Inspired by the 1980 movie Cloud Dancer,[3] Goulian began his aerobatic training in 1985 during his pilot study.

While earning his living as a corporate airline pilot, Goulian worked his way toward the top ranks of air show display flying and competition aerobatics and became US National Champion in the Advanced Category at the age of 22, making him the youngest pilot ever to have won that competition.

He is the co-founder of two Bedford, Massachusetts, United States–based aviation companies: Linear Air, which offers air taxi services using very light jets and piston-powered aircraft, and Mike Goulian Aviation, which is a Cirrus aircraft training, management and rental company.

In 2021, AOPA named Goulian chairman of its Hat in The Ring Society, a philanthropic foundation that promotes aviation access, safety and education.

[5] He flies a Cirrus SR22T for his business and personal travels,[6] and is an avid skier, ice hockey player and golfer.