You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Help Show Them The Way!<br />
by Dave Weiman<br />
At the “Minnesota Aviation<br />
Maintenance Technician<br />
Conference” in March in<br />
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, many of<br />
the exhibitors had “help wanted” signs in<br />
their booths, and I regularly speak with<br />
aviation business owners who are looking<br />
for qualified employees. Shortages of<br />
aviation technicians, pilots and other aviation professionals<br />
are not five years from now as we often hear…we are facing<br />
shortages, now!<br />
Yes, state governments and communities are closing some<br />
of our technical colleges and aviation campuses, but there<br />
are plenty of programs that still exist that we as pilots can<br />
help direct young people to, and not always within our state<br />
boundaries. Where there is a will, there is a pathway to a<br />
successful career in aviation, providing we are willing to take<br />
the time to be a “mentor.”<br />
We are reminded of our responsibility to do this whenever<br />
Dialogue<br />
we read about young people who obtain their Private<br />
Pilot Certificate while still in high school. Those young<br />
people most definitely had a mentor – someone who was<br />
encouraging and took the time to take them flying, and<br />
introduce them to a flight instructor. Their mentor helped<br />
bridge the gap and made them feel comfortable in their new<br />
surroundings.<br />
Keep this in mind the next time you see a young person<br />
express an interest in aviation, and help show them the way! q<br />
JUNE/JULY 2013 MIDWEST FLYER MAGAZINE 7
Change language