Avionics News February 2013 - 62
Advertisers Index Aero Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Aerospace Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Aircell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Aircraft Electronics Association . . . 53, 63 AVweb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Becker Avionics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Bemidji Aviation Services . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Cal Labs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Dallas Avionics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC Eagle Creek Aviation Services . . . . . . . 70 EDMO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC Express Calibration Services . . . . . . . . 70 Flight Display Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Flying Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Garmin International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Georgetown Instrument Services . . . . . 61 GlobalParts.aero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Mid-Continent Instruments & Avionics . . 5 Pacific Southwest Instruments . . . . . . IBC PIC Wire & Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 ProCal Laboratories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Saint Louis University . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Sandia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 POINT OF COMMUNICATION Continued from page 4 “Whirlybird.” I lived a mile away from an airport, so I was hooked on aviation from an early age. Today, kids are surrounded by electronics and technology, and most of them are adept at being creative. Leading-edge technology with ever-changing platforms sounds a lot like our industry. So why aren’t more members of the younger generation getting involved? Perhaps we haven’t shown them what it’s all about. What are we doing to educate students on the potential and possibilities of a career in the aviation sector? If we didn’t live and breathe aviation, would we be aware there’s going to be a shortage of pilots, mechanics and technicians in the not-too-distant future? Some training facilities are struggling to keep the lights on with small enrollment numbers, and flight schools are becoming few and far between. As an industry, we must promote all the opportunities that exist in aviation to the younger generation. Think back to some of the key people in our industry. We have all heard them talk about their adventures, and it didn’t take much to get wrapped up in their passion for aviation. In October, Duncan Aviation hosted a regional aviation career fair for area high school students interested in mechanics, electronics, flying, engineering and aviation. It was a great experience, and I encourage your company to organize similar events for local youth. If this is too lofty a goal for your business, keep it simple. For example, give a tour of your facility, take time to talk to school kids about your company or give students an airplane ride. You might be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams as you spark a new interest in a young mind. We all must help deliver the message that opportunities exist in aviation, and the aviation industry needs creative minds to take us to the next level. And yes, my friend finally answered my original question. His reply was, “Yes, I would do it all over again. Aviation has been a thrilling ride, more than I ever dreamed. Sure, there were professions where I might have made more money. But I would never have had the passion for those jobs that I do for the people and excitement of a career in the aviation industry.” Sun Aviation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Tech-Aid Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 TGH Aviation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Tri-Star Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 62 avionics news • february 2013 GARY HARPSTER Vice Chair, AEA board of directors Duncan Aviation, Lincoln, Neb.