Business Aviation program comes to WMU

The Michigan Business Aviation Association wants to bridge the gap between graduation and a career in Business Aviation. Toward that end they are working with Western Michigan University to promote business aviation careers.

 

Careers in fields such as corporate pilot, managing flight facilities for a corporate entity or entities, and aircraft maintenance are some of those the Michigan Business Aviation Association wants to encourage the next generation of aviators to consider. 

 

The organization will meet at 6 p.m. Jan. 22 at WMU's College of Aviation in Battle Creek to announce the launch of its outreach effort that will encompass internship and scholarship opportunities as well as opportunities to network with corporate aviation leaders from a number of global corporations.

 

Representatives from Amway, Bissell, Dow, Masco, and Whirlpool are expected to attend and are among those who will be part of the program.

 

The MBAA brings together businesses and individuals who are working to preserve and develop  an air transportation system. They focus on such topics as airport infrastructure and other aviation issues affecting the State of Michigan. 

 

The initiative is intended to provide opportunities in business aviation that has previously not been available to college students.  

"We're out to provide an opportunity for aviation students to gain a greater understanding of business aviation by meeting with Michigan business aviation leaders," says MBAA board chair Roger Salo, of Masco. "We're developing mentors and internship programs to provide pathways to business aviation careers."