Today we’re spotlighting Blair, whose journey from childhood dreamer to accomplished pilot serves as a powerful reminder to always follow what inspires you.
From a young age, Blair always had a love for planes. “I was fascinated by everything about them: watching them fly overhead, going to airshows, and especially the excitement of travelling on them. There was always something magical about aviation that captured my imagination.” That fascination never faded.
I wanted to be a pilot. It’s as simple as that. Aviation isn’t just a job for me, it’s a passion. I genuinely couldn’t see myself doing anything else.
Inspired by the advice to ‘choose a career he’d be excited to wake up and do’, Blair cemented his decision to commit to his dream.
He joined Air Cadets as a teen, later earning his Glider Pilot License at 16. After high school, he received an Air Force scholarship and completed basic training. However, while undergoing Air Crew Selection he hit an unexpected roadblock when he learned he was too tall to fly. Undeterred, Blair pivoted. He enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at the University of Manitoba, using his summer breaks to earn his Private Pilot and Commercial Licenses, along with his Multi-Engine and Instrument Ratings.
Breaking into the industry was yet another obstacle, but after seven weekly visits to the cargo manager at Perimeter Aviation, his determination paid off and his career with Perimeter began. Starting off sorting cargo, he was shifted to ramp agent, balancing work with finishing his schooling and training.
In late 2009, Blair received a transformative call from the Chief Pilot inviting him to train on the Metro II. He advanced to Captain in 2012, transitioned to the Dash 8 in 2016, and was promoted to Captain again in just 11 months. Two years later, he was appointed Training Captain. Most recently, Blair received his Transport Canada Approved Check Pilot delegation. He continues to train new pilots while still actively flying and conducting check rides. This year, Blair’s dedication and leadership were recognized by being selected as one of Wings Magazine’s Top 20 Under 40!
Reflecting on his career, Blair shared,
I’ve learned the value of persistence, patience, and professionalism. From loading cargo to checking pilots in the simulator, every step has taught me something new and shaped me into the aviator I am today.
When asked why he chose Perimeter, Blair emphasized how important work-life balance was. “Early in my career, I realized I didn’t want to be sitting in a hotel somewhere, missing birthdays or milestones, wishing I was home. Perimeter gives me the flexibility to tailor my schedule around our family’s needs.” With his wife and three daughters, that flexibility means everything.
As for what he loves most about flying, “There are so many things I love about being a pilot, but one that never gets old is the view— especially on a cloudy day, when you climb above the overcast and suddenly find yourself in clear blue sky. It’s a moment of calm and perspective that’s hard to match.”
To those pursuing a career in aviation, Blair offers this advice:
Whether you’re grinding through five University exams in four days, training to beat your personal best marathon time, or losing sleep over an upcoming flight test, the challenges are real. But so are the rewards. The key is to keep pushing, stay focused, and remind yourself that the struggle is part of the process. It’s not supposed to be easy, but it will be worth it.
Blair’s story is one filled with persistence and hard work, representing what’s possible when you’re committed to your dreams. At Perimeter, we’re proud to support pilots like Blair who bring heart and excellence to everything they do.
