January 6, 2017
A dozen aviation students from across the country spent time Jan. 5 with NBAA staff, at the association’s Washington, DC headquarters, discussing issues of importance to the industry, such as NextGen and FAA reauthorization, as well as learning more about career opportunities business aviation has to offer.
The students were taking part in the 2017 University Aviation Association (UAA) Aviation Policy Seminar for Students, which annually brings future professionals to the nation’s capital, for a week of meetings with industry associations, policymakers and government agencies.
“This is where we put to practice some of the theory that we learn about in the classroom,” said faculty facilitator Orestes Gooden, a lecturer in aviation science from North Carolina’s Elizabeth City State University. “You name the aviation alphabet group and we have students going there.”
NBAA Chief Operating Officer Steve Brown introduced the students to business aviation, as well as to the work of aviation associations in general, noting the vital function they serve in policymaking.
Aviation issues – and transportation issues in general – tend to be those that cross the political spectrum, Brown said. Everyone, regardless of political party, supports safety. “The need for aviation and the benefits that come from it,” are supported by all, Brown continued.
Brown also noted that aviation, including business aviation, provides numerous career opportunities for students.
“If you can think of an occupation, you can find it in the aviation industry,” he said. “it really is an exciting time to be coming into this industry. There’s a massive demand for new talent and a great need for it.”
The packed agenda also included presentations on:
- NBAA’s noise abatement program
- Airports
- Certification reform
- Emissions
- Pilot shortage
“I’ve been studying this industry, now here are its real-life applications,” said Destry Jacobs, a junior at Arizona State University, majoring in aeronautical technologies management. “There’s so much in this industry.”
Jacobs attended last year’s NBAA Convention & Exhibition in Orlando, FL, as the association’s Eddie Queen Business Aviation Management Scholarship recipient. That opportunity, she said, along with the UAA symposium, were “eye opening” in terms of future career possibilities.
“I love it,” she said. “It’s broadened my horizons.”
Lindsey Hurley, a senior at Baylor University, agreed that the symposium, and the chance to visit organizations such as NBAA, was invaluable.
“I loved it. I thought it was very informative,” Hurley, a pilot, said of the presentation at NBAA. “I am passionate about aviation.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.