My name is Matthew (Matt) McDonnell, I reside in Manahawkin, New Jersey and currently I hold my airplane single and multi engine land commercial pilot licenses along with an instrument rating and certified flight instructor license. In addition I hold an FAA first class medical, FCC restricted radiotelephone operator license, FAA part 107 sUAS license, and high performance aircraft, complex aircraft, and tailwheel aircraft endorsements. Furthermore, I volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol as a senior member where I am a cadet programs officer and cadet orientation flight pilot.

Outside of flying, I am currently serving as a First Lieutenant in the USAF Reserve assigned to Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts as a logistics officer, and I am a saxophonist having played in professional recording and performance settings.

My goals are first to earn my airplane single engine sea addon, certified flight instructor instrument license, and multi engine instructor license. From there I will accrue enough flight time to meet airline transport pilot license minimums by instructing at Atlantic Cape Community College and conducting Civil Air Patrol orientation flights, while applying for pilot positions with Skydive East Coast, High Exposure Aerial Advertising, FedEx Feeder airlines, Ameriflight, and Contour Airlines. In addition to these companies, I have strong interest in a pilot position with Tradewind Aviation, Southern Airways Express, Mokulele Airlines, Makers Air, and Keystone Aerial Surveys, Inc. I actively search pilot hiring forums for companies outside of those named for positions where I can begin to gain valuable flight experience in a SIC or PIC capacity.

My ultimate goal is to fly for FedEx on aircraft such as the MD-11, Airbus A300, and Boeing 757/767, Atlas Air on the Boeing 747, or with United or Delta Airlines, with a strong desire to fly widebody aircraft on long haul international routes. While flying with one of these operators, I wish to continue with service in law enforcement as a federal flight deck officer.

Education

Atlantic Cape Community College
A.S. Professional Pilot October 31, 2023 - April 21, 2026 Associate in Science Professional Pilot option, here I earned my Commercial single and multi engine land, and certified flight instructor licenses under part 61 flight training.
The College of New Jersey
B.A. Criminology August 27, 2018 - May 17, 2022 Criminology major, studying community policing, crime statistics and trends, and theories of crime and rehabilitation.
Rutgers New Brunswick University
N/A August 27, 2018 - May 17, 2022 Participated in Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps as a crosstown cadet, completing the program in 2022 and earning my commission as a Second Lieutenant in 2023.

Work Experience

Logistics Officer
USAF Reserve December 19, 2025 - November 22, 2016 Directs distribution management operations, including distribution functions and shipping of supplies. Computes and analyzes current and projected materiel requirements, and base deployment needs. Directs contingency, fuel management, aerial port and vehicle management operations. Formulates logistics management and fiscal policy for weapon systems. Enlisted in 2016, earned the rank of Staff Sergeant in 2020, earned a commission as a Second Lieutenant in 2023, and promoted to First Lieutenant in 2025.
Consultant
Engineering Information and Technologies September 25, 2023 - Present Participated as a flight simulator consultant for a weather in the cockpit study for system software. Remains active on call as a consultant for future studies.
Airside Experience Specialist
Signature Aviation - August 6, 2024 Collaborated, cooperated and worked closely with all coworkers, customers, clients, vendors, and aircraft crewmembers to meet service needs. Serviced aircraft as requested by management or customers, including fueling, lavatory, ground power and potable water services. Loaded and unloaded luggage and other cargo into/out of aircraft and from/into the FBO or other location. Handled fuel including fuel quality control, fuel receipt, inventory and maintaining accurate related documentation. Understood, complied with and enforced all operational, safety, and customer service requirements for all aspects of the job.
Ramp Agent
United Airlines - Present Safe lifting, loading, unloading & transportation of baggage, mail & cargo from aircraft to airport. Maintained on-time connections by guiding aircraft to & from gate positions. Protected baggage & other equipment from damage, loss & weather conditions. Assisted with record keeping & documentation to ensure correct routing of baggage. Adhered to safety guidelines & maintained safe working conditions for myself and others.

Highlights

714th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Airman of the Quarter
March 31, 2020 Was nominated and selected at the unit level as airman of the quarter for the first quarter.
514th Air Mobility Wing Airman of the Quarter
December 31, 2020 Nominated and selected as unit, group, and wing level airman of the quarter for the fourth quarter.

Aircraft Experience

C-150
  • Time in Type: 9.3 hrs
  • Last Training: October 15, 2019
  • Training Type: Initial
  • Facility: Ocean Aire (MJX)
C-172
  • Time in Type: 292.3 hrs
  • Last Training: May 22, 2026
  • Training Type: Continuing (CFII)
  • Facility: Atlantic Cape Community College
C-182
  • Time in Type: 10.3 hrs
  • Last Training: May 11, 2026
  • Training Type: Aircraft Checkout Training
  • Facility: Ocean Aire (MJX)
Bonanza 36
  • Time in Type: 4.6 hrs
  • Last Training: October 22, 2024
  • Training Type: Complex Aircraft Familiarization
  • Facility: Aerospace Next (KCWC)
Baron 55
  • Time in Type: 1.1 hrs
  • Last Training: October 20, 2024
  • Training Type: Initial Multi Engine Training
  • Facility: Aerospace Next (KCWC)
PA-44
  • Time in Type: 18.1 hrs
  • Last Training: August 12, 2025
  • Training Type: Multi Engine Training
  • Facility: Atlantic Cape Community College
  • Time in Type: 7.2 hrs
  • Last Training: October 4, 2025
  • Training Type: Tailwheel Aircraft Familiarization in Aeronca L-16
  • Facility: Flight Training Centers (KOKK)