Cristian Barillas
Cristian, 29, is a native of Clinton in Central Illinois whose fascination with aviation began at an early age, long before he knew a path into the skies was possible for someone like him. Without exposure to aviation opportunities growing up, becoming a pilot felt out of reach. That changed when, at 17, he enlisted in the Illinois Air National Guard as a C-130 Aircraft Mechanic with the 182d Airlift Wing.
Over the course of nearly a decade, Cristian worked his way up to Master Sergeant, serving as both a Quality Assurance Inspector and later an Air Operations Maintenance Controller with the 183d Wing. Throughout his military career, he deployed overseas, completed his Bachelor’s degree, and recently earned a Master of Science in Aviation Management, all while maintaining his passion for flight. He began flying at age 21, ultimately earning his Private Pilot License and Instrument Rating.
Cristian’s drive to give back to the aviation community is rooted in his own experience of not knowing where to start. Today, he is committed to ensuring young people have access to the opportunities he never had. He mentors youth through his active involvement in the Experimental Aircraft Association, where he serves as the web editor for EAA Chapter 770. In this role, he is focused on revitalizing the chapter’s website to better highlight events, connect members, and inspire the next generation of aviators.
In addition to his EAA work, Cristian serves as a Maintenance Officer for the Flying 20 SPI flying club and participates in Pilots N Paws, using his flight skills to help transport animals in need. Most recently, Cristian earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant and has returned to the 182d Airlift Wing, where he is currently awaiting pilot training to fly the C-130, the very aircraft he once maintained.
Cristian’s journey has come full circle, from maintaining the C-130 to preparing to fly it, driven by a deep appreciation for aviation and a desire to give back to the community that helped him along the way.
