Tim Genc

After graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in Speech Communication and earning his pilot credentials, Tim Genc immediately started working as a Flight Instructor to build valuable hours and experience in preparation for an airline job. By the time his interview was upon him, Tim discovered his true passion was in teaching and mentoring. He chose to stay in flight training for the next 17 years, amassing thousands of hours of instruction along with a wealth of teaching and coaching experience. 

For a slight change of pace, Tim accepted a position as the Director of Pilot Recruitment for a regional airline during the pre-pandemic initial hiring boom, where he continued to guide candidates and aviation hopefuls toward their dreams of becoming professional pilots. While his aviation repertoire expanded to include the world of Part 121 and airline operations as he interviewed thousands of pilots over the course of the next several years, to him, it was no different than teaching students in the early portion of their aviation journeys. And it was just as enjoyable! 

During this time, Tim was introduced to FAPA as an exhibitor and immediately recognized the value and novelty of their monthly career events. He ended up participating in hiring hundreds of qualified pilots at their Pilot Job Fairs, but his favorite part of the day was speaking to the aspiring young aviators during the afternoon Future Pilot Seminars. This led him to eventually leave the airlines to work with FAPA exclusively. In 2022, Tim entered the world of academia and became a professor of aviation in the Chicagoland area, shepherding budding degree programs in aviation management, flight and unmanned aircraft systems, thus rounding out his aviation know-how to encompass vocational flight training, college/university aviation programs and the airlines.

In addition to working with future or active pilots on résumés or interview preparation, Tim also hosts "FAPA Talk", the company podcast. Featuring aviation industry leaders and recruiters, "FAPA Talk" highlights pilot-seeking carriers' and schools' hiring practices, pathways, benefits and, ultimately, what it takes to work with the best companies aviation has to offer.

Tim is a Chicagoland native. When not spending time with his family, he enjoys writing, music, Dungeons & Dragons and diving.