Meet Paul Mifsud, our latest 67 Designs' Customer Spotlight and an accomplished aviator and business consultant with a passion for flying that has spanned a decade. From his roots in the vibrant East Coast of Canada to soaring across North America and the Caribbean, Paul's journey as a pilot reflects his love for adventure and the freedom that flying brings. With a background in the automotive industry and a commitment to safety, Paul not only flies for pleasure but also gives back to the community through aviation-related charitable efforts.
Proud owner of: 2015 Cirrus SR22 Turbo in Mariana Blue and Sterling Silver
Customer of 67 Designs since: 2024
Flight Hours: 1,300 flight hours
Early Inspiration for Flying: Paul's journey into aviation was sparked by a mentor who had a profound influence on both his business and flying aspirations. As a car dealer and private pilot, this mentor demonstrated the freedom and efficiency that flying could provide for business travel. During a flight from the East Coast to Toronto, Paul had the chance to sit in the cockpit and ask countless questions. His mentor's passion for flying was contagious, igniting Paul's desire to earn his pilot's license.
Most Memorable Flight: One flight that stands out in Paul's memory is landing in St. Marteen over Maho Beach. The sight of the ocean waves and beach packed with people as he approached the runway was surreal—definitely a bucket-list experience as Paul would put it. Other memorable moments include flying into downtown Toronto at Billy Bishop Airport, where the city skyline provides a stunning backdrop, and traversing the majestic Rockies—an experience that few get to enjoy from the sky.
Lessons Learned in the Sky: Among his most memorable—and scariest—moments occurred in December 2017 over the Atlantic Ocean. At the time, Paul was not yet instrument-rated and was flying under minimum VFR conditions when he inadvertently entered a cloud. The sudden onset of spatial disorientation was a pivotal moment. “I instantly remembered my training,” Paul recalls. “Level the wings, level the nose, and then fly 180 degrees out of it. That training saved me.” This experience not only reinforced the importance of thorough preparation but also motivated him to pursue his instrument rating shortly after.
Places Traveled: Flying has opened up a world of opportunities for Paul. Most recently, Paul flew to Vancouver and attended the Oshkosh Airshow, a highlight in the aviation community. He has traveled across Canada from Newfoundland to British Columbia and visited every province in between. His U.S. journeys have taken him to cities like Denver, Rapid City, New York City, and Key West. He has also explored beautiful destinations in the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and St. Marteen. Each flight has offered unique experiences and stunning views.
Dream Trips: Looking ahead, he is excited about upcoming trips, which include flying to the ABC Islands and into South America. Additionally, he dreams of crossing the Atlantic to explore Europe, specifically the charming island of Malta where he envisions himself drinking an aperol spritz on the beach.
Expert Tips: For fellow aviators and aspiring pilots, Paul's key advice is to maintain discipline in the flying routine. Adhering to all checklists and procedures is crucial for ensuring safety in the air. He encourages others to never hesitate to seek out additional training and to stay updated on aviation best practices. Paul believes in always erring on the side of caution: “if you don’t know, don’t go.” Embracing every opportunity to learn not only enhances skills but also reinforces a culture of safety.
Community Involvement: Paul Mifsud’s passion for aviation extends beyond personal adventures and into a deeply meaningful mission. He is an active volunteer with Canadian Wings of Rescue (CWoR), an organization akin to Pilots for Paws, dedicated to the transport and rescue of animals in need. One of his most memorable missions began with a Facebook post in a regional aviation forum. A call was made for a pilot to transport a dog to Deer Lake, Newfoundland, and Paul didn’t hesitate to volunteer. From there, the journey continued, with stops in Moncton and Waterloo, ensuring that not just one, but two animals reached safety and new opportunities for care.
Paul’s contributions extend beyond single flights. His work with Canadian Wings of Rescue frequently connects him to shelters, rehabilitation centers, and adopters across Canada. His commitment is bolstered by having access to a hangar in Ontario, which supports his ability to assist with longer journeys and more complex logistics.
Fun Fact: Paul is an avid adventurer with a love for downhill skiing and other adrenaline-pumping sports. When he’s not piloting a plane or volunteering for Canadian Wings of Rescue, you can often find him chasing thrills on snowy slopes or exploring new outdoor challenges.
Connect with Paul: Want to learn more about Paul and his adventures? Connect with him on Facebook.
This Customer Spotlight is by Meg Klavitter.
This series was envisioned and created by Kate Della Pietra in the summer of 2020 when she worked for 67 Designs as a marketing intern.