Envoy Captain Brian Balls’ path to aviation started with a front-row seat to his older brother’s dream. Watching his brother earn a commission in the U.S. Air Force and fly B-52 bombers sparked Brian’s interest early on. Visits to training bases and time in flight simulators, sealed the deal.

Brian began his own military career with the Utah Army National Guard as an Apache helicopter weapons system technician before earning a commission  in the Medical Service Corps through the Army ROTC program at Weber State University. He went on to spend 11 years in the Army, including five years as a medical evacuation (“medevac”) pilot flying combat rescue missions in the Black Hawk helicopter.

After leaving the Army, Brian initially considered becoming an air ambulance helicopter pilot. Instead, a call from a former Army colleague at Envoy changed his course. He joined the airline through a program that focused on attracting rotary (helicopter) pilots with military experience to transition that experience into fixed-wing flying and join Envoy.

“The Rotor Transition Program opened doors to a part of aviation that hadn’t been accessible to me,” Brian said. “I’ve always enjoyed sharing what I’m passionate about and helping others learn new ways to reach a goal.”

Today, Brian serves as a Line Check Airman, where mentorship is at the heart of his work.

“My favorite part of the job is flying with new First Officers and upgrading Captains,” he said. “Each situation is different, and I love the moment when something clicks and they really understand what you’re teaching.”

Outside the cockpit, Brian sought a way to reconnect with the sense of service he missed after leaving the military. He found it close to home after spotting a call for volunteer firefighters in his town’s newsletter.

“I started attending monthly drills and found that same sense of brotherhood I’d been missing,” he said. “Serving my community and helping people in need has been one of the most rewarding experiences.” His commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2025, Brian was named Firefighter of the Year by his unit — a meaningful recognition of his leadership, dedication and service to the community

That experience has also shaped how he approaches his role as a Captain.

“It reminds me that the people we serve are more than just passengers,” Brian said. “They’re individuals with families, stories and purpose. My job is to get them where they’re going safely and efficiently — and to be the best pilot I can be every time.”

For those considering a career in aviation, Brian offers straightforward advice:

“Be all-in,” he said. “Give your full effort to training and to every job along the way. Don’t treat any role like it doesn’t matter. Do your best, don’t burn bridges and leave every place better than you found it. Above all, be grateful — not everyone gets to call themselves an aviator.”

Interested in joining Envoy as a pilot? Learn more at envoyair.com/pilots