Hello there. Let me introduce myself. My name is Jennifer Wilberschied – I am the new editor of Aircraft Maintenance Technology – and I am part of the next generation of aviation professionals. You may have already met me in Fort Worth, Texas at NBAA – MC as I jaunted down the aisles of the trade show floor or at EAA AirVenture in OshKosh as I took in what was the most exciting show I have ever attended by far.
Hopefully you have already taken a gander over at our list of Next Gen 40 Under 40 Award winners. If not, be sure to flip the pages back a tad and check out the young talent in the industry, starting on page 28. This year, our pool of winners are a group of young, motivated, and talented bunch of aircraft maintenance professionals ranging from mechanics, technicians, managers, engineers and directors of maintenance. I may not be out in the field per say, but I am, too, part of the next generation. I am younger than 40 by a handful of years – don’t dare ask a lady her age – and while in this business more than 50 percent is over the age of 60, being part of the “younger” aviation generation is important.
During my first week as editor of AMT, someone asked me “so how long have you been in aviation?” My answer: “two days.” Their eyes all bugged out, they seemed surprised. Maybe it was that they don’t often run into someone new to the industry. But being “green” doesn’t have to be a negative. In fact, being newer to the field or a young person in this industry is a great thing. Us newbies bring a fresh perspective to the table with new ideas and loads of energy. And don’t be afraid of us. Just because something has been done one way for decades doesn’t mean there isn’t another way that may be even more productive. The next generation will challenge the ways things are done. And, the ones who came before have to allow the new talent to thrive and take ownership of their skills so that they can grow to be great leaders in the industry.
While the next generation is newer, it doesn’t mean we are inexperienced individuals. While I may be new to the aircraft maintenance industry, I am no stranger to the rapid world of transportation. I worked as an assistant editor for Railway Track & Structures for six-plus years. I am also not new to publishing as a whole. I was editor of three other industry publications for three more years and have been writing and editing professionally since 2007. I am eager and willing to learn, just like the rest of the next generation.
And while we have some exciting qualities to share, don’t misunderstand, we still have a wealth of knowledge to learn from the generations that came before us. There is wisdom they possess that you will never find in a textbook or manual. One big theme throughout all of our interviews with the Next Gen Award winners was mentors and what a huge influence they have had and learning all you can from them. The next generation are like sponges, just waiting to be filled up. So, pour it on.
Congratulations to all of our 2019 Next Gen 40 Under 40 Award winners and to all those who were nominated. We look forward to watching you grow with your careers and advancing the techniques and technologies that this industry has. You are the future of aviation. Take it seriously, take it as a challenge, and take us to the next level.
I look forward to meeting more of the next generation and all of the amazing individuals that make up this wonderful industry as more shows and events come along. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] and introduce yourself and let me know what is important to you as our devoted reader. We strive to be a well-rounded resource for aircraft maintenance folks from those of you turning the wrenches, to directors of maintenance and everyone between.
