Brickyard Connection: A Pathway to Republic Airways
One of the biggest benefits of training at LIFT Academy® is our direct pathway to Republic Airways®. What you may not know is that we offer multiple ways to get there, including the opportunity to fly with Brickyard Connection after graduation. To detail her experience with this pathway, we talked with Ashley Blake, Captain at Brickyard Connection and one of the first LIFT graduates to join the program.
The Starting Point
“When I’d fly to visit family in New York and New Jersey, more often than not, my flight was operated by Republic Airways,” said Ashley. “That’s when I knew I wanted to fly with them.”
LIFT Academy and Brickyard Connection help make that goal easier to achieve by clearly outlining a path to Republic Airways. That way, you can better plan for your future.
“When I decided to go to LIFT in November of 2022, a large part of that decision was due to the direct pathway to Republic,” said Ashley. “Having that in mind has given me the drive to study hard and stay focused on reaching Republic.”
After graduating from LIFT, Ashley joined Brickyard Connection, a then-new Part 135 operation designed to support Republic operations by assisting planes in AOG circumstances. AOG, or Aircraft on Ground, refers to an aircraft that is unable to fly due to a technical issue. Ashley and her team are responsible for flying the necessary parts and maintenance technicians needed to repair those planes to and from different locations.
The Transition to Brickyard
Like with any new job, there will be an adjustment period, but training will cover everything you need to know.
“My transition from LIFT to Brickyard Connection was unique because it was a brand new pathway at the time,” said Ashley. “I had to adjust to a Part 135 environment, but I stayed on top of things and made it as smooth as possible.”
While the environment may have felt somewhat new to her, the similarities between the aircraft flown at Brickyard Connection and LIFT were immediately apparent.
“LIFT prepared me well for flying the DA-42 Twin Diamond at a professional level,” said Ashley. “And I know that experience will see me through to Republic as well.”
The Brickyard Experience
You’ll gain invaluable experience flying in different airspaces with Brickyard Connection, especially if you’re used to flying in less busy airspaces.
“Luckily, I trained at LIFT’s Indianapolis location, so I was used to flying complex airspaces,” said Ashley. “Since starting at Brickyard, I’ve gotten to fly into Chicago Midway, Morristown, NJ and Bravo airspaces such as Pittsburgh, which has really helped me grow as a pilot.”
Brickyard Connection builds upon the skills you learned at LIFT to provide you with even more practical, operational and procedural knowledge that will carry through your entire career.
“Brickyard provided me with the real-world flying similar to what I will be doing at Republic,” said Ashley. “It has taught me more about the world of aviation than I ever thought possible.”
The Schedule & Pay
Having a way to consistently build flight hours is critically important for any aspiring commercial airline pilot. Luckily for you, Brickyard Connection is perfect for just that. As a still-growing program with a small number of pilots, there is no shortage of hours for you to pick up.
“When I started, I had 485 hours, and just a little over a year later, I’m at 1,250,” said Ashley. “My average is about 60 hours a month, which includes an average of 40 hours in slower winter months, up to 100 hours a month during the summer.”
Another important factor for you to consider when building flight hours is compensation, as having an income allows you to focus more comfortably on your goals.
“I’m on salary, which means I still have income when weather or other obstacles prevent me from flying,” said Ashley. “It’s been so helpful putting that money toward my tuition costs and saving for my future move to a Republic base.”
Looking Back
As one of the first LIFT students to join the Brickyard Connection program, Ashley made a huge impact during her time there, including on her coworkers. Michael McKenzie, Chief Pilot and Safety and Security Manager at Brickyard Connection, shared this:
“Ashley quickly emerged as a leader and a valuable team player, uplifting those around her. Her reliability and commitment to excellence, coupled with her willingness to go above and beyond, have significantly contributed to achieving both her goals and those of Brickyard Connection. Thank you, Ashley, for your exceptional efforts and dedication.”
We asked Ashley for her perspective on this pathway as a whole, and she had this to say:
“While I did not expect Brickyard Connection to be a part of my journey, I am so grateful for it. Brickyard and LIFT gave me all the tools I will need to succeed in my future career, and I cannot wait to start my next chapter.”
If you’re ready to start your next chapter, learn more or apply today at flywithlift.com.
