Joshua Bird is a Cessna Citation CJ3 Pilot-in-Command (PIC/Captain) with Eagle Air Aviation. An Air Force veteran and graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Bird previously flew the KC-10 Extender and participated in the U-2 program before building a career in manufacturing. He recently returned to professional aviation, bringing together years of military flight experience, technical knowledge, and professional leadership. He sat down to discuss what success means to him, both personally and professionally.
How Do You Define Success, in Simple Terms?
For me, it’s whether I’m becoming a better version of myself and whether the people around me are better off for having worked with me. A good week is one where I kept my word, treated people fairly, and moved something forward, even a little. That standard applies whether I’m preparing for a flight or thinking about the kind of husband and person I want to be.
Has That Definition Changed Since You Were Younger?
Yes, quite a bit. When I was competing in football and pursuing a pilot slot, success looked like rank, selection boards, and flight hours. Those things still matter to me. Returning to professional aviation with Eagle Air Aviation has given me a new opportunity to continue doing something I have always valued. But as I’ve gotten older, I measure myself more by whether I’m a good husband and whether I’m dependable to the people who count on me. The scoreboard has gotten quieter and more personal.
What Signs Tell You a Project or a Day Went Well, Beyond the Obvious Results?
In aviation, a successful day involves much more than simply completing a flight. Preparation, communication, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively with others all contribute to the outcome. I pay attention to how decisions are made along the way, not just whether the final objective was reached.
I also believe the same principle applies to working with a team in any professional environment. If people feel respected, understand their responsibilities, and trust one another, that is a meaningful sign of success. A good outcome matters, but so does the way you get there.
Can You Describe a Time You Had to Rethink What Success Meant to You?
As my career developed, I had the opportunity to work in different professional environments, including manufacturing, where I gained valuable experience in leadership, technical operations, and working with teams. Those experiences broadened my perspective and helped me develop skills that continue to serve me today.
Taking on my current role with Eagle Air Aviation is an exciting opportunity to bring together my previous aviation experience and everything I’ve learned along the way. It has reinforced my belief that success is not always about following one predetermined path, but about continuing to grow, embracing new opportunities, and making the most of each stage of your career.
How Do You Keep Ambition From Crowding Out Everything Else?
I believe professional success is an important part of a fulfilling life, and I take a lot of pride in the work I do. I’m naturally ambitious, and I enjoy setting goals, taking on new responsibilities, and continuing to challenge myself. At the same time, I recognize that being successful professionally also means having the support and balance that allow you to perform at your best. I make a point to prioritize my health, my faith, and my wife alongside my career. For me, it’s about giving each of those areas the attention and commitment they deserve while continuing to work hard toward my professional goals.
What Place Do Goals Have in How You Think About Success?
A big one. I usually start with the larger goal and work backward into smaller steps I can actually measure. Both military aviation and my current role have reinforced the importance of preparation, consistency, and having a clear plan. I’ve carried that habit into my personal goals too.
I check in regularly to see if my daily actions are actually pointing toward the bigger objective, because it’s easy to stay busy without making real progress. Goals give me direction, but the discipline to follow through is what ultimately makes the difference.
Where Do Confidence and Doubt Show Up in Your Idea of Success?
Confidence comes from preparation, experience, and being willing to continue learning. Throughout my aviation career, I’ve learned the importance of knowing your responsibilities, trusting your training, and approaching every opportunity with professionalism. I believe confidence is built over time through consistency and a commitment to doing things the right way.
Outside of work, exercise, prayer, and spending time with my wife help keep me grounded and focused. To me, success means having confidence in the experience I’ve gained while remaining open to learning, improving, and taking on new challenges.
Who or What Shaped How You Think About Success?
My grandparents had a big hand in it. Growing up around my grandfather’s cattle farm, I watched what hard work and responsibility actually looked like day to day, not as a lesson but as a habit. The Air Force Academy and my years in military aviation added discipline and a sharper sense of what it means to be accountable to a team.
My professional experiences outside aviation also helped shape how I approach challenges and work with others. My faith ties all of it together and keeps success from becoming only about me.
Does Success Ever Stop Being a Moving Target?
I hope not. I never want to reach a point where I stop asking what I could have done better. That question has served me well throughout my aviation career and continues to guide me in my current position with Eagle Air Aviation. Whether I’m taking on a new professional challenge or thinking about the person I want to become, there is always room to learn and improve.