LIFT Academy Graduate Takes Unique Path to Becoming First Officer at Republic Airways through Brickyard Connection Program

For LIFT Academy graduates, there are numerous paths to earning the required flight hours toward a career as First Officers at Republic Airways. Most LIFT graduates gain experience and flight hours serving as Certificated Flight Instructors (CFI), but for some, different paths suit them better.

Ashley Blake, Brickyard Connection Captain, wanted to stay close to home and learn more about the full scope of airline operations. She is one of the first LIFT graduates to join the Brickyard Connection Program.

“I wanted to be part of something that was bigger than myself and something that would be here after I move on to flying for Republic,” said Ashley. “Flying for Brickyard Connection makes me appreciative of the fact that I can kind of see a different side of aviation from Republic that I hadn’t seen before. As a student, we focus so much on the flying aspect, but there’s really so many people involved in making an airline run.”

Brickyard Connection, named after Republic’s call sign, was developed to support Republic operations by utilizing airplanes 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 fly necessary parts, maintenance technicians, and anything else needed to help get the plane back up and flying to different locations. In the process, Ashley is earning the hours she needs to become a First Officer at Republic.

“Recently, there was an urgent AOG situation in Pennsylvania and they needed a part from the Indianapolis hangar,” she said. “I was able to pick up the part and fly it to Pennsylvania in about an hour and 45 minutes. The team was able to get the flight ready to go three hours ahead of time and pick up another leg, which made me feel very accomplished.”

Ashley’s love for flying began early on in her life. Her dad was an airline pilot, and she had the opportunity to travel around the world with her family.

“Aside from the travel aspect, I love how aviation is always changing and you’re always learning,” said Ashley. “With Brickyard Connection, I’m gaining real flying experience. I can also relate more to my dad and all the stories he would tell me about his career and training. He’s really proud and eager for me to earn more hours and move on to Republic.”

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