Taking Flight: Building a Career at Pentastar

The right career isn’t just about a paycheck—it’s about purpose, growth, and being part of something more meaningful and fulfilling.

At Pentastar Aviation, hiring the right people is just the beginning. We build careers, foster potential, and invest in people who want to thrive. Our commitment to our team is what makes us stand out in the aviation industry.

Heather Sermo, our Vice President of Human Resources, leads this effort with a hands-on approach, ensuring every new hire feels valued from day one. We sat down with Heather to explore what makes a career at Pentastar unique and why the hiring process here is anything but ordinary.

Q: How does Pentastar support career growth?

Heather: I often hear people say they’re looking for more than just a job. They want growth, stability and the chance to make an impact. That’s exactly what we offer at Pentastar.

One of the things I love most about this company is our commitment to promoting from within. We recognize potential, give people what they need to succeed and make sure they know there’s a path forward here.

We’re also deliberate about succession planning — ensuring smooth transitions when longtime team members retire. When one of our maintenance directors approached retirement, for example, we identified his successor early and set up a four-month mentorship to set them up for success. It’s that level of preparation and investment in our team that makes a difference.

Q: What is the culture like at Pentastar?

Heather: A lot of companies talk about culture. At Pentastar, it’s something you feel the moment you walk through the door. We’re large enough to offer incredible aviation career opportunities, but small enough that everyone has a voice.

I make it a point to personally welcome new hires on their first day, introduce them to leadership and reinforce that we’re here to support them. We also host Lunch with Leaders — a casual, face-to-face gathering where new employees meet our executive team, swap stories and get to know the faces behind the titles.

That personal touch makes a difference. Employees stay here because they’re seen, heard and valued. In turn, they invest their time and talent into making Pentastar the best it can possibly be.

Q: How does Pentastar find and keep top talent?

The aviation industry is competitive, so attracting top talent means thinking outside the box. We don’t just post a job and cross our fingers — we actively seek out great people.

Pentastar partners with aviation schools, hosts industry events and offers mentorship programs to help new talent find their way. If someone is a great fit but missing a credential, we’ll invest in their training. We’ve had employees start as mechanics’ helpers and work their way up to fully licensed A&P mechanics because we believed in their potential and helped them get there.

That’s one of the things I’m most proud of — we help people build the skills and confidence to grow with us.

Q: Do you have any success stories from Pentastar employees?

Heather: I could tell you all day about our culture, but it’s the real stories that show what makes Pentastar different. Here are just a few:

• An experienced pilot told me she’d never walked into an interview and been greeted by two women in leadership. She knew immediately this was a place she could grow.
• A skilled interior technician wanted to pursue his A&P license. So, we supported his desire to get that license, both financially and allowing him the time away from work. When he passed the test, his team flooded him with messages of support. That’s the kind of workplace this is.
• A senior pilot applied for a job knowing he’d be flying smaller planes than he was used to. His reason? “I just want to fly for Pentastar because I know what a great company this is.”

When people choose to be here, even when they have other options, that speaks volumes.

Q: How can someone join the Pentastar team?

Heather: If you’re looking for an aviation career — not just a job — where growth, teamwork and leadership support are real, I’d love to talk. We’re always looking for smart, passionate people who want to make an impact.

Check out our current openings at Pentastar’s Careers Page and see if there’s a fit for you.