You Can Fly: ‘No better time to become a pilot’

During opening remarks, Tatum noted the aviation industry is expected to retire thousands of pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers within the next 20 years. “What that means is that it’s an incredible opportunity for young people considering a variety of aviation career options.”

“There’s really no better time to become a pilot,” said Dee Temples, Envoy Air senior vice president for air operations, who added that the air carrier has “introduced signing bonuses, retention bonuses, and increased pay steps” for incoming pilots.

Teachers, principals, and school superintendents filled a hangar at the American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum, where they soaked up information about an aviation science, technology, engineering, and math curriculum for students in grades nine through 12. Energy extended into breakout sessions, social gatherings, and informal chat sessions.

An instant poll revealed the sessions were “engaging, informative, awesome, encouraging, transformative, and beneficial.” Many of the 15 breakout and general sessions were held near—or under—the wings of a majestically restored silver-and-orange Douglas DC–3 named Flagship Knoxville. The aviation-rich museum environment also showcased cutaways of jet and piston engines, explanations of flight principles, and cabin crew nostalgia that provided additional learning opportunities. As the two-day session began, AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker reiterated the importance of STEM subjects as a pathway to aviation education. He thanked the teachers and mentors for their “commitment to a very important journey.”

AOPA High School Aviation Initiative Senior Director Cindy Hasselbring said it is important to connect students with meaningful learning experiences through aviation STEM courses. She noted that a goal of the symposium, now in its third year, was to have more students realize that “aviation is a great career option.” She explained that the ninth-grade curriculum is being tested in 29 high schools across the United States. She reassured attendees that the curriculum would remain free.

Tatum reminded attendees that “flying has become more and more accessible for young people. It’s a career field that is truly open to everyone. That’s the message I really want you to take back to your community.”