Aviation in America

DECEMBER 2018 | FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

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Careers in Aviation & Aerospace

Shaesta Waiz, the youngest woman to fly solo around the world inspires aviators of all genders and races CELEBRATE the National Gay Pilots Association’s inclusion of LGBT individuals in aviation

REMEMBER Chesley Sullenberger’s “Miracle on the Hudson” landing 10 years later

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MEDIAPLANET

Opportunities abound for technical careers in the aviation industry.

Page 5

in this issue

Learn how the U.S. Air Force empowers cadets to succeed in aviation.

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Captain Albert Glenn shares his journey as a black aerospace professional Online

Business Aviation Lets You Take Your Career Skyward The field of business aviation offers career opportunities for anyone interested in the full range of jobs in the industry.

“Business aviation” is a term used to describe the manufacture, use and support of aircrafts to help companies of all sizes meet their transportation needs. Companies rely on business aviation to become more efficient, productive and successful. Business aviation supports more than 1 million jobs and over $200 billion in annual economic activity. It connects small communities to the global marketplace and provides critical humanitarian support in times of crisis.

Talent wanted While business aviation has always been a dynamic and forward-looking industry, it’s also facing a talent shortage. Among member companies of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), more than 60 percent have experienced pilot turnover since 2015, and 33 percent have lost maintenance specialists.

Over the next 20 years, there will be a worldwide need for 96,000 business aircraft pilots, along with a commensurate number of maintenance technicians, schedulers, dispatchers and other personnel.

Career opportunities While qualified professionals will be needed in the future, it is equally important to find innovative

Ed Bolen, President and CEO, National Business Aviation Association

ways to nurture today’s workforce, with resources to support skills development and career advancement. NBAA is confronting this challenge through efforts to help attract, retain and grow the business aviation workforce.

The association hosts student-focused “Careers in Business Aviation” days as part of NBAA’s annual convention. Over the past five years, these day-long events have introduced more than 5,500 students to the industry’s many career opportunities. NBAA also coordinates with local aviation groups and schools to organize events that have introduced hundreds of young people to business aviation careers and raised scholarship funds.

Professional development To assist in career advancement and retention, NBAA offers a professional development program with a curriculum focused on management fundamentals.

The program has helped prepare more than 11,000 business aviation professionals for leadership roles. NBAA’s accredited Certified Aviation Manager Program is the industry standard for excellence, and the credential is now held by more than 400 professionals.

In business aviation, people can chart their own course, create their own opportunities, work with the latest aviation technologies and travel the world, all while being a valued part of a skilled team. n

Publisher Melissa Duarte Business Developer Abe Freedberg Managing Director Luciana Olson Designers Chris Espino, Tiffany Pryor, Keziah Makoundou Copy Editor Juliana Burkhart Director of Sales Shannon Ruggiero Director of Business Development Jourdan Snyder Director of Product Faye Godfrey Lead Editor Mina Fanous Production Manager Josh Rosman Production & Social Media Coordinator Bria Mastroianni Cover Photo Dreams Soar, Inc. All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today.

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Take Your Career Skyward Be A Part Of Business Aviation Business aviation employs more than a million professionals, many focused on world-leading careers, including those in science, technology, math, engineering and more. You can chart your own course, while having the support of a community of peers. JOIN US.

Learn more today by visiting nbaa.org/students.

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A History of Safety and Education in Aviation In the last 100 years, commercial air travel has become a staple of transportation. As the need for pilots increased, so did concern for the safe regulation of their training.

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ince the Wright brothers’ first flight in 1903 and later commercialization of air transportation, safety has been the top priority in the aviation industry. The U.S. Post Office took the lead in the 1920s by setting the standards for pilot training and aircraft maintenance.

After World War II, the need for quality pilots rapidly increased, and trainees from colleges and

universities around the country stepped up to fulfill the need.

Pioneers in aviation education saw the need for comprehensive understanding of the airplane and its “social, scientific, political and economic influences” on society.

In 1947, they created the University Aviation Association (UAA) to share best-training practices and research to further education and promote safety.

Meeting increased need As air transportation exploded in the 1950s and beyond, the need for quality pilots was met primarily by the U.S. Military and Collegiate Aviation programs. However, as the 20th century came to an end, it became clear that the supply of new pilots was not going to be able to replace the projected retirement rate of seasoned pilots.

The initial pilot shortage was mit-

igated by UAA Collegiate Aviation programs, which took the lead on research and development of pilot training to provide the industry with the highest-quality pilots in the shortest amount of time. The system was working well until an unfortunate airline crash in 2009 changed everything.

Legislating training for pilots Bowing to social pressure, Congress passed a law to increase the number of flight hours required for pilots serving in air-carrier operations. In anticipation of the obstacles this law would create for new pilots, researchers from five UAA institutions undetook a comprehensive study of pilot-training success at Regional Airlines. Using rigorous statistical analysis, the researchers analyzed training data provided by six regional airlines and submitted their results to experts.

The data clearly indicated that

quality of training, not the number of accumulated flight hours, was the best predictor of pilot-training success. This study provided the justification the FAA used to allow collegiate training to substitute for flight hours. This enables aspiring pilots to reduce the number of years of training needed before they may be hired by a commercial airline.

E ve r y ye a r a c a d e m i c s a n d researchers gather together with industry professionals to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the aviation industry.

Between annual meetings, select c o m m i t te e s g a t h e r to s h a re ideas and research to improve aviation education and safety. In partnership with the FAA, UAA institutions are working to provide the highest-quality aviation professionals to the industry and ease the shortage of pilots. n Dr. Samuel R. Pavel, President, University Aviation Association

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Technical Careers in Aviation Are Taking off

Flying High: Shaesta Waiz Marks Anniversary of Dream Expedition It’s been one year since the first female certified Afghan-American civilian pilot completed a solo flight around the world, but her journey is far from over.

spective to see how small it was compared to the world. I wanted to know how this aircraft was flying, how it was able to carry so many passengers and how this piece of metal was navigating around the skies.”

Shaesta Waiz is passionate about flying.

But that wasn’t always the case for the woman who’s committed to introducing kids to STEM careers and the wonders of aviation.

“The ironic thing is that I grew up terrified of airplanes,” explains Waiz, the founder and president of Dreams Soar, Inc. “Growing up, my only exposure was aircraft accidents in the news, so I grew up thinking airplanes were dangerous.

They fell out of the skies. It was just very scary for me.”

Finding a way After being accepted to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s largest university specializing in aviation and aerospace, Waiz realized her family wouldn’t be able to support her studies. She began to research ways to finance her passion. The school had interest in recruiting and retaining more female students to study aviation and aerospace engineering, so Waiz suggested a women’s ambassador program.

Embry-Riddle offered to help pay for her education if she oversaw the program.

A moment of revelation Waiz felt somewhat out of place growing up in California switching between Afghan and American cultures. Originally, she planned on settling down and having a family instead of pursuing a career. But that changed when, at 17, she took a plane ride to visit relatives in Florida. It was only her second flight since traveling as an infant when her refugee parents left Afghanistan to settle in the United States.

“I remember looking out the window and seeing the city where I grew up. For the first time in my life, it gave me per-

Realizing her dream After meeting Jerrie Mock, the first woman to fly solo around the world, Waiz was determined to follow in her contrails and do the same. It took Waiz four years to prepare for the global flight, which lasted 145 days, with landings in almost two dozen countries stretching over five continents. She is the youngest woman to fly solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft.

“I was flying in a small plane with no radar and no deicing equipment onboard, so I was restricted as far as where I could

actually land, and what parts of the world I could visit. I knew that things would come up that would challenge me as a pilot and a person, and I was ready.”

Making an impact Concerned about a lack of diversity in her field, Waiz chose to become a role model and advocate for minorities and underprivileged kids to assure them that nothing can stop them from attaining their goals.

“The whole purpose of the trip was to inspire the next generation of STEM and aviation professionals,” says Waiz. “At almost all my stops, we hosted outreach events for kids from all different backgrounds. We introduced them to STEM and aviation careers by showing a video our team put together, and then we would tie in what I’m doing, and it brought the whole message full circle.”

No judgment Waiz says being in an unbiased environment is what she loves most about her job. “Nobody can see who you are or what you look like. The only thing that matters is your ability to fly that airplane.”

She also wants others to know that they too can literally reach new heights.

“It’s so important to get the word out that these things are possible. You can fly around the world, and you shouldn’t let anything hold you back.” n Cindy Riley

The aviation industry is hiring. It offers stable, rewarding careers for people with mechanical skills.

It is an exciting time to be part of the aviation industry. The industry offers a wide range of career paths across many backgrounds, skills and experiences.

Individuals looking for a job that offers training, upward mobility and interaction with advanced technology should consider employment in aviation.

Opportunities abound D emand and opportunity for a career in aviation has never been greater. People with backgrounds in mechanics, engineering, technology and specialty areas such as cabinetry, upholstery and painting can find opportunities in this industry. Within the next decade, demand will be highest for aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs). An AMT is responsible for maintaining the electrical and mechanical components of an aircraft.

This type of job offers continuing education, longevity, stability, competitive pay, benefits and room for growth.

Team members have opportunities to move into supervisory roles where they would manage teams within an aircraft hangar.

Skilled technicians wanted In addition to a career as an AMT, individuals can find interesting and rewarding opportunities in avionics where developments in technology and advanced GPS systems present continued education for trained and skilled technicians. Exterior paint and detail specialists are in demand as well and creative minds that are energized by solving engineering challenges can find meaningful and fulfilling work. In aviation, our work is more than just a job. It is a career where dreams take flight.

Elizabeth Rady, Brand Marketing Specialist, Constant Aviation

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What Aspiring Pilots Need to Know Before Choosing Their First Job For new pilots, being informed is crucial, and developing a secure flight path is the key to a successful career.

SPONSORED

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viation offers a unique career opportunity.

According to the FAA, the number of qualified pilots in this country has dropped by about 30 percent

since 1987, sparking a recruitment crisis. “ There’s no better time to become a commercial airline pilot,” says Lyle Hogg, CEO of Piedmont Airlines, a regional airline owned by American Airlines.

Charting a path Skilled pilots have plenty of opportunities, but not all regional airlines are created equal. Hogg advises any young person interested in aviation to think carefully about their first commercial job.

“Do your homework,” Hogg advises. “Look at what the airline offers in terms of stability, equipment and location. Look at where their crew domiciles are. And you want to look at how long it will take you to get to a major airline if that’s your goal.”

That last point is crucial.

Because Piedmont is owned by American Airlines, pilots are given an “automatic flow” to American based on seniority — no interview required.

“Right now that’s around five years,” Hogg says. “Your alternative is to go to a regional carrier that’s not affiliated with a major airline and hope that you are lucky enough to get an interview someday.”

Return on investment That flow to a legacy airline is important because becoming a pilot is expensive.

“Piedmont Airlines sponsors cadet programs where we contribute to a pilot’s student loans,”

H ogg n ote s. “A n d we offe r a signing bonus. Once you progress to a major carrier, your income increases very quickly.”

Hogg, a pilot for more than thirty years, recommends aviation to everybody. “It doesn’t matter what your background has been. If you want a craft you can take anywhere in the world for a high-paying job, aviation really is the way to go. It really makes for a wonderful career.” n Jeff Somers

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Why Technician Careers Are Booming in the Airline Industry SPONSORED

A shortage of skilled workers equals opportunity, and for the mechanically-minded, airlines are hiring.

When people think of careers in aviation, they often think of

pilots and flight attendants. But the greatest opportunity in the airline industry lies with technicians and mechanics. According to the 2018 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook, over the next 20 years the aviation industry will need more than 750,000 aircraft technicians.

The myth One reason for the technician shortage is that high school graduates perceive college as a preferred career path — although the numbers tell a different story: The average salary for an aviation

technician is around $84,000 a year while the national median household income is $59,039.

Acquiring the airframe and powerplant licenses needed to work on airplanes will take about two years at a reputable school.

William W. Arndt, vice president of maintenance and engineering at Piedmont Airlines, can attest to these opportunities.

“I started out as a mechanic and moved myself up through the ranks,” Arndt says. “I worked on my grandfather’s farm. As far as mechanical ability goes, I pretty much grew up with it.”

The opportunity Dale Witmer, regional maintenance manager for Piedmont, echoes that. “When I was a teenager I started working on cars. I was a member of the military and I took a career aptitude test,” he says. “I quickly fell in love with working on military jets.”

Both Witmer and Arndt think aviation careers should be promoted to mechanically-inclined students in high school and vocational schools. “There’s a huge shortage coming of aviation mechanics,” says Witmer. Arndt

adds, “Students in vocational schools and shop classes — they are the people who are good with their hands, and that’s exactly what we need.”

Piedmont will hire more than 125 mechanics in 2019. “We’re looking for people who like to take things apart and put them back together,” says Witmer.

“There is nothing better than watching a plane take off in the morning and knowing that your work overnight made that flight possible.” n Jeff Somers

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The U.S. Air Force Academy Helps Cadets Soar Toward Success At the United States Air Force Academy, flight is a part of life. Cadets learn to pilot a variety of aircraft while studying the science of aviation.

Inspiring Future Aviators After Facing the Ultimate Challenge

Over thousands of years, humanity has conquered miraculous aspects of flight such as stealth and space exploration — but it still holds an element of magic for us. That pioneering, adventurous spirit is still going strong. We’re not content to simply fly — every day we press the very boundaries of flight.

Opportunities to soar higher Our cadets participate in the Introduction to Soaring Program, which includes glider flights and aerobatic maneuvers to give them an introduction to the fundamentals of flight. Cadets can take part in the powered flight program, where principles of engineering are applied to real-life scenarios during flights in a single-engine, propeller-driven aircraft.

We also have a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Program, where every year 200 cadets use the Department of Defense’s Raven system to learn about ground control, flight and recovery operations.

We’re not just teaching young men and women to fly, we’re teaching them to lead and succeed. Roughly 95 percent of all glider flight courses are taught by cadet instructors, and there are also opportunities for cadets to become RPA instructors. Our cadets regularly take top honors in intercollegiate flight competitions and participate in demonstrations around the nation.

Globally impactful experiences Research plays an important part of life at the Air Force Academy and impacts flying operations around the world. Our research on aircraft noise reduction techniques led to a design that can effectively allow an aircraft to fly more than 2,000 feet lower without being detected.

Our graduates have gone on to become pilots and test pilots, inventors and innovators, astronauts and heroes. Regardless of whether you decide to make a career in the Air Force or take what you learn at the Academy to a civilian career, we provide a premiere path to the world’s best aviation careers.

Melissa Walther, Chief of Marketing for Admissions, USAF Academy Directorate of Admissions

A decade after the “Miracle on the Hudson,” the nation’s most celebrated pilot offers words of advice to those who share his passion for exploring the wild blue yonder.

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n January 15, 2009, Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger landed U.S. Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River off Manhattan after both engines were disabled by a bird strike. All 155 people on board the plane survived.

It was the defining moment in a distinguished career.

Sully believes all pilots should be continuous learners, constantly striving for excellence. “Two things that have always resonated with me and have fueled my intellectual curiosity and desire to become the best pilot I could be were mastery of the machine and the freedom of flight. Rising above the surface just a few thousand feet gives one a much more complete perspective of the world.”

Surviving the unthinkable Sully references his dramatic landing ten years ago as an example of why aspiring pilots should be armed with both technical and human skills, along with the resilience to

handle any situation. He credits the first officer on that fateful flight, Jeffrey Skiles, who sprang into action instinctively.

“If you listen to the cockpit voice recorder transcript of our flight, at several points on his own he did things to help that he knew I would need.” Sully believes it was Skiles’ experience and skill that helped save lives that day.

Changing the cockpit culture “I consider this noble profession a calling, not just a job,” says Sully, who believes it’s vital to create an environment in which all crew members are willing to do their best work, and see that best practices are adhered to on every flight.

“It’s about having the dedication, diligence and discipline to share information, make good decisions, manage workloads, handle distractions and create a shared sense of responsibility among all team members for the successful outcome.”

Receiving the proper training Sully stresses that training should be thorough and prepare pilots for any circumstance. “It should do more than provide you with a sterile, sheltered training environment. It should teach you to fly in the real world of operational flying, with all its ambiguities and vagaries.”

Variables like weather and equipment mean flight students must be prepared for the unexpected, and should learn to control their “startle factor,” or fear reaction, in a crisis.

The sky’s the limit Sully believes aviation careers are an important part of our society and economy. For those considering a career in the industry, now is an ideal time to become an aviation professional.

“It’s an exciting time. I’m doing everything I can to encourage people to pursue their passion and, as I say, have real adventures in the real world.” n Cindy Riley

THE SKY ISN’T THE LIMIT. IT’S JUST THE BEGINNING. Flying is a large part of the United States Air Force Academy experience. The Academy’s aviation programs give cadets the opportunity to fly in both powered and unpowered aircraft, learn advanced parachuting skills and compete against students from colleges around the world. For our cadets, the Academy is a launching point into satisfying and successful careers in aviation, engineering and so many other options. To learn more, visit ACADEMYADMISSIONS.COM.

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The National Gay Pilots Association has a rich history of local and national efforts that have contributed to it becoming one of the strongest voices for inclusion in the aviation industry.

The National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) traces its origin back to the 1980s and ‘90s in the early days of the HIV/AIDS crisis. A handful of gay pilots responded to an ad in a flying magazine to meet at a bar in Provincetown, MA. They wore aviation-themed shirts so they could be identified by the others. The organizers didn’t know if anyone would even show up. Even though they were coming to discover new allies in the aviation community, only first names were used to protect those at risk from losing their jobs or being dishonorably discharged from the military.

Supporting scholars NGPA’s mission to include the development of a robust scholarship program founded to help aspiring LGBT aviators and allies sets it apart from other LGBT aviation groups.

The NGPA opened its scholarships to all who applied, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, provided they demonstrated advocacy for the LGBT community. This became an important way to gain allies as it evolved into an organization that sought to more effectively execute its mission of advocacy.

“The NGPA has answered the calling to lead a global industry-wide effort to end homophobia and transphobia in aviation,” said NGPA president David Pettet. “Our educational resources, partnerships with business organizations and allies are proof of the need to help fulfill our message of equality for all minorities in aviation.”

Despite the NGPA’s vision for national inclusion in the aviation industry, it has not forgotten its roots. During the past few years, it has re-invested an organizational focus on supporting its members locally in the form of community and regionally-based chapters.

“The energy of our local events provides a foundation for the work we do throughout the year,” explains Pettet. “Local participation and involvement is what will continue to strengthen the LGBT aviation community worldwide.”

Worldwide, NGPA is making large strides to reach a destination where its members can be equal, authentic and respected everywhere.

Steven N. Tustin, Board of Directors, Chair, NGPA

Calculating the Impact of Black Women in Aerospace

would you give to young STEM students?

There are still people who have preconceived notions that women do not think in engineering or technological terms as easily as their male counterparts. Some think women are more emotional. These prejudices are more magnified for minorities. These notions may lend themselves to a lack of acceptance of minorities in equal roles in the workforce.

STEM students must learn their disciplines and be confident as they begin their assignments. They should have a passion for their chosen field.

They must be confident enough to ask questions, work hard, be a team player and always pursue learning each day.

PHOTO: NASA

Plotting the Course for LGBT Inclusion in Aviation

Katherine G. Johnson is an African-American mathematician whose work on orbital mechanics was instrumental to the success of the first U.S.-manned space flights. Her 35-year career at NASA began at a time when it was very difficult for women and people of color to enter the field.

When you were a young girl, how did your family and teachers encourage your passion for learning to flourish into a successful career in space?

kept you motivated to stay determined, assertive and make your name known in the face of adversity?

My parents encouraged me to be inquisitive and to share what I had l e a r n e d w i t h o t h e r s . O n e o f my professors told me I’d make a good research mathematician, and a career in space sounded like an exciting and challenging path as it was a very new, uncharted field of science.

It was not my goal to “make my name known.” I was only focused on learning.

I was excited by the challenges working with very smart people, and I wanted to be where the action was. I ignored the segregation and asked to attend meetings where equations were being developed and problems were being solved.

My goal was to do my best, and I never let anything get in my way.

Even when NASA finally became desegregated, you still faced barriers due to gender and race. What

What are some of the obstacles you’ve noticed minorities still face in this industry? What advice

Your accomplishments didn’t come easily. How did you feel when receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Barack Obama in 2015?

I was extremely honored to be chosen

by President Barack Obama, the first black president of the United States. I was surprised because I was just doing my job, nothing more and nothing less. I was part of a team of very smart people. I enjoyed what I was doing and looked forward to going to work every day to meet the next challenge.

What advice do you have for young women seeking further education and career opportunities in aerospace?

Be sure it is your passion. Always look to learn more. Take courses in mathematics and engineering and see if you enjoy and excel in them. Be confident in your knowledge and respect your colleagues.

Did you ever imagine the lasting impact your work and determination would have on the industry and female scientists of color?

No. I just followed my personal rule of doing my best at all times. The calculations I did as a part of the beginning of the country’s space program were important to me, and I made sure to work hard. n

Are you passionate about technology that shapes industries and advances our world?

Arconic creates breakthrough products that have helped push the boundaries of aviation since the dawn of ight—and we are hiring for the next generation of exciting aerospace careers. Join us at Arconic and help engineer innovative solutions that support leading global companies in building the most advanced aircraft and spacecraft.

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