EC grad's unique job takes him to major sporting events

"It happened because I introduced myself and shook someone's hand"

(ST. LEON, Ind.) – An East Central graduate gets paid to be at (or above) many of major sporting events in the United States. 

Nicholas Tillmann was at the NFL Draft last week and will be at the Kentucky Derby this Saturday. He will then join the PGA Tour in Texas.

He works for Winged Vision and is one of only five pilots in the country that provide aerial sports broadcasting for five major television networks.

Tillmann pilots the plane as an camera operator provides a view from above for the television audience. 

Here is a glimpse into his job:

How did he get into this career?

“This happened because I introduced myself and shook someone’s hand,” he said.

A few years ago, Tillmann had just graduated from Manchester University with an education degree and was working a construction job near the Columbus, Indiana airport.

“I saw airplanes take off everyday for three weeks and it inspired me to get my pilot license,” he recalls. 

In January of 2023, Tillmann was at Lunken Airport when he noticed an airplane that had a fixed camera on the wing.

“I mentioned that this is my favorite airplane model and I am just curious about the camera,” he said to the stranger. 

It turned out that he was speaking to the owner of Winged Vision who was in town for the Cincinnati and Buffalo Monday Night Football game. That’s the same game that Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest. 

That initial conversation turned into a job opportunity with Winged Vision. 

Tillmann added that this job is quite elusive as you won’t find an application online. 

“We are the only aerial broadcasting company that works for the professional television networks, so there isn’t a lot of opportunity to apply without knowing someone at Winged Vision,” he said. 

He has found a love for the career but admits the schedule can be demanding. 

“I was on the road for 43 straight days recently,” he said. 

Tillmann has flown over the countless events including Sunday Night Football, PGA events, college football, Major League Baseball, the Final Four and more.

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“I am blessed. Speaking humbly, it is the greatest opportunity I have ever had in my life,” he said. 

When he’s not at work, the 2017 graduate is an assistant coach for both East Central football and baseball.