My sincerest condolences to Captain Nestor’s wife, family and close friends. He was a wonderful guy. Everyone at Piedmont Airlines loved him and had the highest respect for him. He will forever be missed.
Rest In Paradise
CA Nestor Raul Llorente

I am so very sorry. I worked in HHI for 20 yrs and everytime Nestir flew in it put a smile on all our faces knowing he was here. He was always kind, courteous and friendly to everyone. He cared about each person he spoke to. My life is better for having worked & knowing Nestor
God bless & thank you Nestor

EVERY AVIATOR HAS A FAVORITE “STICK BUDDY”

Mine will always be Captain Nestor Llorente

Our Professional Rapport during Line Flying & Training Operations has evolved into a life-long friendship now spanning 3 decades

As 2 guys raised less than 10 miles apart from Astoria & Jamaica Queens in New York City – whenever we flew into or out of LaGuardia Airport we’d both point out Rikers Island and (in jest) tell our First Officers that it was the brutal High School we’d both attended simultaneously and Graduated from together

We enjoyed many years of flying the line together in our JAX & TPA Florida Domiciles as The Piedmont Florida Shuttle System – which included most of the Bahamas

We also shared a part-time apartment in Tampa – One Hell of a Fun-time “Crash Pad”

Thereafter, his Superior Airmanship was recognized by being recruited into our Piedmont Pilot Training & Testing Department

He’s still our Advanced Qualification Program’s Supervised Operating Experience KING for most SOE given to our New Hire & Captain Upgrade Pilots by any Piedmont Instructor / Evaluator

I’m forever grateful to him for his recruiting efforts which also led to my joining him in the Training Department on a Full time basis as well

As an Elite Member of our Initial Jet Cadre, Nestor – The Ace Flyer – was again recognized by his selection to be Director Jay Keen’s “Stick Buddy”

He “moved mountains” with the daunting Training & Proving Run Tasks that had to be performed during the FAA’s Approval Process of our New Jet Program that our airline excelled in

When our Professional Careers reached the FAA Mandatory Age 65 Retirement a month apart, we combined both our Retirement Celebrations into one common event as Career-long Brothers

As virtual neighbors retired on the East Coast & in Central Florida, he’d always end each phone conversation by saying “…BP – we must get together…” and my always agreeing

Well my brother, we’re gonna do just that – on a full time basis – someday in Heaven!

To Nestor’s family – our deepest heartfelt condolences from myself & spouse Danielle – we’re there for you forever!

God’s comfort to Nestor’s family and anyone that knew him. A gentle man with a beautiful soul. Thank you for over 20 years of friendship at Piedmont. Fly high in heaven, my friend.

It is a rare quality to be universally loved by everyone you touch. Captain Nestor Llorente was one of those people. While I never had the opportunity to fly with him, I certainly enjoyed his company on multiple occasions. A genuinely nice person.

Nestor was always a pleasure to fly with and we are all better in some way for having known him. My wife and I were able to visit Nestor and his family at his home near Vero Beach back in the early 90’s, and will never forget that experience. RIP, my friend…gone too soon!

Nestor was an amazing human being, he taught me so much about the business and I owe my entire career to him. I had the privilege to have had him for two of my most important checkrides of my life, new-hire and Captain checkride, and I would always walk away thinking I want to be the type of aviator he was. He had an amazing soul and a way to make you feel comfortable in situations were you might be very nervous. As a young 23 year old kid at the time, he made me feel welcome when I first stepped foot at Piedmont. My sincere condolences to his wife, kids and close friends for the loss of one of the greatest pilot that has stepped foot at Piedmont. Thank you Nestor, you made this kid dream come true.

It was indeed a sad day when I learned of Nestor’s passing. I’m so glad I was able to attend his retirement celebration and to have a chance to speak with him and his wife that evening. As others have said, his smile seemed endless and his joy for life shouted out when in his presence.

I am sure he is at peace and brightening up the heavens above for all to revel in. Those who knew him were fortunate and blessed to have met a genuine human being.

My most humble sympathies to his family and friends.

I am just a line pilot, who has had the pleasure to be evaluated by Nestor several times. I was always excited to see his name on my schedule because I knew I would learn new skills. When he retired, I was disappointed that I didn’t tell him how much I learned from him. Now I am sad his family may not understand how important he was to every pilot at pdt. You all sacrificed time with Nestor so we could learn from him and we are grateful.

I am just a line pilot, who has had the pleasure to be evaluated by Nestor several times. I was always excited to see his name on my schedule, because I knew I would learn new skills. When he retired, I was disappointed that I didn’t tell him how much I learned from him. Now I am sad his family may not understand how important he was to every pilot at pdt. You all sacrificed time with Nestor so we could learn from him and we are grateful.

My face would always light up when I’d look at my schedule and see that I’d be flying with Nestor. I’m sure all the flight attendants felt as I did. He was kind and considerate but most of all very protective of all of his flight crews in the back of the aircraft. He never made the flight attendants feel that we we not all part of the team. I knew that no matter how long the trip was, if I was flying with Nestor, my trip would be enjoyable and stress free. When you are at any BASE, these people become your family away from home and Nestor treated us all like we did him, brothers and sisters. To his family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am comforted knowing I will see him again, I know you will too. God be with you in this most difficult time.

My heart was saddened to learn the loss of Nestor. He was a remarkable Gentleman, with a terrific soul! Nestor was a favorite pilot of mine to fly with, during my career at PI Airlines, as a former FA.
A true professional, with strong family values and work ethic, flying with Nestor was a pleasure. Sharing his infectious smile and laugh and terrific sense of humor, the joy he brought to all our lives will not be forgotten. I am grateful for having known him and Blessed for the time spent working with him in JAX &TPA. He brought joy to all our lives and gave his best everyday, he will not be forgotten and we all reap the rewards for knowing him.
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire family and wife Teresa who I met yrs ago in PBI.
As you navigate this difficult time, I wish you hope and healing and may you find peace and comfort in your memories. Gods Blessings to you as you heal.