Meet Pete Widry – From Advertising to the Cockpit
P6 Aviation is redefining the flight school experience with top-notch aircraft, exceptional instructors, and a commitment to safety and client satisfaction. In this episode, Pete shares his unique entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned along the way, and how he’s successfully scaled P6 Aviation despite challenges like COVID-19 and industry norms.
Pete’s story begins in Westchester County, New York, where a childhood fascination with airplanes turned into a lifelong passion. Though flying seemed out of reach for a middle-class kid, Pete’s determination led him to pursue flight lessons while working in advertising.
At 26, faced with a career crossroads, Pete left marketing to chase his dream of becoming a pilot. He earned his commercial licenses and spent seven years flying regional jets before realizing his next dream: starting his own business.
Building P6 Aviation – The “Apple” of Flight Schools
Frustrated by the outdated, impersonal experience at most flight schools, Pete envisioned a better way. In 2018, he founded P6 Aviation with a mission to combine high-quality instruction, cutting-edge technology, and a client-first mentality.
Key features of P6 Aviation include:
• Cirrus Aircraft: The world’s safest general aviation planes, equipped with airframe parachutes and advanced autopilot systems like Safe Return, which can autonomously land the plane in emergencies.
• Customer Experience: A clean, professional environment paired with highly trained instructors who make learning enjoyable and confidence-building.
From Crisis to Opportunity – Thriving During COVID-19
When the pandemic hit, P6 Aviation faced initial setbacks, with most clients canceling flights for several months. However, the crisis also sparked interest from individuals eager to avoid commercial travel or fulfill lifelong dreams of flying.
During this time, Pete capitalized on the opportunity by flying regularly, including once-in-a-lifetime landings at major airports like Denver International and LaGuardia, which were eerily empty. The surge in demand for private aviation during and after the pandemic helped the business not only recover but thrive.
Lessons from the Journey – Building a Business and a Brand
Pete attributes the success of P6 Aviation to several key factors:
• Partnering with Cirrus Aircraft: By exclusively flying Cirrus planes, P6 offers clients access to the safest, most advanced planes on the market, building trust and loyalty.
• Hiring the Right Team: Great employees are essential, and Pete emphasizes the importance of finding skilled individuals who share the company’s values.
• Prioritizing Client Relationships: Maintaining customer satisfaction is central to the P6 experience, which has led to a high rate of referrals and repeat business.
What’s Next for P6 Aviation?
With a growing fleet of 13 aircraft and a stellar reputation, P6 Aviation is poised for continued growth. Pete and his team are focused on expanding their client base, exploring new opportunities, and continuing to innovate in the world of flight training.
Links
• P6 Aviation Website: www.p6aviation.com
• Cirrus Aircraft: www.cirrusaircraft.com
Topics Discussed
1. Pete’s transition from advertising to aviation
2. How P6 Aviation is redefining the flight school experience
3. The safety and technology behind Cirrus Aircraft
4. Overcoming challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic
5. Lessons on leadership, building a team, and scaling a business
6. Strategies for client satisfaction and retention
7. Navigating the aviation industry as an entrepreneur