Inspiration appears through unexpected images. Seeing his short, slight cousin in charge of a powerful Boeing 747 made a big impression on Giuliano Vallesi (’03; pictured). He loved planes from an early age, but when his family visited an airport in his home country of Brazil to meet a relative who flew for Alitalia, he met his first airline captain. The awestruck little boy would go on to wear pilot wings himself. Today, as a founding donor of the Embry-Riddle Flight Society, he mentors and supports others in realizing their aspirations of flight.

Vallesi has captained Boeing 737s – a plane he loves – in the U.S., South America and now Asia. He is currently based in China flying with Sino Jet, Asia’s largest business jet operator. His 20 years of experience spans test flights, delivery flights and more than 11,000 hours in commercial aviation.

He credits his success to the quality of his Embry-Riddle experience as an aerospace engineering student, a flight student and an instructor-pilot on the Daytona Beach Campus from 2000-04. “Embry-Riddle gave me a comprehensive education with emphasis on safety. It opened doors for me,” he says.

His support of the Flight Society is a natural extension of his instructor days. “With my students, my priorities were safety, efficiency, knowledge and dedication. Embry-Riddle pilots stand out because of the discipline that starts with their first flight hours. Those early habits define you as a professional forever.”

As an Embry-Riddle pilot, Vallesi also became part of an informal flight fraternity and professional network. His bonds with international students remain strong. “I still keep in touch with former classmates and instructor-pilots, and I follow the alumni channels.”

Now he is eager to pass on his love of aviation as a donor and mentor. “I’ve met so many people who wanted to be pilots but had to abandon that idea because they couldn’t afford the education and flight hours,” he says. “I would like to open doors for those who feel the passion I do.”

He sees the Flight Society as an opportunity to share the lessons learned that have shaped his life. “This is such a rewarding career, and there is so much to learn beyond the classroom. Guidance from professionals will help students follow their dreams and overcome obstacles along the way.”

Vallesi has a strong interest in simulators and says that one day he may return to flight training, “which was so rewarding,” he says. For now, though, he is happy to be logging miles flying between expanding business hubs in western and central China – and helping the next wave of Embry-Riddle pilots get off the ground.

About the Flight Society

Flight Society membership is open to alumni, friends of the university and aviation-based corporations. Members contribute $100 a month, with a three-year commitment for a total of $3,600. This funding supports flight training scholarships (including CFI and CFII) and financial aid to aviation students.