Endeavor Captain Bart Haley and First Officer Lauren Haley are a first-hand example of the saying ‘it runs in the family.’  

As we celebrate Father’s Day, this dad and daughter’s shared passion in aviation is a testament to the power of inspiring those around us.  

Bart began his aviation journey in the ‘80s as an Air Force pilot, flying the F-4 Phantoms. After he was out of the service, his dreams of becoming an airline pilot came to a halt when commercial airlines paused hiring. For about 25 years, Bart stepped off the line and had a desk and computer for an office view. Fast forward to 2017, Bart was itching to fly again, so he traded in his computer for the yoke.  

His brother, who has been a Delta Air Lines pilot for over 22 years, encouraged him to get back into the skies and gave him a nudge in the right direction – Endeavor Air.  

“I love every minute here at Endeavor Air. I call it a strange way to make a living sometimes,” Bart said. “Coming back to aviation, after having a 9-5 job, is such a rewarding experience. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to change careers.”  

While Bart was gushing over being back in the flight deck, his daughter Lauren was buried in sheet music and instruments from being a high school band director for nine years. 

“I was in a position in my career where I felt like I wasn’t growing anymore,” Lauren said. “Seeing my dad return to aviation was inspiring, so I decided to try my hand at flying.”  

Lauren was determined to take on the challenge and was fueled by her dad’s unwavering support and guidance. Bart’s endless positive remarks about Endeavor led Lauren to solely apply to one regional airline. Lauren joined the Endeavor team in September 2023, making the father-daughter duo co-workers.  

“Something I admire about my dad is the amount of support he gives – not only to me, but to our family and his colleagues. As a Line Check Pilot, he does a lot of training, and is always looking for things that can benefit you and tailors that to your needs,” Lauren said.  

Since starting at Endeavor, Lauren has even been able to fly with her dad sitting in the left seat.  

“We flew a five-day trip together, so we got about 25 hours together,” Bart said. “We had gate agents look at the release. They’d see the same last name and say, ‘Are you father and daughter?’ It was a very special moment.”    

When the Haleys aren’t flying the CRJ-900s, you can find them on the water at their family lake house. Living only 30 minutes away from each other, they make sure to take advantage of summer weather by water skiing, tubing, camping, kayaking and more.  

As far as celebrating Father’s Day, the two won’t be together, but have a tradition that is more meaningful than any expensive gift.  

“I’m working on Father’s Day, but my dad always requests a really sappy card,” said Lauren. “I always make sure I get him a nice card and write something thoughtful and meaningful.” 

“I don’t care about the gift, it’s all about the sentiment,” Bart said. “And she never lets me down.”