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.
http://www.GlobalParts.aero
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News February 2013
