Tulsa Community College and the University of Oklahoma are the first two institutions to offer the new Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative. Under the initiative, graduates will go directly to air traffic control facilities for on-the-job training and skip the FAA’s training academy in Oklahoma City.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said the two post-secondary institutions will offer the same training on the same equipment as the academy.

The goal is to streamline training to address the nationwide controller shortage.

“The FAA is working to hire and train more air traffic controllers, in order to reverse the decades-long decline in our workforce and ensure the safety of the flying public,” said Whitaker. “The Enhanced AT-CTI program is an important part of that effort.”

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

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Air cargo specialists play a critical role in this global network by ensuring the proper and safe transportation of goods through the skies.

Here is what you need to know about becoming an air cargo specialist.

What Is an Air Cargo Specialist?

The term air cargo specialist refers to individuals who are responsible for organizing, planning, loading, and unloading cargo from aircraft. The exact job titles and responsibilities can vary depending on the employer.

Common tasks for an air cargo specialist include loading and unloading cargo from aircraft and vehicles, transporting cargo around an airport, and ensuring that the movement of cargo is properly documented. Some roles also involve administrative work such as preparing weight and balance records.

Military Air Cargo Specialists

One way of becoming an air cargo specialist is by joining the military. Many branches of the U.S Armed Forces have cargo specialist positions.

The U.S. Army, for example, has an occupation called cargo specialist. These enlisted service members handle supplies, weapons, mail, and equipment that are being transported by air, land, or sea. Army cargo specialists load and unload cargo, operate heavy equipment, and document the movement of cargo.

A similar role in the U.S. Air Force is the air transportation specialist. This job focuses exclusively on air transportation but also includes working with passenger transportation rather than just cargo. Air transportation specialists not only load and unload cargo but also have other tasks such as planning the types and quantities of cargo to be loaded and performing passenger-related tasks such as checking travel documents.

In the U.S. Navy, logistics specialists are responsible for mail and cargo. The U.S. Marine Corps has logistics/embarkation specialists who help prepare and load cargo for all modes of transportation.

The military also hires civilian cargo specialists to support its operations.

Becoming a cargo specialist in the military involves going through the standard enlistment process. This consists of meeting basic eligibility requirements, completing physical and written testing, and passing a medical examination.

New service members will then need to attend basic training for their respective branch before getting specialized training for their specialty and receiving their first posting.

Civilian Air Cargo Specialists

Airlines also hire cargo specialists for their cargo operations.

At cargo airlines such as FedEx and UPS, one of the primary tasks of their ramp agents is to load and unload their aircraft. These airlines also have administrative personnel who assist with planning and weight and balance.

Many passenger airlines also have a cargo division, which provides services using either dedicated planes or extra space on passenger aircraft. These airlines have employees who handle and organize their cargo operations. Cargo-loading functions are typically performed by ramp workers, who are also responsible for loading passenger bags.

These employees are usually hired internally or through public job postings. Cargo-loading jobs typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting and operating specialized equipment. Administrative jobs involving air cargo may require higher levels of education and proficiency with computers. 

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Pipistrel is part of the Textron eAviation segment of Textron Inc. According to Textron, the Velis Electro received full type certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2020, followed by an FAA exemption earlier this year that permits it to be used for flight training.

• READ MORE: Textron Loans Pipistrel Velis Electro to Smithsonian

“The foundation has leased the Velis Electro to Proteus Air Services, a flight school in Santa Monica, where it will be used primarily for pilot training,” said Eco-Aviation president Scott Burgess. “Additional discovery flights in the Velis Electro will provide hands-on, educational experiences for students and others in the community. These flights are designed to inspire and educate community members about the possibilities within the aviation sector, particularly those who may not have previously considered it as a viable career path.”

Burgess said the Velis Electro was selected because it offers a lower-cost and more sustainable learning platform for student pilots to acquire flying skills while giving them early experience on next-generation power systems. 

“The aircraft is quiet, producing noise levels of only 60 decibels, low cost, and user friendly, making it an ideal solution for flight training with zero carbon emissions,” he said, adding that the foundation is expecting the arrival of its second Velis Electro in November.

• READ MORE: Pipistrel’s Velis Electro Promises Electric Revolution

More Than Flight Training

In addition to providing flight training, the Eco-Aviation Foundation has plans to create an Eco Flight Ground School and initiate scholarships while working with local youth-focused community centers and aviation training opportunities.

According to the foundation, the scholarships will fund private pilot ground school, training on electric aircraft technologies, and the FAA knowledge test.

The post Santa Monica Flight School to Deploy Pipistrel Velis Electro Trainer appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to WAI, approximately 30,000 girls took part in the 185 events at airports, FBOs, and aviation museums in 33 countries, 43 states, and two U.S. territories.

• READ MORE: Frontier of Flight Museum Event to Celebrate Women in Aerospace

WAI boasts multiple chapters in the U.S., as well in Europe, Africa, and Asia, in addition to year-round virtual resources available for free through the Aviation for Girls (AFG) app.

The event is designed to appeal to girls ages 8-18 and show them what careers are available in aviation and meet women who hold these careers and can act as mentors. In addition to pilots, mechanics, and flight attendants, girls participating in the event have an opportunity to learn about engineering, dispatching, and the numerous technical applications that go along with aviation.

Participants had a chance to meet female role models, listen to career panels, and get up close with different aircraft. The events often also include age-appropriate, hands-on activities, such as scavenger hunts and model making.

“We know Girls in Aviation Day has been instrumental in introducing opportunities in aviation and STEM to thousands of participants all around the world,” said WAI CEO Lynda Coffman. 

The first WAI International Girls in Aviation Day was held in 2015 and featured 32 events. According to WAI, the day is made possible through the support of many, including the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, PPG Foundation, Emanuel Bachmann Foundation, Sporty’s Pilot Shop, and JCL Aviation Services.

The post International Girls in Aviation Day Puts Spotlight on Industry Careers appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Wyche is set to speak at the “Women Take Flight: Fashion to Fission” luncheon at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas on October 1. The event is sponsored by JSX, a private jet service, and scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. CST.

As part of her anticipated keynote presentation, Wyche, who has been part of NASA’s leadership team for the past 20 years, is expected to discuss her professional journey and how STEM made it possible for her to pursue the career she enjoys.

“The Frontiers of Flight Museum is truly honored to have Vanessa Wyche as our phenomenal keynote speaker for our inaugural ‘Women Take Flight: Fashion to Fission’ luncheon,” said Abigail Erickson-Torres, president and CEO of the museum. 

The event includes a panel discussion featuring women who are leaders in the aerospace industry, including:

• Leanne Caret, retired president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security
• Dyan Medina Gibbens, pilot, SpaceWERX, and U.S. Space Force adviser
• Caeley Looney, CEO and founder of Reinvented Inc. and flight director at Firefly Aerospace
• Amy Spowart, CEO of the National Aeronautic Association

The panelists will be discussing the paths they took to achieve their successes in aerospace and offer suggestions on ways to support more girls and women with an interest in STEM.

Tickets for the lunch start at $185 and may be purchased here. Proceeds will go toward supporting future STEM programs at the museum, as well as creating a new permanent exhibit to honor women in aerospace.

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In a media preview that took place in early September, journalists were given a few hours of early access to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS2024) to see just how much more is coming to flight sim pilots on November 19.  

Important to know is that MSFS2024 is a brand-new software entity, designed from the ground up built by more than 800 developers. MSFS2024 will be expandable and more user friendly, with many software components streamed from the cloud, greatly reducing the glacial loading times experienced with MSFS2020. 

With improved aircraft flight models, better aircraft systems modeling, and many other must-haves, here is just a partial summary of the new features, improvements, and systems coming to MSFS2024:

New Aircraft

Returning to your virtual hangar will be all of the aircraft from MSFS2020 but upgraded to take full advantage of the new flight model in MSFS2024.

The development team also added the new aircraft, which have been divided into different packages and available for purchase on November 19. 

New General Aviation Aircraft

• Beechcraft King Air C90
• Cessna 404 Titan
• Stemme S12G
• Cirrus Vision Jet G2
• Mike Patey’s Draco X
• FlyDoo Hot Air Balloon
• Aero Vodochody L39
• Pipistrel Taurus M
• Airship Industries Skyship 600 
• Grumman Hu-16 Albatross
• Air Tractor AT-802
• Archer Midnight
• Cessna C188B Agtruck
• Cessna 400 Corvalis (TTx)
• Aviat Pitts S1S
• DeHavilland CL-415
• DeHavilland Twin Otter
• Dornier SeaStar
• Joby S4
• MX Aircraft Company MXS-R
• Cessna 408 SkyCourier
• Saab 340D
• Pilatus PC-12NGX
• Pilatus PC-24
• Zivko Edge 540
• Zlin Savage Norden

Helicopters

• Erickson S-64 Aircrane
• Robinson R66
• Airbus H125
• Airbus H225
• Boeing Chinook

Airliners and Military

• North American T-6
• Boeing 737 Max8
• Airbus A321 
• Airbus A330
• Boeing 747 DreamLifter
• Boeing 747 Global Supertanker
• Boeing C-17
• Airbus A400M
• Airbus Beluga
• A-10 Warthog
• North American P-51 Mustang

New Aircraft Systems Modeling

To build the most realistic piloting experience possible, all included aircraft underwent extensive system upgrades, including:

• New hydraulics system modeling 
• Electrical circuits with many working circuit breakers
• Mechanical systems, such as engines, will experience oil burn 
• Tire wear 
• Braking system wear 
• New EFB (electronic flight bag) tablet built into every airplane

The systems are not yet persistent across the flight simulator, meaning every time you load into a new free play flight session, the aircraft will be starting as new. However, wear and tear is modeled in parts of the new career mode.  

New Flight Simulation Environment 

Avionics weren’t the only simulator components improved in MSFS2024. The dev team had the goal of “making the ground in MSFS2024 as detailed as the air.”

This improvement began with increasing the ground modeling (or “polygon count” in the language of flight simulation) to be of such high resolution as to allow for undulations in pavement, uneven surfaces and surfaces of different grip level. The result is that aircraft tires will now have higher fidelity interactions with surfaces as varied as sand, pebbles, rocks, boulders and trees, bringing a more varied experience to bush pilots landing on unimproved areas such as river beds, fields, and mountain sides.

Some other detail improvements: 

• New weather engine with new storms and cirrus clouds at high altitude
• Smoke from the ground or engine fires 
• Updates to how standing bodies of water are modeled like lakes and oceans
• Soft surface modeling for full-airframe parachutes and hot air balloons
• Lift in ground effect
• Wake turbulence 
• Snow and snow amounts remodeled
• Fields now grow crops and the vegetation height changes based on the season
• New tree varieties populate the land
• New animal model generates hundreds of species placed in correct regions around the world

Airports and Lighting, Helipads and Gliderports:

As the Microsoft development team continues to bring its focus to details large and small, a total of 160 major airports have been upgraded from their MSFS2020 versions to include:

• Correct line markings on the ground and taxiways
• More variety and regionally corrected on-airport ground vehicles
• New pavement textures
• Airport lighting updated to feature more realistic brightness, intensity, warmth and color, especially at night
• Additional liveries and aircraft types added  
• 100 different airliner models make up the AI-controlled traffic
• All ships around the world that operate transponders on waterways across the world in MSFS2024, updating their position every 30 seconds
• 80,000 official helipads around the world 
• More than 2000 glider ports added

New Career Mode

The MSFS2024 development team built a comprehensive career mode with the goal of lowering the barrier to entry.

For casual enthusiasts who have never been to a real-world flight school, a small airport, or have never sat in a real GA airplane, this mode serves as an introductory pathway to flight training and then the chance to go deeper into a digital flying career.

For example: 

• Careers start at a flight school location of the pilot’s choosing and progress through flight school activities and short practical exams that open the pilot into wider career choices driven by selecting different available missions.
• Training is led by a virtual flight instructor. 
• Once the minimum training is completed, pilots can select varied missions, such as banner towing, aircraft ferrying, crop dusting, search and rescue, executive transport, and cargo flights. 
• Used airplanes in the career mode will feature wear and tear and require occasional repair paid for by successfully completing missions. 
• There are over 3 million different potential missions in career mode, and missions change every day, keeping the game mode very fresh.
• A new challenge mode will offer pilots the chance to compete against each other with an emphasis on fun and performance, with short two-to-10-minute engagements designed to be fast and interesting. 
• A new world photographer mode offers the chance to try your hand as an air-to-air photographer with your images scored based on how many requested elements make it into your photo submission. 

MSFS 2024 Packages

Much like MSFS2020, sim pilots will have the option to purchase the following packages that come with different loadouts of new aircraft, upgraded aircraft, MSFS2020 payware aircraft, and upgraded airports. The higher-end packages will be available in a physical game box.

• The standard package includes 70 aircraft (30 new MSFS2024 aircraft and 40 upgraded MSFS2020 aircraft) and 150 upgraded airports. 
• The deluxe package includes 80 aircraft (35 new MSFS2024 aircraft and 45 upgraded MSFS2020 aircraft) and 155 upgraded airports. 
• The premium deluxe package includes 95 aircraft (45 new MSFS2024 aircraft and 50 upgraded MSFS2020 aircraft) and 160 upgraded airports. 
• New for MSFS2024, the aviator package includes 125 aircraft (45 new MSFS2024 aircraft, 50 upgraded MSFS2020 aircraft and 30 payware aircraft that were available for MSFS2020) and 160 upgraded airports. 

The MSFS2024 development team built features for all flight sim pilots, allowing the experienced users to go deep into the virtual world, and provided engaging flight sim experiences for the pilot who wants the structure and excitement of career mode, letting them choose their own adventure.

And casual users can enjoy the simulator by doing short sightseeing flights and using the new photography mode.

MSFS2024 seems to have effectively lowered the barrier to entry as well, funneling new users into the career mode to help them have fun and learn more about real-world flying. 

With meaningful improvements made to the user experience, pilots will have interactions in the air and on the ground that should feel more real. Forcing bush pilots to really evaluate their landing zone for large objects and modeling the real-world hazard of wake turbulence has appreciably increased the realism. 

It is easy to forget how far and how fast technology has moved in the years since Microsoft Flight Simulator’s launch in 1982. But based on the leap forward that is MSFS2024, the Microsoft leadership team has shown that it is prepared to do even more, bringing the digital world of flight even closer to the real one.

The post ‘Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’ Preview: Advanced, Audacious Leap Forward appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The event is scheduled for October 15-17 on the campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.

“Last year’s summit was successful because of the strong technical program delivered by industry leaders and experts. This year will be the same,” said NAFI president Paul Preidecker. “But instead of addressing six themes as we did last year, this year we decided to bring more focus by supporting three very important ones: training the trainer, mentorship, and peer support, and pilot health and well-being.”

The event—which has the slogan, “Come to NAFI Summit, go home a better CFI”—is an opportunity for instructors of all levels and varying backgrounds to meet with their peers and discuss educational techniques, learner challenges, and opportunities to enhance their careers.

There will be 28 educational sessions during the two days. Among the topics to be discussed will be specific strategies instructors can use to “reach” their learners, as well as more technical topics such as the appropriate uses of autopilot during IFR and teaching emergency procedures in the most effective manner.

According to NAFI, there will be 21 exhibitors at the event, including Sporty’s Pilot Shop, King Schools, Avemco Insurance, and Redbird Flight Simulations. Several online training courses will be represented, as well as manufacturers of safety wearables, designed to enhance the educational experience.

Celebrity guests are also expected, and include keynote speakers Dr. Susan Northrup, FAA federal air surgeon, and Bruce Landsberg, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association senior safety adviser and recently retired National Transportation Safety Board vice chairman.

Northrup will be discussing the FAA’s rulemaking committee report. Instructors are tasked with knowing the rules and where to look them up and teaching this practice to their learners.

Landsberg will focus on how instructors can best teach fundamental aviation concepts to their learners.

On the evening of October 16, a dinner will be highlighted by aviation educators and instructors John and Martha King. The Kings have more than 50 years experience as aviation instructors. 

Registration for NAFI Summit is $350 for nonmembers and $300 for NAFI members. Further discounts exist for Master CFIs and DPEs, as well as active military attendees.

There is also reduced pricing for flight schools that sign up as a group and bring at least three instructors or a maximum of 10 to the event.

Additional information, including how to register, may be found here.

The post NAFI Unveils Focus of Upcoming Summit appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Aerial photography pilots fly small aircraft and either take photos themselves or transport photographers who want to take photos from the air. Here are the four steps that you need to take to become an aerial photography pilot:

Get a Private Pilot License

The first step in becoming a pilot is obtaining your private pilot certificate. Your flight training for this license will teach you the basics of operating an airplane and allow you to fly fixed-wing aircraft recreationally.

You will need to be at least 17 years old and acquire an FAA medical certificate to get your private pilot license. The training can be completed in as little as two months if you work on it full time.  

Obtain a Commercial Pilot License

In order to obtain employment as a pilot, you will need a commercial pilot certificate. This will allow you to work in jobs like flight instruction, surveying, and aerial photography.

The FAA requires pilots to have at least 250 hours before earning this certificate, so it can take around a year even if you fly full time.

Acquire Additional Ratings and Gain Experience

Some aerial photography employers will hire you with only a commercial pilot certificate, but others may require additional training and ratings.

Common requirements include an instrument rating—which allows you to fly solely by referencing an aircraft’s instruments rather than the outside surroundings—or a multiengine rating. 

• READ MORE: Paul Bowen Aviation Photography

Most job postings will require applicants to have more than 250 hours of flight time, so you will likely need to build more flight time before applying to jobs.

Get Hired as an Aerial Photography Pilot

The final step is to apply to jobs and get hired as an aerial photography pilot.

There are many aerial photography companies across the country. They typically fly smaller aircraft, including ones commonly used in flight training like the Cessna 172.

As is the case with any pilot job, it is important to review each job posting carefully to ensure that you meet the requirements and follow the instructions.

FAQs

How much do aerial photography pilots make?

Aerial photography is an entry-level pilot job. Although the pay can range between employers, new pilots typically make between $30,000 and $50,000 per year. Those with more experience and flying hours can expect to be paid more.

Can a private pilot do aerial photography?

With a private pilot certificate, you can take photos when you fly as long as you do so safely and in accordance with the regulations. There are many pilots who take photos or videos of their flights using devices like mounted action cameras. Similarly, you could bring a friend or family member on board who takes pictures for personal use. However, you are not allowed to fly for commercial purposes or make money through flying.

How do I become an aerial survey pilot?

The job of an aerial survey pilot is similar to that of an aerial photography pilot. Rather than take photos or transport photographers, aerial survey pilots perform mapping and data collection tasks during their flights (or carry crewmembers who do so). Aerial surveying is also an entry-level job for pilots, and the requirements and pay are comparable to those of an aerial photography pilot.

The post How to Become an Aerial Photography Pilot appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The expansion includes additional heavy check maintenance work at the airline’s bases in Charlotte, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The additional headcount includes over 385 aviation maintenance technician (AMT) roles, the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier said.

This announcement builds on American’s ongoing commitment to growing its aviation maintenance workforce. In 2023, the company added over 300 jobs to its Tulsa maintenance base with the help of a grant from the state of Oklahoma.

“American is excited to grow our talented Technical Operations workforce with more high-paying, skilled aviation maintenance positions,” said Greg Emerson, American’s vice president of base maintenance and facilities, in a press release. “It’s an opportunity to grow our maintenance capacity and capabilities in the near-term and preserve them over the long run by continuing to build our pipeline of future maintenance team members—which is important work American has been doing for some time.”

Job Openings Now Available

The new aviation maintenance positions are available for immediate application on the American Airlines careers website. The breakdown by location is as follows:

• Charlotte: 133 openings, including 122 AMTs
• Pittsburgh: 44 total openings, including 40 AMTs
• Tulsa: 321 total openings, including 227 AMTs

The airline’s mechanics are jointly represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and the International Association of Machinists (IAM) unions. In 2020, the airline and its mechanics signed a new $4.2 billion contract that will become amendable in March 2025.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AirlineGeeks.com.

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The role of an A&P is a challenging one with diverse job opportunities. Although they will often have a specialization, A&Ps are certified to work on all parts of all types of aircraft, ranging from widebody commercial airliners to small two-seat helicopters.

A&Ps are also sometimes referred to as aircraft mechanics or aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs). They can work for a variety of employers, ranging from flying schools to airlines to aircraft maintenance contractors.

Prospective A&Ps need to obtain a combination of training and skills before they can be certified by the FAA. Here are the four main steps to becoming an airframe and powerplant technician:

Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

To be an A&P, you must be at least 18 years old and be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Although you can obtain the technical skills required to be an A&P through training, you should also ensure that you have soft skills that will help you succeed in the field of aviation maintenance. These include strong communication skills and attention to detail.

Gain Formal Training or Experience

The FAA requires prospective A&Ps to meet either a training or experience requirement in order to be certified. There are three ways to meet this requirement:

• Completing the training requirement is the most common option, but also requires you to pay for the program. To meet this requirement, you will need to attend and graduate from an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school.
• Those with experience in the military have the option of completing a Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council training course instead.
• Alternatively, you can complete 18 months of practical work experience with either airframes or powerplants, or 30 months of experience with both systems. Although this option may seem the most practical, entry-level apprenticeships can be hard to come by.

Pass the Required Tests

After meeting the training or experience requirement, a prospective A&P will need to complete the required FAA testing. First, there is a set of three knowledge tests. Once you pass these tests, there is an oral test and a practical test.

Get Certified by the FAA

After completing all the steps listed above, you can obtain your FAA certificate. The A&P certificate has no expiration date and does not require any medical testing.

The FAA certificate actually has two ratings—airframe and powerplant. Most mechanics will obtain both ratings, thereby earning the A&P designation.

FAQs

What is the salary for an airframe and powerplant technician?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for aircraft mechanics in 2023 was $75,400. The median annual pay for those working at airlines was $101,500.

Are airframe and powerplant mechanics in high demand?

Yes, there is high demand for A&Ps across the United States and around the world. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates 4 percent growth for aircraft and avionics mechanics through 2032 and aviation training company CAE projects a need for 138,000 AMTs by 2033.

How long does it take to become an airframe and powerplant technician?

The timing depends on which training or experience requirement you choose and how long it takes you to complete the testing. A&P school programs typically range in length from 14 to 24 months. 

The post How to Become an Airframe & Powerplant Technician appeared first on FLYING Magazine.