This is our annual Next Gen 40 Under 40 aviation professionals issue, and a fitting time to encourage all young aviators to reach for their own 40-year goal. I’m encouraged how this program has gained in popularity, and this year we had several previous winners nominate other young aviation maintenance professionals.
Recently back from EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, I had the chance to meet up with some of my long-time aviator friends and we reminisced about aviation maintenance technician school, or A&P school as we called it back then. My generation of aviators is retiring at a rapid pace and our 147 schools can hardly keep up.
I jumped at the chance to spend a day at AirVenture with the young son of a friend, showing him as many airplanes as I could, and explaining the workings of airplanes, helicopters, and a few in-process build projects. I hope young Kyle at least gives aviation some thought when considering career opportunities and I also hope you, our readers, understand the importance of introducing young people to our industry.
As a youngster, I had the best person ever to support my interest in aviation – my father. He was not an aircraft mechanic or a pilot, he just loved aviation. Today, many youngsters do not have that support person. I encourage you all to introduce a young person to aviation. Be a mentor, talk to your circle of young people about aviation. It’s a must. We need them!
Last month, I wrote in my column about some of the personnel changes at Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT ), particularly with the editorial staff. We are all very proud of long-time editor Barb Zuehlke and her accomplishments during a stellar 40-year career at this company. You can read Barb’s goodbyes in the June/July issue of AMT.
But the decades of memories and accolades didn’t end with cake during a simple office retirement party. Not at all! Barb was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Aerospace Media Dinner on the evening before the official opening of the Paris Airshow. What a gratifying way to conclude a 40-year career than to mingle with hundreds of aviation journalists and friends from around the world at the iconic Aéro-Club de France. Enjoy your new role of retirement my friend.
Keep ‘em flying safely,
Ron
