Growing up with a passion for aviation, Airman 1st Class Edward Chmiel has turned his love for flying into a military and civilian career.

Chmiel, an established commercial airline pilot, recently joined the Minnesota National Guard’s Duluth-based 148th Fighter Wing as a crew chief. In this role, he will maintain fighter jets and hopes to take control of an F-16 one day.

“I’d like to fly in the Guard,” said Chmiel. “I am trying to take steps to that now.”

Chmiel’s fascination with aviation began as a child. He recalls growing up near the Chicago O’Hare International Airport. He was mesmerized by the planes flying overhead and knew early on that he wanted to fly. In high school, he dreamed of joining the Air Force. Chmiel joined the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) during his sophomore year, where he earned a pilot’s license.

“We looked at backgrounds of U.S. Air Force Academy cadets,” said Chmiel. “Nearly 25% of them had a CAP background. That’s where I met all my mentors and professional connections.”

The journey to his first flight began unexpectedly, an experience he still finds surreal when he reflects on it, Chmiel said. He heard that a CAP National Flight Academy in Mattoon, Illinois had open student slots three weeks before the academy began.

“We didn’t really know it was happening,” he said.

With only curiosity and a willingness to try, he showed up to the Academy with no expectations. By midweek, something changed.

“They pulled me out of ground school to get my medical,” he recalled, explaining that a medical clearance is required to fly. The next Saturday—graduation morning— I went with my instructor to Effingham, Illinois and soloed at 7.9 hours [of flight time].”

Soloing that early was unusual, but it marked a turning point. As he reflected on his accomplishments that evening, several experienced pilots pulled him aside.

“They said, “Hey, you know you can do this for a job?’” said Chmiel. “I said, “Yeah, that’s what I want to do.”

Since that moment in 2014, Chmiel has flown at least every two weeks, fueling his passion for aviation with every takeoff and landing. However, shortly after his first flight, Chmiel learned that his aspiration of serving in the Air Force wouldn’t be possible because of a medical disqualification. He had eczema, and a decade ago, it was a disqualifying condition for military service. The setback pushed him to focus on a career as a civilian pilot instead.

He moved quickly, obtaining a commercial pilot’s license, completing his degree, and even working as a flight instructor with the Civil Air Patrol. At one point, he was flying as many as 35 days in a row, logging at least five hours of flight time each day. He continued to gain experience to compete in the airline industry. His persistence eventually paid off, but his dream of serving in the military never really faded.

Several years later, while working on an airplane with another pilot, Chmiel learned that joining the Air National Guard was possible without prior active service.

“That got the gears turning in my head,” said Chmiel.

Two days later, he discovered that the Air Force had reclassified eczema as a waiverable condition, reigniting his dream. Chmiel began applying to Guard units in 2020 and eventually joined the Minnesota National Guard in 2024. His civilian aviation career continued to progress; he holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, the highest level of aircraft pilot certification.

Despite his busy schedule, Chmiel is committed to supporting the organization that set him up for success. He volunteers with CAP and helps train young cadets in aviation fundamentals while mentoring future pilots.

Chmiel graduated basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base and was recognized as an honor graduate, demonstrating excellence in all areas of academic and military training. To qualify as an honor graduate, traniees must score 90 percent or higher on all written exams, pass all inspections and be recommended by their military training instructor.

His interest in the maintenance side of aircraft isn’t just about improving his skills as a pilot; it’s part of his broader goal to understand every aspect of aviation. Chmiel hopes to commission and become a pilot with the 148th Fighter Wing. He is also looking forward to leadership opportunities with the National Guard.

“For now, I’m focused on the next step, which is becoming the best crew chief,” said Chmiel.

Story by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh
Minnesota National Guard