John's Bio

[PSA John]

My name is John Burruel. My background in aviation has been an interesting road. I fell in love with flying when I was 4 years old, when my father took me to tour a boat (the Queen Mary) in Long Beach Harbour. When he realized I was distracted by tour helicopters flying overhead, he offered me the opportunity to take a helicopter ride instead. I opted for the helicopter ride and it ignited a lifelong love of aviation.

Professionally, I did a few other things before flying. In college, I ran swimming pools and public recreation programs, was an EMT, and a professional skiier. Early in life, I was fortunate enough to catch the attention of some important folks who gave me an incredible career opportunity and appointed me the Executive Vice President of a high-end private university in Lake Tahoe/Reno.

After helping others achieve their educational and career goals for 8 years, I decided it was time to live my own. So, 28 years after taking my first helicopter ride, I quit a great job, sold most everything I had, and headed off to ATP. Many folks have argued that I'm crazy, but I've never looked back and everyday pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. I currently fly the CRJ 200 and 700 for US Airways Express/PSA Airlines. I'm also a simulator instructor/checkairman with PSA and really enjoy the opportunity to continue teaching and introducing new pilots to the CRJ! I still live in Tahoe and commute to work in Charlotte. I'll always believe there's something about aviation that can never be found in any other career. Welcome to the forum. I look forward to helping out any way I can.