You Can Fly: ‘No better time to become a pilot’
High school symposium highlights opportunities in aviation
AOPA has put several programs in place to ensure a robust future for aviators. The goal of AOPA’s You Can Fly High School Initiative is to help build and sustain aviation STEM programs and to provide a quality workforce to the aviation industry. The You Can Fly program and the AOPA Air Safety Institute are entirely funded by charitable donations to the AOPA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.
During opening remarks, Tatum noted the aviation industry is expected to retire thousands of pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers within the next 20 years. “What that means is that it’s an incredible opportunity for young people considering a variety of aviation career options.”
“There’s really no better time to become a pilot,” said Envoy Air Senior Vice President for Air Operations Dee Temples, who added that the air carrier “introduced signing bonuses, retention bonuses, and increased pay steps” for incoming pilots.
Teachers, principals, and school superintendents filled a hangar at the American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum, where they soaked up science, technology, engineering, and math curriculum and tips that were designed to inspire and encourage students in grades 9 through 12. Energy extended into breakout sessions, social gatherings, and informal chat sessions.
Many of the 15 breakout and general sessions were held near—or under—the wings of a majestically restored Douglas DC–3 dubbed Flagship Knoxville. The aviation-rich museum environment also showcased cutaways of jet and piston engines, explanations of flight principles, and cabin crew nostalgia that provided additional learning opportunities. As the two-day session began, AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker reiterated the importance of STEM subjects as a pathway to aviation education. He thanked the teachers and mentors for their “commitment to a very important journey.”
AOPA High School Aviation Initiative Senior Director Cindy Hasselbring said it was important to connect students with meaningful learning experiences through aviation STEM curriculum. She noted that a goal of the symposium was to have more students realize that “aviation is a great career option.”
Tatum reminded attendees that “flying has become more and more accessible for young people. It’s a career field that is truly open to everyone. That’s the message I really want you to take back to your community.”
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