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Iowa airports group, AOPA promote aviation careers

A well-attended annual conference of the Iowa Public Airports Association highlighted how the organization has mobilized its resources across the state to promote aviation as a career path, said AOPA Central Southwest Regional Manager Tom Chandler.

The Iowa Public Airports Association had its annual event April 12 through 14 in Cedar Rapids.

Chandler participated in a presentation on the programs AOPA has created to reverse the trend of a declining active general aviation pilot population including the You Can Fly initiative, the umbrella program that pursues targeted approaches to promoting flying clubs and flight schools, getting rusty pilots back in the air, and developing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs for high school students. He also met with state and local officials about the needs of the state airport system.

The Iowa Public Airports Association, as part of its promotion of public airports through activities including “legislative advocacy, education, and collaboration within the aviation community,” also is pitching in to raise awareness of aviation’s professional opportunities.

The group has been reaching out to high school guidance counselors across Iowa to make them aware of resources on higher education for students interested in aviation-related fields. Members of the Iowa Public Airports Association also plan to attend a conference for the high school counselors and provide educational materials for their students on a wide variety of aviation careers, Chandler said.

AOPA ePublishing staff
AOPA ePublishing Staff editors are experienced pilots, flight instructors, and aircraft owners who have a passion for bringing you the latest news and AOPA announcements.
Topics: Advocacy, Airport Advocacy, Training and Safety

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