From Marine Biology to Commercial Pilot: Republic Airways First Officer Shares his Journey

Severino Alforeza III, known as Sev to his friends, grew up on the island of Saipan, a tiny speck in the vast Pacific Ocean. Growing up surrounded by the ocean sparked an early dream of becoming a marine biologist. However, life had other plans for Sev. In 2015, his family moved to Houston, Texas, a significant change from island life. He put his university studies on hold to work and save money, finding himself an unexpected job: cleaning planes. “It’s surreal to think that those same planes are now the ones I fly,” Sev reminisces.

Discovering a Passion for Aviation

Sev’s journey into aviation wasn’t planned. “I never really considered being a pilot as a career option,” he shared. “It wasn’t that I lacked interest in aviation or flying; I just didn’t know any pilots personally.” But the exposure to airplanes through his job ignited a curiosity about flight. By 2018, Sev had joined Republic Airways as a materials specialist in the maintenance department. The job came with an unexpected perk—travel. “You could say I caught the travel bug. One of my biggest goals while travelling was getting to see the Seven Wonders of the world in a year. Using my flight benefits, I was able to visit 37 countries.”

These experiences, made possible by Republic’s travel privileges, solidified his interest in aviation and further drove his fascination with the idea of flight, especially what went on in the flight deck. As time went on, Sev found himself interested in becoming a pilot. “The freedom and the perspective you get from being in the air are unmatched.”

First Stop: LIFT Academy

Sev officially began his flight training in February 2020. Primarily choosing LIFT Academy because of its connection to Republic Airways, LIFT also had the structured program he was looking for. “The program’s structure and employment pathway with Republic Airways along with resources like qualified Certificated Flight Instructors, new planes and top of the line simulators were exactly what I was looking for,” he explained. Receiving half off of his tuition through the Republic Airways employment sponsorship program solidified his decision.

The culture at LIFT, as Sev notes, was one of high standards and safety which ultimately leads to success. “Everyone, from students to instructors, is dedicated to helping each other succeed. Instructors evaluate our performance according to strict standards and ensure, through their instruction, that we perform accordingly.” Sev recalls personal examples of this as he was on his journey. “LIFT would post individual milestones from students and instructors, and I saw how this gave them the confidence and determination to keep going and do better. The celebration and recognition of each student and instructor’s progression allowed for a boost in morale. And I believe this culture allowed for the success of many, including myself.”

Destination: Republic Airways

Today, Sev is a First Officer with Republic Airways and has been in this role for over a year and a half. His responsibilities as a commercial airline pilot are extensive, starting long before the plane takes off. Pre-flight planning, weather checks, reviewing flight plans and aircraft inspections are all part of ensuring a safe journey. “My overall satisfaction with this job is working with a great flight crew, both my captains and flight attendants, who perform their jobs diligently. This ensures the safety, comfort, and overall positive experience of our passengers.”

Reflecting on his journey, Sev is most proud of achieving his dream of becoming an airline pilot and having the opportunity to take what he’s learned and help current students through their flight training journeys. His favorite memories include his first solo flight—a milestone that solidified his passion for aviation—and taking his family on a discovery flight, a moment of great pride and joy for both him and his family.

Advice for Aspiring Pilots

Sev’s advice for aspiring aviators is this:

“Stay dedicated and persistent. A quality that makes a great pilot is their desire to improve, push through and do better without giving up. As I mentioned, flight training is tough; but you take the setbacks, learn from them, and keep trying.

You don’t have to have any background or experience prior to entering. They can take a person like me who had zero hours and had not had any experience in handling an aircraft, put them through their tried-and-true flight training program, and turn them into professional commercial airline pilots.

Flight training can be demanding, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Make sure to take advantage of every learning opportunity and never stop improving your skills. Everything that is worth it is never easy. This career is lucrative and enjoyable at the same time. It’s an amazing time to become an airline pilot, so I encourage you to start today.”

Looking Ahead

As Sev continues full speed ahead, he is excited about the future. He looks forward to exploring more international destinations, perhaps this time as the pilot in command. His journey is a testament to the power of embracing curiosity and unexpected opportunities. If you’re curious about becoming a pilot, start with LIFT Academy.