This time, we have decided to go north of the border and talk to Mike Bourget from ACM Warbirds of Canada. Mike runs the show at ACM Warbirds, and he has a unique backstory. He didn’t start out as a professional pilot, but he can fly circles around most of us.
ACM Warbirds started out as a museum where people can experience fighter jets that don’t normally see them and it became an entertainment company. Mike went through aircrew selection for the Canadian military and was not selected, so he went into banking and entrepreneurship as a mortgage broker. After the death of his parents he decided to start flying. He started out as an air traffic controller, and his first day on the job was 9/11. Mike is still working in the ATC business, in charge of different operational systems around the country.
ACM is completely volunteer-run. All of the staff is there to have fun and educate the public. They go beyond airplane rides. They are a full entertainment company that does a variety of really fun things such as making a martini in the back of a jet upside down at 5,000 feet!
Join us for this inspirational episode about how Mike followed his dreams and created a unique career for himself in aviation.
In This Episode
5:36 – Mike’s experience with 9/11 as his first day on the job as an air traffic controller
12:05 – What makes ACM different from other air shows
20:21 – Perspectives Mike has gotten from working at ACM and the incredible staff and mission
22:08 – Why you should never stop chasing your dreams
25:17 – Advice Mike has for anyone who wants to get involved in simulated combat aviation
Resources Mentioned
Find ACM Warbirds on Instagram YouTube
Send Mike an email – Skidmk@acmwarbirds.co