Regardless of the program of study, Central Missouri students are exposed to all aspects of the aviation industry. 

Matthew Furedy, a 1999 graduate from university, returned to the school in fall 2015 as an assistant professor. Furedy presently teaches a variety of courses, with a focus on those  that are a part of the department’s airport management degree. 

Courses in the program range from airport planning and design to corporate aviation management, all of which prepare students to sit for the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Certified Member (CM) exam. 

“I think that preparing our students and having them take this exam is a good thing,” Furedy said. “I know some other programs have that as an option, rather than a requirement, and I’m not sure how many actively make it part of the degree. [One of the other benefits of our structure] is we also require that students complete an internship. The more hands-on experience you can get, the better off you’ll be. So, I tell students that, if they can, to do an internship every summer that they’re here.” 

Presently, around 70 students are enrolled in Central Missouri’s undergraduate airport management program —which is the second largest in the department of aviation. While many students pursue careers as airport managers following graduation, alumni are employed in many different aviation disciplines.

“We have students that go through this program in order to go on and be an air traffic controller,” Furedy said. “Then we have those that work in airport ops or in management, at FBOs, working for the government, or as consultants. We even have some that go on to work at [OEMs]. There’s a very wide variety of jobs that students go off and do.”

Andy Multer began instructing at Central Missouri in spring 2020. During this semester, Multer passed the CM exam. This was an inspiration for a new program that he helped to create at the school, the airport management MBA. 

This online program was first offered in fall 2021 and currently has about 15 students. GMAT scores are not required for entrance into the MBA program, which costs less than $20,000 on average to complete. Most courses are eight weeks long, meaning that there are five start dates throughout the year. 

“The program is designed for junior- to mid-level airport employees that are looking to advance in their career,” Multer said. “You get well rounded airport management training with this degree, which is the only (AACSB accredited) airport management MBA in the world. We anticipate students to take two years to complete the MBA program because we really try to push it towards people that are working at an airport. We want this because experience is the most important part, and this program is to help you grow.

“Earning this graduate degree [in conjunction with three years of work experience] will ensure you meet all the requirements to take the AAAE’s AAE [Accredited Airport Executive] exam. Plus, students get their CM and two ACE [airport certified employee] certificates.” 

Both undergraduate and graduate students at Central Missouri are encouraged to be involved in a number of organizations to further their education. Some popular aviation groups include the school’s AAAE chapter, the Missouri Airport Managers Association, Women in Aviation International, and Alpha Eta Rho. Additionally, the department of aviation has an emphasis toward connecting students with opportunities to apply their coursework in the real world. 

“We own and operate our airport [Skyhaven Airport, (KRCM)] here,” Furedy said. “So, students have the ability to work at the airport, mainly in-line service, and we do offer internships, where they can shadow the airport manager at. That’s something that’s unique about the program, to be able to get out of the book and see the airport.

“In our airport certification class, we do go visit an airport and do an actual Part 139 inspection. We try to make it as real as possible and have been to a lot of different commercial services airports doing that. We’ve been to O’Hare [International Airport (KORD)] up in Chicago, Omaha [Airport (KOMA) in] Nebraska, Memphis [International Airport (KMEM) in Tennessee], Springfield-Branson National Airport (KSGF) south of us [in Missouri], and St. Louis Lambert International (KSTL).

“The big saying for the airport world is ‘if you’ve seen one airport, you’ve seen one airport,’ because even though there are standards on how to do things, each one does things a little bit differently.”  

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The Salinas, California-based aviation nonprofit focuses on inspiring at-risk youth to  engage in STEM education. The program has a Cessna 152 and Redbird Flight Simulations FMX AATD, which allow students to pursue a private pilot certificate. 

• READ MORE: Paying It Forward

The program also offers students an opportunity at completing ground school utilizing the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) high school curriculum.

The foundation’s $1.5 million donation, which was funded by Tom Siebel, Craig McCaw, and David Leushchen, also includes operational support for the aircraft and guaranteed job interviews for program graduates with industry partners Cirrus, CubCrafters, and Game Composites.

• READ MORE: Bob Hoover Academy Gets Redbird Simulator

“This donation is about providing hope and tangible opportunities for a better future,” Siebel said in a statement. “Salinas is a city where many young people face daunting challenges daily. We are honored to support the Bob Hoover Academy led by impassioned aviator Sean D. Tucker. They are changing lives through the magic of aviation combined with a solid education.” 

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According to GAMA, this year more than 60 high school teams, representing 28 states, entered the competition. Aviation teams from Porter High School in Porter, Texas, and Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., were awarded second and third place, respectively.

“[Raisbeck’s] entry optimized the aircraft to carry a maximum payload in the shortest time with an elaborate design process, which included low two-section wings with fast airfoils, a streamlined fuselage, and increased horsepower,” GAMA said. “The team’s first-place prize includes a CubCrafters Manufacturing Experience and demonstration flight opportunities.”

Members of the Raisbeck Aviation High School team include Charles Atchison, Kenji Gonzales, Colin Harrison, Brent Jansen, August Johnson, Gavin Johnson, Alex Mill, AJ Poon, Colin Renberg, Oliver Swanson, and Emile Woo.

“The GAMA Challenge is one of the highlights of the school year for team members at Raisbeck,” the school’s aviation team advisers said in a statement. “This year’s team really had a fun learning experience with the bigger turbine-powered Caravan flying in Alaska. They were really excited to learn their design had won first place and are looking forward to the CubCrafters Manufacturing Experience.”

The challenge gives high school students the opportunity to use a complimentary “Fly to Learn” curriculum to grasp the principles of flight and airplane design, consistent with national STEM standards. In the second phase of the competition the team used software to virtually modify an airplane design and compete in a fly-off using X-Plane software.

The Challenge

This year’s mission was to modify a Cessna 208 Caravan, then fly the aircraft from Homer to Seward, Alaska, as quickly and efficiently as possible. The process included finding the most expedient route between the two remote locations. The teams were scored on performance parameters, a checklist of steps involved in the demonstration flight. The teams also submitted a video detailing what they learned during the process.

“Once again, the teams participating in the GAMA Aviation Design Challenge continue to amaze us with their dedication and enthusiasm for aviation and unique perspectives on aircraft design,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO. “We congratulate the Raisbeck Aviation High School team for their outstanding first-place submission and also recognize the teams from Porter High School and Gonzaga College High School for their respective second and third-place submissions. We applaud all the schools for participating and are particularly proud of the hard work that they all put into their submissions. We look forward to furthering the reach of the program and sparking student interest into the rewarding opportunities within general aviation.”

The second-place entry from Porter illustrated a design with an extended high-aspect ratio wing, larger propeller, reduced engine rpm, a T-tail design, and an airfoil-shaped fuselage. They will receive a two-day Redbird Flight Simulations STEM Lab.

The third-place winners from Gonzaga demonstrated design with slightly decreased wing area, decreased horsepower, a four-blade propeller, and an aerodynamic fuselage to reduce drag. They will receive one-year ForeFlight Performance Plus subscriptions and a flight simulator experience with Joby Aviation. 

The 2024 Aviation Design Challenge had many sponsors, including Bombardier, Camp Systems, Cirrus Aircraft, Click Bond, CubCrafters, Embraer, ForeFlight, Garmin, Gulfstream Aerospace, Hartzell Propeller, Jet Aviation, Joby Aviation, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Redbird Flight, Signature Aviation, Textron Aviation, and Wipaire. Sponsors provide financial support for the curriculum, software and prizes, as well as in-kind donations.

“We are grateful for the tremendous support of the program’s sponsors,” Bunce said. “Their commitment to furthering youth outreach allows us to be able to offer and grow this program and its incredible experiences.”  

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National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA), a worldwide organization for the LGBTQ+ community, is doing its share to encourage its members to begin their aviation careers by once again offering its annual scholarship program to those interested in becoming pilots, A&P mechanics, or other general aviation-related vocations. 

With the support of generous NGPA members and corporate sponsors, they continue the tradition of their annual scholarship program, providing financial support to the most qualified and highest-achieving members through a scholarship to pursue those lofty dreams.

And NGPA’s scholarship program is more than just a financial aid opportunity. It’s a powerful statement about the organization’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and excellence within the aviation industry. By providing recipients with the necessary financial support, NGPA is not just helping them reach their professional goals but also paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive aviation community.

Applications for the annual scholarship program are now being accepted and are due June 30. To apply, simply visit the NGPA website and complete the online opportunity profile. Additional information, such as eligibility conditions, required documentation, and how the selection process works, can also be found on the NGPA website, located at: Apply – NGPA – The Worldwide LGBTQ+ Aviation Community

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on Plane & Pilot.

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Founded by James and Joan Ray, the Ray Foundation enables EAA and its chapter network to provide up to $11,000 for deserving youth to help cover flight training expenses. The foundation has made $1.8 million available to the EAA this year.

“Many aspiring pilots fall short of their goal due to the cost of flight training, so EAA, working with the Ray Foundation, helps relieve some of the financial pressure and make the goal of becoming a pilot even more accessible for future generations,” said Rick Larsen, EAA vice president of communities and member programming. “The high completion rate of our scholars demonstrates the impact of a supportive environment provided by EAA chapters.”

In addition to the Ray Aviation Scholarships, the Lightspeed Aviation Foundation partners with EAA to award a Zulu 3 headset to each fight student upon completing their first solo. If the student had already soloed before starting in the Ray Aviation Scholarship program, the headset goes to them when they pass their written exam.

“This recognizes the scholar as they progress and ultimately complete flight training,” according to EAA.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

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The agency issued 69,503 student pilot certificates in 2023, up 24 percent from 2022.

A deeper dive of FAA’s civil airmen data shows the bulk of the certificates were issued in June (7,162) and August (7,813).

• READ MORE: The Cautionary Tale of the Destruction of Meigs Field

The June starts are no surprise. Student pilot starts usually increase in the spring as the weather improves. People receive introductory flights as graduation presents, Mother or Father’s Day gifts, or they decide to use their tax return to check that item off their bucket list or begin a new career.

The August figure may be associated with the beginning of the academic year at Part 141 colleges and universities.

Tips for Finding a School

You cannot control the weather, maintenance issues, or scheduling, but you can manage the amount of effort put into learning. To expedite your training, you will want to fly at least twice a week, although three times is better to make steady progress. Ensure the school has an adequate fleet and enough instructors to go around. 

• READ MORE: The Potentially Deadly Distraction of Social Media

When you do your research, find out how many learners (the FAA’s official term for student pilots) and renters the school has as well as how many airworthy airplanes and active instructors are on staff. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where there are 40 student pilots and seven instructors and only three airworthy aircraft. 

Don’t be surprised if there is a waiting list for training. Many programs at both Part 141 and Part 61 schools cap their enrollment to protect the limited resources of instructors and aircraft.

Also, find out if you can rent aircraft for solo flight after you have obtained your certificate. Some schools are so busy that they only allow active students to rent for solo flights. Find out in advance so there are no unwelcome surprises.

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Under the paid two-year program, students will receive hands-on instruction at Bombardier Group’s site in Wichita, Kansas, and classroom training at WSU Tech. In this setting they will work with seasoned instructors and senior maintenance experts while becoming familiar with Bombardier’s aircraft fleet.

• READ MORE: How to Make a Solid Financial Choice for Your Aviation Education

The company said the state-registered A&P apprenticeship program is the first of its kind in Kansas. Students completing the program will receive FAA A&P certification in addition to significant on-the-job training. They also will be given upgrades in their job classifications from apprentices to full-time A&P technicians. For Bombardier, the program strengthens the company’s staff of mechanics and its ability to provide timely maintenance services.

“We are pleased to deepen our roots in Wichita and the U.S. through the launch of this foundational program in collaboration with WSU Tech, a leader in aviation mechanic training in Wichita,” said Paul Sislian, executive vice president of Bombardier aftermarket services and strategy. “The start of this apprenticeship program highlights Bombardier Group’s ongoing commitment to not only expanding its footprint in Wichita, but to training, hiring, and retaining qualified professionals, which will further increase our ability to provide exceptional customer service to our clients.”

• READ MORE: WAI App Gives Girls Access to Year-Long Aviation Education

Bombardier said the collaboration with WSU Tech is part of a strategy that included expanding its worldwide network of service facilities. Training and hiring more skilled technicians aids the company’s effort to develop its aerospace operations.

“WSU Tech is excited to join with Bombardier to provide our students with an extraordinary learning opportunity at their state-of-the-art facility in Wichita,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, president of WSU Tech and vice president of its workforce development. “This collaboration demonstrates the power of uniting education, government, business, and industry, resulting in success.”

The post Bombardier, WSU Tech Collaborate to Launch A&P Apprenticeship Program appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

There are many opportunities for applicants interested in experience in non-flight, aviation-related disciplines, from history research to communications and media. 

Some key details:

• Duration: 10 weeks, early June to early August
• Work format: Full-time, with on-site or hybrid options in the D.C. area
• Stipend: $7,000
• Application deadline: February 29

To qualify for an internship, applicants must be high school graduates enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a degree program at an accredited college or university. Strong academic records are expected, and international applications are welcome.

• READ MORE: Museum Spotlight: Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum

Some of the aviation-related internship projects include:

• Archival research: Military aviation
• Center for Earth and Planetary Studies: Distribution of geologic structures on Europa
• Center for Earth and Planetary Studies: Titan’s tectonic history
• Communications: Communications and social media
• Communications: Digital content and accessibility
• Education: Astronomy
• Education: S.H.E. Can STEAM Aviation Camp
• Education: Soar Together family programs
• Graphic design: Publications and marketing

For detailed project descriptions and application information, visit the museum’s website.

The post National Air and Space Museum’s Internship Program Accepting Applications appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Barns has known he wanted a career in aviation since high school and considered attending a college-based aviation program, but instead joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his service, he attended Millersville University, where pursued an aspect of his interest in aviation by earning a bachelor’s degree in meteorology.

Barns will be using the Sporty’s $2,500 Pilot Training+ Scholarship to earn his private pilot certificate at Reigle Field (58N) in Palmyra, Pennsylvania. The airport, located near Hershey, was established in 1942 by Chas and Ada Reigle and still has that vintage aviation vibe with a flight school that offers training in a J-3 Cub and 1943 Fairchild PT-23 as well as a Cessna 172.

• READ MORE: 6 Tips for Winning Aviation Scholarships

“The $2,500 award would be enough for me to pay for a tailwheel endorsement at my training airport and join the local gliding club,” said Barns. “I would then have the opportunity to earn glider ratings and build time toward my commercial certificate as a tow pilot.”

Barns noted that the local glider club always needs tow pilots, and he looks forward to building his hours through towing and gliding.

About Sporty’s Pilot Training+

Sporty’s Pilot Training+ is an all-inclusive membership that unlocks Sporty’s complete library of video-based courses for one annual fee. Membership also includes the opportunity to apply for three $2,500 scholarships, which are awarded annually.

To enroll as a Sporty’s Pilot Training+ member, visit sportys.com/pilottraining.

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How It Works

Once registered with AeroEducate, the users are invited to complete 31,000 activities drawn from five aviation careers. This gives the users a chance to explore different facets of aviation through a series of individual, do-it-yourself projects and classroom activities. When the activities are completed, the students earn digital achievement badges that can be printed as certificates of accomplishment.

At the present time there are 22 digital badges available, with plans to add more as the program continues to grow and evolve.

Paul Maloy, EAA director of education, noted the rapid growth in 2023 reflected the program’s improvement and expansion throughout the year.

• READ MORE: EAA and Siemens Join Forces on Youth Aviation Education

“The continuous addition of new content in cooperation with our sponsors has reinforced the overall goal of AeroEducate to engage, inspire, and empower young people to see pathways to success in aviation and aerospace,” Maloy said.

AeroEducate has the support of some of the heavy hitters in the aviation world, including United Airlines, Siemens, and Airbus, along with Estes Education, Horizon Hobby, NextGen Aviators, and the U.S. Air Force.

More information on AeroEducate can be found here.

Aviation education has long been part of the EAA’s mission. The organization, based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, boasts more than 270,000 members and 900 local chapters. Activities range from flying and building aircraft to award-winning restoration of recreational aircraft.

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