College of Aeronautics Alumni Awardees

Bio

James “Jim” L. Blackford is a current captain and line check airman at United Airlines.

Blackford began his airline career as a flight engineer on the Boeing 727 for People Express, before the company was acquired by Continental Airlines and later, United Airlines. Blackford has flown the Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767, and 787, and holds a Single-Engine Seaplane rating.

Regardless of the company he worked under, Blackford has been professionally recognized for his stellar airmanship, mentorship, and service. In 1988, Blackford received People Express’s Second Officer of the Quarter award.

From 1998 through 2002, he served as the Airline Pilot Association (ALPA) Pilot Grievance Representative under Continental Airlines. From 2002 through 2006, Jim continued to serve ALPA as Union Captain Representative.

Following his work for ALPA, Blackford joined United Airlines’ Pilot Hiring team from 2015 until 2020. He received Captain of the Year (Cleveland Base) in 2016 and was recognized again in 2018 with the United One Hundred award.

Blackford is a proud Florida Tech alumnus after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and Flight Technology in 1985. During his time at Florida Tech, Jim was active in the school’s chapter of Alpha Eta Rho and Flight Team, as well as a former Florida Tech Flight Instructor.

Blackford continues to be involved with Florida Tech’s Alumni Association, the College of Aeronautics Advisory Board, and does mentorship work through Alpha Eta Rho.

Blackford is a native of Nicholasville, KY, where he achieved his Eagle Scout honor through Boy Scouts, built model rockets, and dreamed of the sky. Blackford is now proud to live locally in Melbourne, FL, with his wife and two daughters.