Samuel Elias Peña
About Samuel Elias Peña
Samuel Elias Peña is a pilot recruiter and first officer at Mesa Airlines, Inc., based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a background in aviation and sales. He has experience as a captain, flight instructor, and has studied aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Work at Mesa Airlines
Samuel Elias Peña has been employed at Mesa Airlines, Inc. since 2018. He serves as a First Officer, primarily based in the Houston, Texas area. In addition to his flying duties, he has taken on the role of Pilot Recruiter since 2019, working out of Phoenix, Arizona. Mesa Airlines operates under several brands, including United Express, American Eagle, and DHL. Peña's dual role at the airline allows him to leverage his aviation expertise while contributing to the recruitment of new pilots.
Education and Expertise
Samuel Peña has a strong educational background in aviation. He studied at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics. He previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from the same institution from 2020 to 2022. Additionally, Peña attended ATP Flight School, completing a program in Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew in 2012. His qualifications include a current Flight Instructor Certificate, with certifications as both a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and a Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI).
Background in Aviation
Peña has extensive experience in various aviation operations, including Part 121, 135, and 141. His career includes roles as a Captain at Southern Airways Express from 2016 to 2017 and as a Certified Flight Instructor at SIERRA ACADEMY OF AERONAUTICS from 2015 to 2016. He also served as a Stage Check Airman at the same academy for 10 months in 2016. His diverse background in both flying and instruction has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the aviation industry.
Previous Work Experience
Before his aviation career, Samuel Peña worked in sales roles at various automotive dealerships. He served as a Sales Consultant at Showcase Honda in Phoenix, Arizona, from 2012 to 2013, and at DCH Paramus Honda in New Jersey from 2013 to 2014. He also held a position as a Sales Consultant at Toyota of Hackensack from 2014 to 2015. These experiences provided him with skills in customer service and sales, which complement his current role in pilot recruitment.