Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Final blog of the semester

              At the beginning of the class I wasn't positive about the path I was going to take, I had some ideas but nothing set in stone. I had thought of pursuing aviation writing, such as writing for AOPA or Aviation weekly. While I’m not opposed to doing that recently I have discovered a position in the industry that I was unaware of. I recently interviewed Bryan Wagoner, the Environmental Administrator at DTW, who told me about a position called the Aviation Wildlife Biologist. The position doesn't require a degree in biology; rather it is a certificate that is given by the FAA for meeting certain requirements. As an avid outdoors man this position is very interesting to me as it will utilize the management skills I have learned and allow me to work outside as well.
                I think that the most interesting blog topic this semester was the growth in China’s aviation industry. I found the effects that it is having on our industry and how we are working to compete on a global basis is extremely interesting.
                The least interesting topic of the semester was technology in the airport. While I find technology to be interesting, most of the technology that I read about I was already aware of, I do think it will be fun to see the advances that are made over the next decade however, as I’m sure that the advances they have made in the area will start to make its way into the aviation industry.
                The speaker that stood out the most to me was Dan (don’t remember his last name), he gave us a list entitled “Dan’s Life Lessons” , I wrote them all down and I have them in a place where I see them on a daily basis. I found his list of advice very inspirational!

                After graduation I plan on traveling to Pennsylvania for the Aviation Wildlife Biologist training, I will also make it a point to join professional groups. I have entertained the idea of a master’s degree, however I will try to find a job first and try to have them pay for it.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Aviation Organizations


As we all know it is extremely important to network, especially within the aviation industry, however,  Avscholars.com discusses some other important resources that are available to professionals who join aviation organizations. An organization can help bring people together for networking opportunities, but they can also provide resources such as flight planning material, learning opportunities, scholarships and more.

                There are hundreds if not thousands of clubs available, however, and it might be difficult to choose which club is best for you. The best way to do this is to find something that fits your career and your goals for your future. Heading down the path of management myself, two organizations that I will most likely join after graduation would be AOPA and NBAA. One of my favorite things that the AOPA offers is advocacy, they are a large organization and have the power to represent their members on the legal playing field. They also offer tools and resources for flying and give seminars on safety and further education, along with membership also comes a subscription to their magazine which offers great articles about the world of aviation.

                Seeking employment in the business sector of aviation the NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) offers business professionals  networking opportunities with other likeminded individuals, through seminars and classes, they promote business aviation, and one of the most intriguing things for me professional development. The NBAA offers what they call the Certified Aviation Manager program which allows any individual who completes the test to become a certified manager, the NBAA also provides its members with scholarship opportunities to further their education and in some instances also offers tuition reimbursement.

                Even though there are many organizations to choose from, it is best to look through their website and find out what they offer before you join, if you look hard enough you will find something that is a fit for you.

 

AOPA. (n.d.). Membership benefits. Retrieved from http://www.aopa.org/Membership/Membership-Benefits.aspx

 

Avscholars. (2003). Aviation organizations. Retrieved from http://www.avscholars.com/Aviation_Organizations_Clubs/aviation-organizations.htm

 

NBAA. (n.d.). Professional development. Retrieved from

http://www.nbaa.org/prodev/

 

NBAA. (n.d.). What is business avitation?. Retrieved from