April 1, 2026
Recently, NBAA’s Maintenance Committee visited Kansas State University–Salina as part of its Campus Connect program, which visits a college or university campus each year to promote opportunities in business aviation to students preparing for careers as airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians.
“The airlines recruit regularly at campuses with A&P programs, but business aviation organizations don’t always have that capability,” said Doug Carr, senior vice president of safety, security, sustainability and international operations at NBAA. “This is our chance to highlight the diversity of technical and leadership career paths available in business aviation to the next generation of professionals.”
During the two-day visit, committee members engaged extensively with about 50 K-State–Salina students in one-on-one meetings and group settings. Students were able to speak directly with leaders of the business aviation maintenance community, flight department directors and aviation executives, some of whom began their careers as A&P technicians.
It was Campus Connect’s fifth stop at a school with an A&P program, underscoring NBAA’s commitment to strengthening the business aviation workforce pipeline. Committee members also took the opportunity to tour the facilities at K-State–Salina, including new training spaces the university expects to open within the next year.
Also taking part in the visit was the Maintenance Committee’s Connectivity Subcommittee, which is made up of representatives of companies developing advanced technologies that keep modern aircraft securely connected.
“The subcommittee focuses on making it as safe and easy to conduct business at 45,000 feet as it is in the office,” explained Carr. “The emergence of inflight connectivity systems and other leading-edge technologies really highlights the expanding set of career pathways available within business aviation, and the ever-more sophisticated skillsets required of business aviation maintenance professionals.”
By building relationships with students early in their training and with the faculty and staff of these programs, Campus Connect is broadening awareness of business aviation as a dynamic, technology-driven sector with diverse opportunities for growth, added Carr.
Next year’s Campus Connect location is expected to be finalized ahead of the 2026 NBAA Maintenance Conference, taking place May 5-7 in New Orleans. Learn more about the Maintenance Conference.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.