Meet the Team - World Pilots Day - Michaël Landry-Chouinard - Dash 8 First Officer

Name: Michaël Landry-Chouinard

Job Title: Dash 8 First Officer – Montreal (YUL)

Years at CMA: 3 Months

What is your favourite route to fly? 

My favorite route so far is the Lower North Shore, all the way to Blanc-Sablon. It’s incredibly beautiful, with the St. Lawrence River and untouched nature along the way. It really makes those flights special.

What’s been your most memorable flight experience?

As I’m still new here, I haven’t experienced everything yet, but one highlight so far has been my first cross-Canada flight from Montreal to Calgary. Flying across the country really made me realize just how vast Canada is, an incredible feeling.

What does being a pilot mean to you?

To me, being a pilot means managing multiple tasks, making important decisions, and adapting to constantly changing environments. You often work with new people who have different mindsets, and you’re regularly challenged by weather that can change at the last minute. Especially during takeoff and landing, you need to stay sharp and handle multiple tasks at once.

Can you share a bit about your journey in aviation?

I started in aviation nine years ago as a flight attendant, when I was around 20 years old. I was always passionate about airplanes and very interested in the industry. About four years into my career, when COVID hit, I started seriously thinking about becoming a pilot. I did a familiarization flight, and everything took off from there.

After that, I kept asking questions to the pilots I worked with and gradually began my training. I even bought a small Cessna 150 and started flying for fun, without any real expectations for my career. I was still working full-time as a flight attendant and learning at my own pace, without pressure.

Eventually, everything fell into place. I completed my Commercial and Multi-IFR training, and in 2024, I landed my first pilot job. I still remember receiving my first paycheck as a pilot. I almost cried. That’s when it really hit me: I was getting paid to fly.

In nine years, I’ve learned so much in aviation, and I’m still learning every single day.

What does safety mean to you as a pilot?

Safety means everything as a pilot. We fly in a beautiful country, but it comes with intense weather phenomena that require thorough preparation. I really appreciate how much emphasis CMA puts on safety; it makes my experience here even more positive. The training is strong, and the team is always supportive.

Do you have a pre-flight ritual or routine?

My preflight routine starts about two hours before departure. I like to have a good breakfast and take a shower. Then I review the weather, NOTAMs, runway conditions, and airport services while preparing my flight. The night before, if I’m going away for a few days, I prepare my suitcase and meals. It helps me stay organized, eat healthier, and save money, which is always a good thing these days.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

My typical workday is enjoyable. At CMA in Montreal, we rarely fly at night, which helps maintain a stable routine. I’m usually at the airport around 7:00 to meet the crew and the CSAs. Everyone is very friendly, and I like arriving early to chat and get set up without rushing. Most days, I’m done by around 15:00.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a pilot?

My advice to anyone who wants to become a pilot is: don’t put too much pressure on yourself at the beginning. Take it one step at a time, because it can feel overwhelming at first. No path is perfect, and there are many different ways to build a career in aviation; that’s why it’s important to follow your heart.

Stay true to yourself and your goals, and don’t let others decide your path for you, it’s okay to be different. Remember that aviation is a small industry, so it’s important to always remain professional and kind, even in difficult situations. Early on, competition can be tough, with many candidates for a few positions. Stay positive, keep working hard, and be patient; your time will come.