Students to Hear From FAA Administrator, Aviation Futurist at NBAA-BACE Career Day

Oct. 8, 2019

Hundreds of high school students will hear directly from aviation leaders about all the industry has to offer as a future career, during the annual Careers in Business Aviation Day on Oct. 24 at the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE).

The event begins with a discussion led by new FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, who will offer his perspectives on the many tech-focused and other exciting careers that will characterize the aviation and aerospace workplace of the future.

The discussion continues with keynote speaker Jim Payne, chief pilot of the Perlan Project, who will discuss how he flies gliders on exploration and atmospheric science research missions. View a video from the Perlan Project.

The Perlan Project used science, technology, engineering and math to build a pressurized glider that has flown as high as 76,000 feet – the highest ever sustained subsonic flight, Payne said. “Now is a wonderful time to be an engineer, amazing materials being created with 3D printing will completely change manufacturing,” he added. “The students of today will be able to create things we cannot imagine.”

Following the presentations, students will explore the exhibit floor, tour the aircraft display at Henderson Executive Airport (HND), and meet with some of the more than 1,000 exhibitors on hand for business aviation’s biggest event of the year.

“NBAA works all year to help safeguard and secure the industry’s future,” said Peter Korns, NBAA senior manager, operations and workforce development. “The opportunity to hear directly from Administrator Dickson, as well as learn more about Jim Payne and the Perlan Project, is something students should not pass up.

“By talking directly with company representatives, students learn what skill sets they might want to pursue to further their career in business aviation,” Korns added. “The day-long event provides students with an opportunity to better understand what careers may exist in business aviation. We invite students to come and learn from focused programming and networking opportunities, and also meet exhibitors face-to-face.

Admission to the Careers in Business Aviation Day is free for all registered students, faculty and chaperones. Learn more about Careers in Business Aviation Day.