‘I’d go fly an airplane all day!’ How one Delta pilot fell in love with aviation
In the latest installment of her series featuring the remarkable people who make Delta a great place to work, E.V.P. and Chief People Officer Allison Ausband talks with First Officer Tom Cohan about his unique journey to Delta and deep passion for aviation.
Author’s note: Delta people are the very best, which is why I love to go out and hear their stories. Our backgrounds and journeys are all unique, and I hope you’ll enjoy meeting First Officer Tom Cohan. - Allison
SLC-based Assistant Chief Pilot Tom Cohan loves to fly — so much so that when I asked him what he’d do if he was CEO for a day, he enthusiastically responded without hesitation: “I’d go fly an airplane all day!” Hearing about the sweat Tom poured into his journey to the flight deck, it’s easy to see why flying is an extra special privilege for him.
The A320 first officer jokes that “I was a victim of the first ‘Top Gun’ movie,” but a lack of 20/20 vision dashed his dreams of being a military pilot. But that didn’t stop him from chasing his dream, as Tom became a maintenance technician to pay the bills as he logged the hours needed to become a professional pilot.
Tom’s attitude is as amazing as his journey — read on to learn more about why we’re so lucky to have him at Delta.
Allison Ausband: How did you get started flying?
Tom Cohan: My older brother is a pilot as well. He moved out when he was 16, and we were both living out of a horse barn at the time. He got his pilot’s license and took me for a flight. Next thing you know, our neighbor was selling a little Cessna 150. I sold the two cows I owned so we could buy this airplane for $4,800. I learned how to fly it and work on it. … I’ve taught my sons how to fly, and now I’m teaching my grandchildren how to fly. That 150 we bought back in 1986 – we still have it. My brother has a Cessna 150, I have a Cessna 150, and then we have our original Cessna 150 that we use for parts.
AA: What about Delta attracted you?
TC: It was the brand. I flew on Delta as a youngster, and I loved the operation. … It’s just the people. Any airline where the flight attendants rally to buy a 767 for a company, I want to be involved in that. It just speaks volumes to where I want to be.
AA: What’s your approach to build camaraderie with the flight crew?
TC: I introduce myself and I let them know we’re one team here. If you’re behind, we’re behind. If we’re behind, you’re behind. We all work together to keep the customers happy and safe. … I’m a big proponent that you become a product of your environment. I’ve always tried to surround myself with quality individuals, and that’s pretty easy to do here at Delta.
AA: If you could send one message to the Delta people, what would you say?
TC: It’s a pleasure and honor to work with everybody. Maybe people tell me I talk too much, but I’m interested in their story. And if everybody was interested in everybody’s story, it would make life that much more interesting. Take time. We’re human beings.
AA: What’s your advice to new pilots?
TC: I tell them the biggest thing at Delta is the people. A lot of people before you put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this company, and there will be a lot after you doing the same. So this airline is what you make it, and it’s going to be your career. But you need to respect the people that came before you that built such a nice place that you’d want to come to work.
AA: What’s your favorite destination?
TC: Reno, Nevada – that’s home! Outside of home, I find interesting things everywhere I go. You name it, I’ve probably been there other than Antarctica. I still have to say the West Coast of North America from Alaska all the way down has the most breathtaking and stunning scenery in the world that I’ve seen.
AA: What’s your favorite on-board snack?
I’d have to go with the mustard pretzels. Afterward I have to get a new tie, but they’re addicting.
© 2026 Delta Air Lines, Inc.