Colin Elstner

FAA certified Aircraft Dispatcher, Weather Briefer, and Commercial Pilot whose career has been shaped by working closely with the National Airspace System. Being a Flight Service Specialist and FAA certified trainer has lead to extensive experience using safety-first communication, situational awareness, and crew recourse management allowing for effective decision making in high pressure environments.

Flight Service Specialist - Lockheed Martin/Leidos - Sterling, VA

(2015-02 - 2025-10)

• Provided thousands of real time aviation weather briefings, NOTAM interpretation, and relevant advisories to pilots, enabling safe and compliant flight planning and execution across the National Airspace System
• Advised pilots on route selection, alternates, fuel considerations, emergency situations, and go/no go decisions consistent with airline dispatch risk management principles
• FAA-certified Trainer responsible for initial qualification, recurrent, and emergency procedure training for Flight Service Specialists
• Selected as Designated Lead Specialist, acting as operational supervisor during assigned shifts

Remote Pilot Operator - Raytheon - Oklahoma City, OK

(2014-07 - 2015-08)

• Operated Air Traffic Control systems to support training in tower, en-route, and center control environments
• Simulated realistic aircraft traffic scenarios to reinforce air traffic decision making, situational awareness, safety, and regulatory compliance

Manager - Outback Steakhouse - Santa Barbara, CA

(2005-09 - 2015-07)

• Worked as management and staff in Prescott AZ, Temecula CA, Santa Barbara CA, and Oklahoma City Ok, spanning 8 years while flight training

Bachelor of Science - Aeronautics - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (2008-12)