Although COVID-19 may have slowed down the hiring of pilots, we are now seeing the effects of the pilot shortage once again. Earlier this summer, we saw flights being cancelled due to lack of crew and I am seeing signs of the commercial airlines hiring at a faster than pre-COVID rate. As I have mentioned in previous articles, it isn’t just the pilots; as the industry grows, we need mechanics, air traffic controllers, engineers, and other non-flying positions.

To help students find their spot in our industry, the North Dakota Aviation Association (NDAA) held its first Aviation Career Expo in Fargo, just before school ended in May. The event was a success with more than 100 students attending and learning about all the career opportunities in aviation. Thank you to all the exhibitors, presenters, and organizers who volunteered their time to make this event a great day. To top it off, THANK YOU to the generous donors who enabled nearly $15,000 worth of scholarships to be awarded to students wishing to pursue education in these high-need areas.

While at the Career Expo, the NDAA board voted to continue the momentum and get back on track with an annual fall Career Expo. Planning has already begun, and I am excited to see what we can provide to the students in western North Dakota on October 6, at the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot. It is looking like we will have double the students that attended in Fargo! See page 37 for details.

I look forward to the upcoming event, knowing that students will be inspired by the guest speakers that we have lined up, will have lots of time to network with passionate industry representatives, and will hopefully leave with an aviation scholarship. I hope that you will consider supporting the event. Financial contributions to the NDAA Scholarship Fund allow the Association to award more students with scholarships, easing the financial burden for a young aviation enthusiast. For the event to be a success, we also need static displays of aircraft and exhibitors. 

For more information about how you can help, or to sign up, visit: www.fly-nd.com/Career-Expo or email: expo@fly-nd.com