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Who We Are |
| Jim Tilmon, Sr. |
| President and CEO |
| Jim Tilmon has a lifetime of knowledge and experience that he is able to use and share with others to fill their need for good, sound and valid aviation advice and consultation. He began his flying career in the United States Army as a helicopter and fixed wing pilot. During his eight years in the military he served in the Army Corps of Engineers and was stationed at various bases in the United States and in Hanau, Germany. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. From the Army he went on to fly for American Airlines, Inc. as a commercial pilot for nearly thirty years. Of historical note, Jim was the third African-American hired to fly commercially by American Airlines and the fifth overall in the United States. His experience included operating the DC-6, DC-7, BAC-111 and Boeing 727 and serving as an instructor on the BAC-111 at the American Airlines Flight Academy. Based in Chicago, IL for his entire career he retired with the rank of Captain.
Not one to leave opportunities unexplored, he successfully coupled a career in television during most of his time with American. Jim spent four years with WTTW, the Public Broadcasting System TV station in Chicago hosting his own live weekly magazine format show. “Our People" was the first show of its kind in the nation – a show of, for and by Black people. He then went on to spend 22½ years with WMAQ-TV, the NBC owned station in Chicago, initially hosting another weekly magazine format show, Tilmon Tempo" and then serving as on-air weather forecaster and aviation analyst. After resigning from WMAQ-TV in 1994, Jim continued doing on-air aviation reporting for the FOX television station in Chicago and for the local FOX affiliate in Phoenix, AZ. He was also frequently called upon as an expert in aviation matters by the FOX, NBC, CBS and ABC affiliates in Phoenix, WMAQ-TV in Chicago, NBC-17 Raleigh, and national outlets including, NBC Nightly News, CNBC, MSNBC, Chris Matthews "Hard Ball", the Abrams Report, the News with Brian Williams, Imus In The Morning, CNN, CNN International and Nightline with Ted Koppel. Most recently Jim served as the aviation analyst and reporter for WBBM-TV CBS 2 Chicago. Various television, cable news and radio stations across the country often seek Jim’s commentary and aviation analysis. He has also served as an expert witness in the areas of aviation and weather for many legal firms in Chicago.
Perhaps what may prove to be Jim’s greatest accomplishment is his current position as Vice Chairman of YourSuccessNetwork, Inc., a source of life skills and personal development training available through interactive Internet access whose mission is to offer content to broaden the minds of those, particularly youths, who have the desire for change and are willing to take the time to learn. |
| Jim Tilmon, Jr |
| Area of focus - Aviation Safety Consultation |
| Jim’s 25 years of professional flying experience ranges from single pilot of small chartered aircraft, to command and crew member on piston and turbine regional aircraft, to command and crew member on Transport Category Jet aircraft. He has operational experience throughout North America, South America, Central America, Europe and the Caribbean. His expertise is extensive and he is described by those who know him as a “living and walking encyclopedia” on every known type of aircraft and most aviation matters.
His overall knowledge of almost every airplane and rotorcraft now in use coupled with his broad cockpit experience enable him to quickly respond to questions concerning aviation events and accidents both rapidly and accurately.
He has been a constant student of the business of aviation from the inside out and has a unique understanding of the entire industry. Today’s airlines are forced to concentrate on yield, an area where Jim can bring the kind of advice that could significantly improve the bottom line. |
| Joan Cuyjet Tilmon |
| Areas of focus - Aviation Consultation Support, Creative Arts, General Support |
| Joan Cuyjet Tilmon enjoyed a multi-faceted career with a major commercial airline. In her fifteen years with the airline she acquired knowledge and skills in the areas of crew scheduling and crew compensation, as a ticket lift/gate agent, a passenger service manager and flight service (flight attendant) supervisor. Having been selected for and participating in a management development program, Joan also gained experience in passenger sales, conducted quality control time studies around the airline’s airport system and co-wrote the Emergency Procedures Manual needed for the airline’s opening of service in Frankfurt, Germany. Resigning her position at the airline, she was able to develop her interest in graphics and their use in various areas of media production.
Together with her husband Jim they formed, Carpe Diem! Productions in 1993. The company prided itself on producing broadcast quality video and audio for clients ranging from those needing simple PowerPoint presentations to full television and radio media campaigns. Carpe Diem! fell victim to the economic influences following 9/11/2001 and closed its doors by the end of 2003. During those ten years Joan was able to become proficient in many areas of creative arts and continues to use those skills today. |
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