Aerobatic Aviator Anthony Oshinuga Headlines Careers in Business Aviation Day

Sept. 18, 2018

NBAA will hold its popular Careers in Business Aviation Day on Thursday, Oct. 18, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, during the third day of the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), with Anthony Oshinuga, a world-class aerobatic and air race pilot, serving as the keynote speaker.

The annual Careers in Business Aviation Day, which is free for all registered students, faculty and chaperones, kicks off at 10 a.m. and features motivational speakers, a roundtable networking event and access to the more than 1,000 exhibitors and 100 aircraft on static display at the world’s largest business aviation event of the year.

“Inspiring the business aviation industry’s next generation of professionals and leaders is a key NBAA priority,” said Peter Korns, NBAA’s manager, tax, operations and workforce engagement. “By annually inviting students to NBAA-BACE, and providing a valuable day of student-focused events and opportunities, we continue to place great emphasis on the importance of workforce development. Career Day is a great way to introduce students to our industry and inspire them to pursue careers in business aviation.”

The son of Nigerian immigrants, Oshinuga saved his lunch money to buy paint for the radio-controlled airplane kit his father had bought him. A scholarship helped him earn a mechanical engineering degree at the University of California, Riverside in 2006, and he earned his private pilot certificate the same year. While working to pay his bills, he took aerobatic lessons. He has since become a nationally-ranked aerobatic pilot and has his sights set on becoming the first African-American Red Bull Air Race pilot.

After the general session, college and university students have the opportunity to connect directly with business industry professionals and leaders at the annual roundtable session. This one-of-a-kind networking event allows students to discuss careers and professional goals with established aviation experts, including: flight department managers and directors; pilots; schedulers and dispatchers; maintenance; HR personnel; recruiters and more.

“This year, we are also pleased to announce additional support for Career Day in the form of two sponsorships – EPIC Fuels and West Star Aviation,” said Korns. “We are grateful for their assistance in helping to make the day an exceptionally valuable one for all who attend.” EPIC Fuels has been a sponsor of Oshinuga since 2016.

While Careers in Business Aviation Day is free for all registered students, faculty and chaperones, college students attending UAA-affiliated schools also qualify for complimentary access to all three days of NBAA-BACE. Students wishing to attend all three days should contact their faculty advisors or UAA for information.

Learn more about Careers in Business Aviation Day. Learn more about the symposium.