Republic Airways pilot Capt. Anthony Piland Jr. after landing a Delta flight at Martha's Vineyard Airport on Friday.
Vineyard Roots Helped Republic Airways Captain Soar
Aliyah Walker
Sunday, June 20, 2021 - 5:42pm
Ten years ago, Anthony Piland Jr. was an aspiring pilot shadowing Colin Ewing at the Martha's Vineyard Airport during the Martha's Vineyard Youth Leadership Initiative's first annual job shadow day. Mr. Ewing was the longtime Cape Air station manager at the airport.
This summer, Captain Piland, 28, is flying into that same airport as a Republic Airways captain.
In 2011, Anthony Piland Jr. (in the driver's seat) worked as a ramp agent for Cape Air straight out of high school. — Courtesy Tim Johnson
On Friday, after his second flight to the Vineyard that day, he was greeted on the tarmac by his mother, Mary Lou Piland, and father, Anthony Piland Sr.
Colin Ewing was there too, proud of the young man he mentored. After the job shadowing day, Mr. Ewing offered the aspiring pilot a job at the airport.
"I hired Anthony right out of Martha's Vineyard Regional High School as a ramp agent for Cape Air on the Vineyard," Mr. Ewing recalled. "I feel a sense of pride to see a Vineyard kid progress the way he has."
Flanked by proud parents, Anthony Piland Sr. and Mary Lou Piland. — Ray Ewing
Captain Piland was equally effusive about his former boss. "I used to work for Colin and went for my first flight lessons here," he said, taking a quick break after the landing. "Colin's the best boss I've ever had."
After graduating from the regional high school, Captain Piland attended Bridgewater State University. Later, as his career progressed he became a first officer at Republic Airways. Last year, just before the pandemic, he was promoted to captain, although he was unsure what his status would be after the pandemic hit.
"I thought I was going to be a first officer again and I was not happy about it at all," he said. "But I got to keep my captain status."
As Captain Piland made his way back to the aircraft on Friday he had a simple message for anyone looking to achieve their dream: "Just show up and don't stop."
More by Aliyah Walker
Martha's Vineyard Airport
Steve Ewing, Edgartown
Great story and good advice,
Richard Peter Wharton, Oak Bluffs
What a great and positive story about a young man from MVHS soaring above the clouds! Mary Lou and Anthony Sr., you done good!
Linda Cohen, West Tisbury
Bravo Anthony !
J Klingensmith, Naples, Florida
Way to represent the Island
LBL, Vineyard Haven
PROUD PROUD —— SO PROUD Congratulations to you all. Anthony jr. wishing you the very best in your future career. Be safe.
Tom Hallahan, Baghdad, Iraq
Congratulations Anthony! You always dreamed of becoming a pilot and here you are. Well earned.
Anne Fitzgibbon , Boston, MA
What a lovely story
William ExPBA, CHILMARK & HK
Colin was a great mentor for me as well, in my PBA days.
Sue and Bud Lamoreaux, Edgartown
Remembering shared time when you were training in Florida, dreaming of the day you would become a captain. You did it! Congratulations. Safe travels.
Dianne Smith, Chilmark
Congratulations all around, Piland Family! (Ewing family, too! You've done Jo-Ann and Harvey proud.)
Elaine Pace, West Tisbury
Glad to see your pic, Pilands, and to hear this good news!
Shauna, MV
Congrats on a job well done Anthony!
RockBaby
Beautiful family and inspiring story of community, hard work and diligence
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