Phil is a long time Westbrook resident and WHS graduate, class of 1991.  He graduated from Cornell University with Degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Management and served 10 years of active duty in the Navy.  During his time as a Captain and Pilot in the Navy, he served as an Aircraft Commander, Mission Commander and Pilot Instructor.  After leaving active duty, he continued in the Navy reserves while working as Captain for Jet Blue.  
 
He told us that his community involvement really got started about 2 years ago with the 25th anniversary of the sister city program.  Phil’s father, Phil Spiller Sr, was instrumental in the creation of this partnership in 1987 between Greater Portland and Archangel Russia.  Since then, he has become involved with Westbrook’s downtown coalition network, MPTC Board, Westbrook Together Days Organizing Committee, Cornelia Warren Courts renovation, Westbrook Historical Society, and the 10 year sustainability board for the Jetport.  He is a local Cornell Ambassador and a member of American Legion Post 62 on Dunn St.  Also, he is an advocate for the Portland Boxing Club, of which Jet Blue is a sponsor at the Portland Expo.
 
Phil has been a Pilot for Jet Blue for 10 years and is based in Boston. He can work 12-18 days a month, with many layovers not in New England. He told us about two hot button issues in the airline industry today. The first is laser strikes.  Through October 2015, there were over 5300 laser strikes on domestic aircraft in the US.  This is a serious offense that can blind pilots and endanger passengers.  Anyone caught can face up to a $250K find and up to 20 years in jail. The second issue is the proliferation of drones. While drones must now be registered, the increasing popularity of these recreational devices could pose a hazard to commercial aircraft.
 
The Club thanks Phil for his service and is pleased that he has added Rotary to the list of his community activities.