NBAA is partnering with regional aviation groups and associations on various initiatives to address worker shortages and increase the business aviation workforce. The effort primarily focuses on attracting students and young people to the industry through education and outreach. The association is assisting regional groups in developing and implementing programs that detail the many job opportunities available in business aviation and dispel the myth that you need to be a pilot to work in business aviation.
“The NBAA Local and Regional Groups committee devotes a great deal of effort and tools for groups to share best practices of workforce development and business aviation advocacy.”
Steven Hadley Senior Director, Regional Programs and Southwest Central Region
“We have many regional groups around the country that are holding career days, and almost all of the groups create and fund a tremendous number of scholarships for students to pursue a career in business aviation,” said Steven Hadley, NBAA senior director, regional programs and Southwest Central Region. “The NBAA Local and Regional Groups committee devotes a great deal of effort and provides tools for groups to share best practices of workforce development and business aviation advocacy.”
One element of this outreach effort is NBAA and general aviation industry participation in the annual American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Conference, which was held in Atlanta in July.
“We met with a wide range of counselors from high schools, grade schools, middle schools and colleges,” said Gregory Voos, NBAA southeast regional director. “They are there to learn about business aviation and understand more about the jobs and career options that are available.”
Business aviation groups and companies were on hand to discuss workforce needs and educate counselors about the industry.
“The goal is to help these counselors communicate to their students about exactly what’s available,” Voos added. “It’s not just the standard occupations that they might be thinking of.”
Local and regional groups are helping to lead the way, including the Central Florida Business Aviation Association, which holds an annual Business Aviation Day to showcase career opportunities.
The event targets students who are passionate about pursuing careers in the aviation industry. Participating companies can demonstrate their expertise, network with motivated individuals and establish valuable connections.
NBAA also will host career-focused events during the 2023 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas.
Review NBAA’s regional group resources at nbaa.org/regional.
New Maintenance Competitions Target Bizav AMT Shortage
NBAA hosted competitions for aviation maintenance technician students at multiple events this year, including NBAA-BACE. Skill tests included cable rigging, wiring harness, safety wiring and a virtual reality troubleshooting exercise. Winners were chosen based on time and accuracy.
“Everyone knows there’s a shortage of aviation technicians,” said the competition’s designer, Sean Gallagan, CEO of Aviation Workforce Solutions. “However, most Part 147 schools push people to careers in commercial airlines. Very few instructors at these schools have a business aviation background, and so they don’t discuss it during training.”
NBAA Honors Balsiger's Legacy
NBAA mourns the loss of former Midwest Regional Representative John O. Balsiger, 85, who passed away Aug. 11, in Oklahoma City.
Balsiger started at NBAA in 1999 as its first Midwest representative. “John took the meaning of the word ‘representative’ to heart, as both an effective listener and a tireless industry champion,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “He will be greatly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to work with him.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.