When a local high school graduate's dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot hit social media, it didn’t just earn likes – it captured the heart of John Werner, CEO of Pilot John International (PJi) and a former commercial airline pilot. Ben Swaggerty's journey into aviation felt like a mirror to Werner's own path, starting from high school dreams to high-flying careers.
Werner's aviation adventure began with flight lessons in high school, leading him to Purdue University's renowned aviation program. There, he earned his private pilot, instrument, and commercial licenses, along with an air traffic control certification. By 2006, Werner was soaring through the skies with Piedmont Airlines, calling New Bern, NC, his home. Yet, his entrepreneurial spirit took flight, leading him into the world of used ground support equipment (GSE) sales. By 2012, Werner had hung up his wings to commit to GSE sales fully. By 2018, he had transformed the business into Pilot John International (PJi), broadening its horizons to include pilot supplies, avionics test equipment, consumables, aircraft parts, and safety gear.
This past June, Swaggerty graduated from J.H. Rose High School in Greenville, NC. His next stop? Auburn University’s Professional Flight program, where his eyes are set firmly on a future in commercial aviation. Swaggerty's love of flight took off on a childhood trip to England. An Airbus A350 with a tail cam ignited his fascination, but it was his discovery flight that locked in his future. At just 17, Swaggerty earned his private pilot’s license, ready for the next exhilarating chapter of his journey.
Fate brought Swaggerty and Werner together at Dillon’s Aviation, where Swaggerty honed his skills. The two aviators shared stories of their first solo flights – moments of fear transformed into determination. “It was scary, but not an ‘I can’t do this’ kind of scary,” Ben recalled. “It was an ‘I want to figure out how I can do this’ feeling.”
With a knowing smile, Werner offered wisdom from his own journey, highlighting the relentless dedication required. “The flight program is tough. We were always at the airport, with early-morning flights, even on weekends when the rest of the campus slept. But hard work and curiosity will take you far,” Werner advised.
To celebrate Swaggerty’s soaring ambitions, PJi gifted him a top-of-the-line David Clark headset, ensuring he’s always ready for his next takeoff.
With the sky as his classroom, Swaggerty is poised to make his mark in the world of aviation. Fueled by passion, talent, and a supportive community, his future is as bright and boundless as the horizon. PJi is thrilled to support and follow Swaggerty’s high-flying adventures—the sky’s truly the limit!
