Enrolled full-time at American Flyers, Pompano Beach FL. All six ratings earned through FAA checkrides — PPL, IFR, CPL, CFI, CFII, and Multi-Engine. Previously trained in the skies over St. Thomas.
⛵ Island Life
Learned to sail through VIMSIA's school programme. PADI certified in Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and Deep Diver. Equally at home below the waves as above the clouds.
⚽ Athletics
Represented the USVI National Soccer Team and VIMSIA varsity squad from 2020 to 2024. Team sport instilled the composure under pressure that makes a great aviator.
🎸 Beyond the Cockpit
Self-taught guitarist. 18 months as server and runner at The Smoking Rooster in St. Thomas — juggling shifts alongside IB exams, Scouting, soccer, and flight training.
Certifications
Every certificate earned through rigorous FAA-administered checkrides. No shortcuts.
PPL
The foundation of every aviation career. Authority to act as PIC of a single-engine aircraft for personal flight under VFR conditions — the certificate that opened every door that followed.
FAA — Federal Aviation Administration
IFR
Authorises flight through clouds, low visibility, and instrument meteorological conditions. Masters navigation by instruments alone — a critical safety and career qualification for any serious pilot.
FAA — Federal Aviation Administration
CPL
Authorises compensation for flying services. Requires a significantly higher standard of aircraft control, aeronautical knowledge, and aeronautical decision-making than the PPL.
FAA — Federal Aviation Administration
CFI
Authorises teaching student pilots under VFR conditions. Widely considered one of the most demanding FAA certificates — the instructor must master not just the aircraft, but the art of transferring skill safely.
FAA — Federal Aviation Administration
CFII
Extends CFI privileges to instrument instruction. Authorises teaching students to fly and navigate in IMC — a highly sought-after dual qualification for any flight school or operation.
FAA — Federal Aviation Administration
MEL
Authorises operation of twin-engine aircraft. Includes critical engine failure management, asymmetric thrust procedures, and the additional systems knowledge required for multi-engine operations.
FAA — Federal Aviation Administration
Journey
From the suburbs of Maryland to the cockpit over the Caribbean — the milestones that shaped an aviator.
2006 — Maryland, USA
Ethan grew up in Maryland, developing an early love of the outdoors and exploration that would define everything that followed — from Scouting expeditions to the cockpit.
2020 — St. Thomas, USVI
During Covid, the family relocates to St. Thomas, USVI. Ethan immediately integrates into island culture — learning to sail through VIMSIA's school programme, joining the soccer team, and discovering a life at the intersection of sea and sky.
2020–2024 — USVI National Team
Competed for the USVI National Soccer Team and represented VIMSIA at varsity level throughout high school. Four years of elite competition built the teamwork, composure, and discipline that translate directly to professional aviation.
Age 16 — Coral Wings Scholarship
Awarded the Coral Wings Aviation Scholarship through the University of the Virgin Islands — one of the territory's most competitive aviation honours, given at just 16. This was the defining moment that turned a growing passion into a committed career path and funded his first serious flight training.
2022 — Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico
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 programmes. Over 100 miles of high-altitude terrain with a full pack. Also completed high-adventure programming at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, West Virginia.
August 2023 — Saemangeum, South Korea
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.
2024 — VIMSIA, St. Thomas
Graduates from VIMSIA with a full International Baccalaureate Diploma — having balanced the demanding two-year programme alongside soccer, Scouting, work, and active flight training. In the same year, earns Eagle Scout rank — Scouting's highest honour — after 15 continuous years of BSA membership. Fewer than 4% of all scouts reach Eagle rank.
2024–Present — Pompano Beach, FL
Enrolled full-time at American Flyers, Pompano Beach FL — completing CPL, CFI, CFII, and Multi-Engine ratings in sequence. Now holds six FAA certificates and 200+ hours PIC. Actively seeking his first commercial role and pursuing a seaplane rating to return to Caribbean island operations.
Available for Hire
Six FAA ratings. 200+ hours PIC. Island operational experience. The grit of 15 years of Scouting. Ethan thrives in demanding, non-standard, and remote environments.
Certified CFI and CFII — authorised to teach VFR and instrument students. Patient, methodical, and passionate about developing safe, confident pilots. Available for flight school contracts, independent instruction, or part-time roles.
Drawn to the precision low-altitude flying demanded by ag aviation. Interested in spray operations, aerial application, and the independent, demanding lifestyle of the agricultural pilot. Open to training programmes.
Interested in jump pilot and paradrop roles — the discipline of repetitive precision flying, short-field technique, and close coordination with jump masters and ground operations. Willing to build time in this environment.
Actively pursuing a seaplane rating. Four years in the USVI means deep familiarity with Caribbean waters, weather, and inter-island operations. Philmont Scouting expeditions built genuine respect for mountain terrain and high-altitude environments.
Gallery
Six snapshots of a life built on adventure — from the cockpit to the reef.
Connect
Whether you're hiring, want to swap flying stories, or just say hello — Ethan is always happy to connect.