BGSU alumnus Charles Mayer '11 was hired as a pilot at Delta Air Lines just five years after graduation and is now a first officer flying international routes. (Contributed photo)
A quick ascent through the aviation industry
Charles Mayer '11 arrived at Bowling Green State University with no flight training but, through coursework and hands-on experience, built a foundation for a successful aviation career. The ability to begin flying early in his college career, along with support from professors and instructors, gave Mayer the confidence to progress through each training milestone. Just five years after graduation, he was hired as a pilot at Delta Air Lines.
Key Highlights
Alum: Charles Mayer '11
Degree: Aviation, flight technology and management
Career: First officer, Delta Air Lines
Discovering a career in aviation at BGSU
Charles Mayer recalls the profound moment during his freshman year when he took his first flight lesson, an experience that confirmed he had chosen the right degree.
Early flight training in Bowling Green's aviation program
Students in Bowling Green's aviation program have an opportunity to begin flight training early in their college careers, an advantage of the University's size.
From no flight experience to a first officer at Delta
Mayer arrived at BGSU without any flight training and has since ascended in the aviation industry to become a first officer at Delta, flying international routes to Europe, South America and Africa and contributing to aviation safety through a Federal Aviation Administration program.
“As I reflect on my time at BGSU and how it helped me get where I am today, I realize that quality education and experiences aren’t exclusive to the largest schools. The education and training I received at Bowling Green have allowed me to build this successful career. It was a good decision to go to Bowling Green.”
CHARLES MAYER '11
FIRST OFFICER, DELTA AIR LINES
When Charles Mayer ’11 arrived at Bowling Green State University, he had never flown an airplane.
Today, he is a first officer at Delta Air Lines, flying international routes to Europe, South America and Africa while helping advance aviation safety through a Federal Aviation Administration program.
“As I reflect on my time at BGSU and how it helped me get where I am today, I realize that quality education and experiences aren’t exclusive to the largest schools,” said Mayer, who is based out of the Detroit Metro Airport. “The education and training I received at Bowling Green have allowed me to build this successful career. It was a good decision to go to Bowling Green.”
A distinct feature of Bowling Green’s aviation program is the opportunity for students to begin flight training early in their college careers, an advantage of the University’s size.
Mayer, who had initially planned on majoring in music, recalled the impact of his first flight lesson during his freshman year. He hadn’t arrived at Bowling Green with any flight training, as some students do, and that experience helped him realize he made the right choice.
“I remember getting in the airplane and the first takeoff,” he said. “We were rolling down the runway, and I had the biggest smile on my face. I remember thinking, ‘This is what I want to do.’”
Throughout the aviation program, now one of the largest in the country, Mayer built relationships with professors and instructors while gaining confidence through each flight training milestone – from earning his private pilot’s license to becoming a certified flight instructor.
After graduation, Mayer joined a regional airline and earned the rank of captain in just two-and-a-half years – roughly half the time it typically takes to reach that position.
In 2016 – just five years after graduation – Mayer was hired at Delta as a domestic first officer. He became an international first officer in 2024. Mayer continues to remain connected to BGSU and currently serves as a member of the BGSU Aviation Industry Advisory Board, which provides critical insight, review and feedback on curriculum to ensure it continues to align with industry needs and best practices.
In addition to international routes to three continents, Mayer is a Delta representative for the FAA’s Aviation Safety Action Program. The program is designed to encourage pilots to report safety concerns to improve safety and reduce the possibility of mistakes or incidents.
In that role, Mayer helps identify trends, review reports and improve safety practices across the airline industry.
“I’m really glad to be a part of a team that is making a positive difference in the airline industry,” Mayer said. “Additionally, it helps keep my mind sharp and not get complacent. I would encourage young pilots to get involved in these types of programs. At the end of the day, employers know they can fly airplanes. Being involved in these kinds of programs helps pilots stand out.”
Related Stories
Updated: 09/16/2026 11:57AM