From bush strips to boardrooms, a pilot’s 40-year journey through Canadian aviation
Executive Summary
In a candid and wide-ranging webinar, Captain David Moore shares stories from his extraordinary aviation career—spanning loading C-46s in the Arctic to launching new airlines like Swoop. With wisdom forged in management and the cockpit alike, Dave offers aspiring aviators and seasoned professionals alike a rare window into airline startups, industry shifts, and the human side of aviation leadership. This is a must-watch for anyone curious about what it takes to build, fly, and lead in Canadian aviation.
Opening Up the Logbook: Dave Moore’s Aviation Journey
Decades of flying, leading, and learning from the best (and worst) of the skies
Captain Dave Moore’s career reads like a crash course in Canadian airline history. Starting with loading WWII-era aircraft in Northern Manitoba, Dave has served in nearly every flight ops role imaginable—chief pilot, director of flight ops, VP, startup lead, and now, line pilot once again. From his time at Wasaya, Royal Airlines, Cargojet, Sky Regional, Encore, and Swoop, Dave’s resume reflects both the volatility and tenacity of aviation careers.
What stands out most is his driving curiosity. “I never got into aviation to be a manager,” Dave admits. “But I was always asking: What’s going on over there? Can I help fix it?”
How to Start an Airline (When You’re Given 9 Months and a Vision)
Swoop, secrecy, and the scramble to lead Canada’s ULCC revolution
One of the most riveting parts of the webinar was Dave’s firsthand account of launching Swoop, WestJet’s ultra-low-cost carrier. What began as a response to potential foreign competitors quickly turned into a government-influenced initiative, with high stakes and even higher timelines. Dave was “in the room” when it was greenlit, built the AOC from scratch, flew the inaugural flight—and watched it evolve through mergers, arbitration, and cultural friction.
A standout quote:
“It wasn’t a plan. It was a vision. And that’s why it felt messy—because it was.”
His insights into the complex relationships between airline startups, labour unions, and pilot groups are raw, honest, and deeply educational.
Pilot Shortages, Fast-Tracking, and Safety Culture
What happens when the right seat arrives too soon?
Dave tackles one of today’s most debated topics head-on: the rapid promotion of low-time pilots amid shortages. Drawing on years of management and SMS experience, he shares how data-driven training, tailored SOPs, and vigilance can close the gap—but also warns of the dangers of overconfidence.
“You see a spike around 300–500 hours. Not because they don’t know enough—but because they think they do.”
His anecdotes—from fielding Embraer failures to adapting hiring matrices—are essential listening for anyone managing crews in this new normal.
Why Magenta? And Other Lessons in Airline Branding
Paint weight, psychology, and reinventing the low-cost look
Ever wonder why Swoop’s branding was hot pink? Dave spills the behind-the-scenes story about marketing studies, emotional color psychology, and even fuel savings tied to paint weight. It’s one of many “little things” that reveal the enormous complexity behind airline operations.
Final Thoughts: Stay Curious, Stay Humble
The aviation world is small—your name will follow you
In a moment of reflection, Dave shares advice for newcomers and veterans alike:
“How you make people feel matters. Aviation in Canada is way too small for grudges. Just treat others the way you’d want to be treated.”
His parting wisdom is a reminder that connections, humility, and a clean reputation are often more powerful than any flight hour log.
🎥 Watch the Full Webinar
Don’t miss the full conversation—it’s packed with lessons, laughs, and behind-the-scenes moments that only come from decades of experience. Whether you’re an aspiring pilot, industry insider, or just aviation-curious, there’s something here for you.
