Meet the team
Meet the team behind 49th Degree Aviation: a diverse group of seasoned aviation professionals and enthusiastic newcomers. With expertise spanning various aspects of the industry, they are committed to making aviation more accessible. Through mentorship and support, they ensure a smooth transition for newcomers into the world of aviation.
We proudly operate as a Canadian registered non-profit organization, with each team member volunteering their time and talents to this meaningful initiative. Our collective effort is driven by a shared vision of empowering the next generation of aviators, making a lasting impact on the aviation community.
Colton Campeau
Title: Co-Founder & Director, Program Development
Colton Campeau, co-founder, leads program development, creating impactful learning experiences for young pilots. His background in aviation and education enables him to design programs that effectively meet the needs of aspiring aviators.
Colton is a recent graduate of the University of the Fraser Valley Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation program. He is also currently working on his instructor rating license.
In 2021, he helped found what is now 49th Degree Aviation with the goal of making aviation accessible for anyone who dreams of becoming a pilot. It has now become apparent that there is a lack of resources for students, general aviation pilots and recent graduates to make connections within the industry. This realization has shaped the 49th Degree Aviation mission to not only make aviation accessible but help take uncertainty away for aspiring pilots by connecting them with experienced mentors from all across the aviation industry.
Jayden Wolfe
Title: Co-Founder & Director, Mentorship Programs
Jayden Wolfe brings extensive experience and passion for mentorship. As a co-founder, he has shaped the vision and direction of 49th Degree Aviation, focusing on developing a comprehensive mentorship program that supports aspiring pilots.
My name is Jayden Wolfe, and I’m a First Officer based in Toronto, Ontario. Like many others, mentorship has played a crucial role in shaping my career journey. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, I found myself without work and looking for new opportunities. That’s when I reached out to my old roommate, Colton, and we brainstormed the idea of starting a clothing brand. We decided on the name 49th Degree Aviation and quickly got to work, printing our first batch of T-shirts and spreading the word.
With the guidance of my mentor, I landed a job as a First Officer on the King Air 200 in Winnipeg. Balancing remote business management with Colton’s education proved challenging, so we paused the clothing brand.
However, after a year, we revisited the idea with a new perspective. Recognizing the importance of mentorship in my own career, we saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the industry. Over the past year, we’ve been working tirelessly to develop a robust mentorship program aimed at connecting aspiring aviation professionals with seasoned experts.
Our passionate management team believes that making mentorship widely accessible can greatly enhance the transition from education to the workplace in the aviation industry.
Travis Whyte
Title: Director, Leadership & Development
As Director of Leadership and Development, Travis provides direct leadership to our team, fostering personal growth and collaboration. He sets a tone of connection and excellence, ensuring alignment with our expanding services to inspire and engage our members.
Having built a strong academic foundation with a B.Sc. in Astrophysics and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technologies, I am passionate about lifelong learning and problem-solving. My journey over the past 20 years spans leadership roles in digital marketing and aviation, reflecting my ability to adapt, innovate, and inspire teams across diverse industries.
In my digital marketing career, I have guided hundreds of clients in bringing their businesses and custom web applications to life online. This includes founding Flight Plan Marketing Ltd. in 2019, where I now lead a talented team offering a full range of services, from branding and web development to SEO and business consulting. Our collaborative approach drives impactful results for our clients.
With a commitment to exploring new horizons, I pursued a parallel career in aviation, earning private, multi-engine, instrument, and commercial pilot licenses. My progression as a professional pilot has included flying the King Air & B1900 for North Cariboo Air, the Dash8 Q400 for WestJet Encore. I now fly the Praetor 500 with AirSprint, where I operate state-of-the-art business jets across North America.
Through my leadership at Flight Plan Marketing and my aviation career, I exemplify the values of growth, adaptability, and excellence, mentoring teams to achieve their fullest potential while navigating evolving challenges.
Samantha Porter
Title: Director, Outreach
Samantha Porter focuses on outreach, building partnerships with aviation organizations, educational institutions, and community groups to expand the mentorship program’s network and opportunities.
Samantha, currently in her final year at the University of British Columbia is pursuing a degree in Geography: Environment and Sustainability, she also earned her private pilot’s license in 2021.
She has since broadened her flying experience by obtaining her float rating, flying gliders, and exploring aviation in various countries. Now, she’s embarking on the path to acquiring her Commercial Pilot License, eager to launch her career in aviation. As the President of The Aviation Club of UBC, Samantha spearheads initiatives to foster connections among aviation enthusiasts and professionals. She orchestrates events like hangar hangouts, industry nights, and facility tours, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the club.
Brooke Tower
Title: Director, Marketing
Brooke is responsible for marketing, utilizing digital strategies to enhance the organization’s reach and engagement with potential donors, sponsors, and the aviation community.
Aviation wasn’t always on my radar, and I often wondered why this irresistible love for flying didn’t spark sooner. Originally studying at BCIT, life took an unexpected turn when I uncovered my passion for aviation later in life. I packed my bags, moved halfway across the country, and began my journey toward becoming a pilot. In 2023, I earned my private pilot license and am currently working toward my commercial pilot license.
Throughout this journey, I’ve had the privilege of working in various marketing roles, including Flight Plan Marketing! Blending my passion for storytelling, networking, and creativity with the aviation industry has truly been a dream come true.
I’m also proud to be leading the Girls Take Flight initiative, an annual event presented by Mitchinson’s Flight Centre. What started as a small gathering has grown into a powerful platform that showcases the many opportunities within aviation, empowering girls and women to see themselves in every part of the industry. It’s about providing a space where they can find their wings, feel inspired and empowered, and recognize the endless possibilities in aviation. Representation matters, and I’m passionate about changing the narrative, helping others see that they belong in this incredible field.
Sean Flynn
Title: Director, Program Development
Samantha Porter focuses on outreach, building partnerships with aviation organizations, educational institutions, and community groups to expand the mentorship program’s network and opportunities.
Samantha, currently in her final year at the University of British Columbia is pursuing a degree in Geography: Environment and Sustainability, she also earned her private pilot’s license in 2021.
She has since broadened her flying experience by obtaining her float rating, flying gliders, and exploring aviation in various countries. Now, she’s embarking on the path to acquiring her Commercial Pilot License, eager to launch her career in aviation. As the President of The Aviation Club of UBC, Samantha spearheads initiatives to foster connections among aviation enthusiasts and professionals. She orchestrates events like hangar hangouts, industry nights, and facility tours, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the club.
