This issue is always a special one as we highlight the 40 young men and women selected to receive this year’s Next Gen 40 Under 40 Maintenance Professional Awards. These young professionals come from around the world, from all segments of aviation, and different roles that support aircraft maintenance. Reading through the profiles words such as aviation passion, education, integrity, commitment, and enthusiasm come to mind. Congratulations to not only the 40 of you selected, but to all of you who were nominated, and those of you who understand the importance of recognizing the next generation of aircraft maintenance professionals by nominating someone.
Looking at this year’s winners, some aviation maintenance professionals are still being influenced by fathers working on cars and grandfathers working on the farm. My interest in maintenance and aviation did involve time on my grandfather’s farm in Wisconsin. But what about the next generation?
Most youngsters won’t have the opportunity to experience fixing farm machinery and learning about tools before even thinking about a career path. They’ll be more familiar with computers than hand tools.
That places an extra burden on the industry and the schools that have to do the training. It makes it more important that the current aircraft maintenance professionals promote the career as a way to make a difference. And schools and tool manufacturers will need to develop courses to familiarize students with the basics of what tools are important and how to use them.
Another observation is the increased number of women award winners. In 2017 we had four female winners and this year we have eight. Congratulations, the industry needs your input and contributions.
Other articles in this issue that highlight the importance of the role that people play in organizations include Dominique Cristall’s focus on sustainability from Bombardier Business Aircraft’s perspective. And Marino Boric continues the series on E-Flight with observations from Farnborough Airshow.
Congratulations again to this year’s winners, we anticipate hearing more about you and your achievements in the years to come.
Ron
