Centerstage
Written by Lori Boatfield
Photos provided by Bruce Wilhite
Bruce Wilhite is an airline pilot who, with his family, makes his home in Huntsville.
What or who inspired you to be a pilot?
I have always had a passion for flying. Like many military pilots of my generation, the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, pushed me to join the Air Force and become a pilot. In 2025, I will complete 21 years of service in the Air Force, Alabama Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve. I was hired at my airline in 2014 and am a captain on the Boeing 717.
Can you describe a moment in your work that was unexpectedly emotional or unforgettable?
I have been blessed to be a part of many memorable moments. However, some moments stand out above the rest. First, I had the honor of participating in four dignified transfer flights transporting service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Each one was unforgettable in its own way, and all were a reminder of the cost of the freedoms we enjoy. Second, I had the privilege of taking my grandfather flying on his 90th birthday. He had not been in an airplane in 55 years, and we had a great day flying around the Huntsville area. He’s gone now, but I’ll have those memories with me for the rest of my life.
What’s your favorite part of the job? What’s the most challenging part?
My favorite part of the job is the opportunity for additional interests that the work schedule provides. My wife and I have three teens that keep us on our toes: twins Owen and Kathryn, and a younger daughter, Sullivan. We are also real estate investors and own a small property management company. Additionally, I serve as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) helping abused and neglected children in our area. These outside endeavors would be much more difficult with a traditional work schedule.
The most challenging aspect of the job is time management. It is sometimes difficult to be home for holidays and family events because of the nature of the job. Flights happen every day of the year and someone has to fly them. Over the years,
we have learned flexibility, particularly when our kids were small. I will always remember the advice I was given during my first year at the airline when I had to work over Christmas. The captain I was flying with said, “Santa can always come early, but never let him show up late!” We had a couple of Christmases on December 24th, but Santa never showed up late. I pass that advice on to the new pilots I fly with now. What do you love most about Huntsville? I am privileged to travel around the country, but blessed to come home to North Alabama. I grew up in Hartselle, but my wife Sarah (Strickland) was born and raised in Blossomwood. We were married here in 2005 at my wife’s home church, Mayfair Church of Christ, where her grandfather preached for decades. During my military service, Huntsville was a refuge for us between duty stations and during holidays with three young kids. Even though it has grown so much in the last decade, we feel a sense of community that is sometimes more like a small town than the city it has become. I tell everyone who will listen how special it is here.
