Ideal Career Position

For me, this assignment is by far, the most challenging topic this semester. I find myself treading down a path different from which I started. I first came to this fork in the road, at the very beginning of the semester. I arrived for the first day of AVT 422, and noticed I was all but foreign to the current events in aviation. Most if not all of my colleagues were more familiar with the current events than I was, and I immediately had to play catch up. In addition, throughout the course of the class, I noticed I do not crave the industry as I did for the past 4 years. I like to keep in touch or abreast, but don’t think of Aviation as my current #1 career goal/ desire. So with that, I completed this assignment topic as following:

-Ultimately, when I “grow up”, I currently desire to be the Senior Vice-President of Western Claims. This particular position encompasses the oversight of Regional Claim Directors (and their complete staff), ensuring profit, growth, & #1 customer satisfaction for the company. In addition, it also encompasses the oversight & management of the Catastrophe team of adjusters & carious staff ensuring strong representation and servicing our customers with the highest satisfaction. I am interested in this particular position & company, because of the service I can provide to my employees as well as customers, vendors, etc. Also, the company itself has the highest involvement with vendors & customers, in which requires both Aviation & Flight properties. The catastrophe team is the area in which transports assigned staff to areas in which a major catastrophe has been declared. Aviation has been deemed the main method of travel, and with my Aviation knowledge & background, it would be essential in find airports in which we could operate to in from, as well as the geographically knowledge of different areas. Although there are many different areas within Allstate, the claims area seems the best fit for me, as I can utilize all of my diverse/various skills, and achieve the same goal, customer satisfaction.

Although I could not find a particular link for this position, I was able to locate a job description in which I would serve, while working my way to my ideal position. This position is essentially the next current step in which my career would need to take to start down the path to achieve my goal: 

http://www.allstate.com/careers/job-search.aspx

An Essential Figure in Aviation

While the world of aviation is always evolving, different figures, especially political, are always submitting new proposals, ideas, and bills. One such figure in which has gained wide respect within congress and the aviation community is subcommittee ranking official congressman Jerry Costello. Congressman Costello is the current United States Congressman from the 12^th District of Illinois. He is the current ranking member under the aviation subcommittee chairman. In addition to other duties as congressman, he serves on the committee ensuring the best direction, rules, and regulations are imposed and carried out for the aviation world and its constituents.  

            Born in East St. Louis, IL, Costello was elected to Congress in August of 1988. He graduation from Assumption High school in 1968, and took college courses in law, government, & political sciences. He has earned an Associates, Bachelor’s degrees, as well as honorary Doctorates from two Universities. While building his resume for congress, Costello has served as a police officer, and eventually elected chairman of the St. Clair County, IL board of commissioners, until his ultimate race to Congress.

            While now in his 24^th year serving in Congress, Costello has always had his “thumb” in transportation. One of his earlier projects included the National highway bills, in which $150 million dollars were allocated for construction of a new auto crossing bridge over the Mississippi River. While serving on the aviation subcommittee, Congressman Costello comprised the Airline Safety & Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009. While it does has a downside for young aspiring aviators attempting to enter the industry, it does enforce stronger & through regulations to ensure safety & experience when operation mass public transportation aircraft (airliners). Costello also played a pivotal role in the Scott Air Force Base Realignment & Closure operation from 1995-2005. Not only did he prevent the closing of the base, but also lobbied for +800 jobs to be added, as the base is the largest employer in Southern Illinois.

http://transportation.house.gov/Subcommittees/aviation-members.shtml

Update to TSA Current Proceedures

A press released dated Nov. 15, 2011, states the TSA has made new noticable security improvements to ease the holiday season travel. Two of their proud highlights include new screening proceedures for passengers 12 & under, as well as, expedited screening. TSA administrator John s. Pistole is quoted saying "We are prepared this holiday season to keep passengers safe, as  they travel to see their loved ones". Many of us remember the past controveries & complaints regarding child screening, as well as crew member security screening at major/busy airports. Other hightlights include advanced imaging technology units, that now eliminate the image of an actual person.

http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2011/1114.shtm

CHINESE MANUFACTURING

It is official that China has joined the Aviation manufacturing industry in a big way. Effective recently, the Chinese government has given approval to China Aviation Industries Corporation (AVIC-I) to start planning and further brainstorming for their newest concept. Dubbed the ARJ21, the 70 seat regional jet has been a great success for securing orders. More than 100 orders have been announced by regional domestic Chinese carriers and the company is proud. The current regional jet will compete with Canada’s Bombardier & Brazil’s Embraer jet line. AVIC-I knows quite a bit regarding the aviation industry, as they are a major supplier for components of the Boeing 747 & 787 jetliners. In addition, it is the operator of the final assembly line for the Airbus A320 aircraft.

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2008/04/china-gets-into/

There are other manufacturing companies within China, and staffing does not seem to be a problem.

Enterprise Staff AVIC

 Aviation Industries of China 400,000 CHAIG Changhe Aircraft Industries (Group) 4,300 CAC Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corp. 14,000 GAIG Guizhou Aviation Industry Group 51,000 HAIG Harbin Aircraft Industry (Group) 16,000 HAIG Hongdu Aviation Industry Group 10,000 NAMC Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Co. 10,000 SAC Shaanxi Aircraft Company 10,000 SAIC Shanghai Aviation Industry (Group) --- SAC Shenyang Aircraft Corporation 30,000

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/avic.htm

The hottest issue regarding aircraft manufacturing in China is if the United States will recognize & respect them. While Boeing & Airbus dominate the industry, safety and quality are the two main issues in which consumer based marketing firms are quite concerned with.

Corporate Flight Operations

          Believe it or not, some major insurance companies have created their own flight department for corporate flight operations. At Allstate Insurance, this is exactly true. Allstate Insurance Inc., headquartered in Northbrook, IL has a small flight department that is beginning to grow as the demand increases. Northbrook, is a suburb of Chicago, and is 11 miles Northwest of Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Chicago Executive (KPWK) is the base for Allstate’s flight operations. The company currently has an inventory of 2 corporate aircrafts, Gulfstream IV’s, 6 pilots, 6 quality assurance & safety agents (flight attendants), 3 A&P licensed mechanics and technicians, as well as 2 dispatchers & schedulers. Allstate operates under a part 91 certificate, due to lack of a set schedule or operations.

Surprisingly, all members of the flight operations department hold other positions in the company. Some are claim adjusters, managers, etc., and work in the corporate office in Northbrook. While there are no current open positions available, there are possibilities in the next couple of years as operations may expand.

The current qualifications for a Corporate Pilot are as follows:

·       Must have multi-engine time & some jet experience

·       Current 1^st class medical & a minimum Commercial Type Rating

·       Must have extensive knowledge of the surrounding Midwest & Southern (Florida) region.

·       Must be willing to travel within 36 hour notice, and be gone for up to 3-5days.

·       Must have a valid passport, flying in Canada & occasional Europe.

·       Secondary education (college). Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Management

·       Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Mgmt, or related field

·       Experience as a dispatcher or scheduler extremely helpful

·       Certified training/education from a dispatch program highly preferred.

·       Base Salary starts around $36,350.

Space Travel: The upcoming future

I personal predict that within the next 25 years, space travel will either become possible, or very near close, private parties (Sir Richard Branson, etc.,) are striving hard to make that vision a reality as soon as possible. Since the days of Sputnik, the race has begun again!http://www.waaytv.com/news/local/story/Huntsville-Space-Professionals-Look-to-Commercial/Fl_t2yNVa0y1XQjZC2X4gw.cspx

Within the next 25 years, with these private companies emerging and putting in their bids for space travel, NASA will have to become a governing agency much like the FAA & DOT. They will have to become the regulator of the industry and ensure that all participants in space travel are held to the highest standards.

I can envision private companies taking on the roles of current airlines, consulting firms, safety companies, etc. I think that space travel will mirror the aviation world as we know it. Especially since Airline mega-monster VIRGIN ATLANTIC, Inc. is one of the leading companies in the race to space. http://www.virgingalactic.com/news/

With the new ISS space station fully operational, life in space is becoming the new query in many people’s mind. “What if we could live in space like they do in the movies?” Before the purpose was to explore the other planets, and our solar system. Now it could possibly be viewed as the newest fad or luxury.

It is my belief, that it would be more of a cost than a benefit. We would have to devote trust of our lives to environmental systems, like life support on “Star Trek”. We all know that there is no oxygen in space, and it’s so cold, that exposure triggers almost instant death. And think of all the $$$ that would be required to make a new world in space, compared to what we already have spent on making the world what it is today?

           Career wise, I think it’s almost a no-brainer that Aviation-based careers would become the new   “gold”. And it would open further opportunities to scientist and pave the way for new inventions, and endeavors for years to come.

ETS: Emmisions Trading Scheme

The Emissions Trading System, referred to as ETS,  is the key tool and system for reducing fuel & pollution emissions throughout the European Union (EU). Among other things, one of its primary focuses are on transportation, and Aviation has become a current hot topic & issue. A cap or limit is set on the total amounts of emmisions that can be produced or emitted. Each company,  industry, etc., has a certain limit on these things.

Currently, a strong arguement exsits between the EU and US regarding how US airliners will be charged for flight operations to airports and useage of airspace of EU members. IF an agreement is not reached, US carriers could suspend or cease operations to the EU, or find loop holes to avoid rediculous charge/taxing from the EU.

http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/transport/aviation/index_en.htm


Personally, I think that certain regulations must be made, in order to make sure that not only this system is effiecent, but is fair to all nations. Prime example, and flight from Dallas/Ft. Worth Texas to London-Heathrow, should onlybe charged and held responsible for the portion in which it enters EU airspace. Furtheremore, there needs to be a fair and clear understanding of how the funds collected will be used and dispursed! None of the Miscellaneous crap.

I Found a new blog

While google searching, I found a blog from what appeared to be a young man in Canada, perhaps a flight student. In the particular article I read, he was giving a synopsis of what tanspired earlier in his day. He was preflighting his aircraft for a flight, and noticed a Canadaian Forces Airbus A319 landing in full military colors. Shortly thereafter, he noticed soliders in uniform deplaning from the aircraft.He questioned to himself the point of origin that soldiers came from, and was amazed that an Airbus that size could handle such a trip from he suspected Middle East, to the airport he flies out of in Canada. My response to that is that the configuration of the fuel tanks is what determines the range of the aircraft, in addtion to refueling stops. For example, both Boeing & Airbus have versions of the ultra-sleek "Business jet (A319 or B737 aircraft.) They fly trans-atlantic & pacfic. Plus, don't even mention Gulfstream, Hawker-Beach & Falcon capabilities.

http://airplanepilot.blogspot.com/

-Interesting.

Current Security Measures In Lieu of Terrorism

It is my personal opinion, the current security measures are both effective, only to a CERTAIN point, as well as for perception and public show, to a certain point. Meaning that, psychologically, a lot of the equipment, manpower, etc., does ensure security, but also sends the message "our airports are safe", and things of that nature. I also feel that very few of the measures are not as effective as the have the potential to be. The objective that we have to realize is that different airports, countries, etc. take much different approaches on airport security.

Here is a very true personal example: I travel quite often on commercial airlines, and for a good while, on buddy passes via pilots for various passenger airlines. One particular trip to Myrtle Beach (MYR) I arrived at Detroit Metro (DTW) a little behind schedule, and was rushing through the security checkpoint. I had no problem nor raised any flags and sailed right through. When I got on board & in my seat, I was fumbling through my carry-on for my book, and noticed I had 3 .44 Magnum hollow point rounds in the front pocket. (I had used the bag going target shooting 2 nights before). I thought, "YIKES!!!!, how the hell did I get through security. I threw them away when I reached MYR. On the return portion, arriving at the airport in plenty of time, I was watched, as well as EVERYONE else from the time I left the ticket counter. The TSA personnel at the checkpoint were so through, they ran my bag 3 times for the following 1) Keys in the bottom of the bag  2.) my bag of change 3) my 2 blackberry devices. Instead of annoyed, I was quite impressed and thought to myself, "what if I hadn't found those bullets on the way down here".


My overall point is that different airport, countries, etc., have both effective, and possible non-effective security measures. However, we have to understand each place does things differently. I found this article from Travel & Leisure, about the various methods of security around the globe. I was interested to know that the French airport security personnel "cannot make physical contact with a passenger unless a law enforcement officer is present", while in the US, the TSA touch more often than a 2nd grade school teacher. http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/global-airport-security

Automation in Aviation

I would like to start of by saying this particular topic is one that I share a high interest in exploring. As both a previous flight student, now a management student, I have a shared view of from both angles. However, in this regard, you will find that my comments will be from more a pilot background.

I think that pilots are losing important manual skills, to a CERTAIN extent. Not completely but to a certain extent. I say this by looking back on my own flight experience. When I first started my flight training at in high school, I started in a 1972 Piper Cherokee 140. My instructor was a retired American Airlines line Captain, who emphasized the “old stick & rudder” technique. I would personally have to yank the flaps in place. When I began at Eagle Flight Center, in addition to my aircraft manuals, etc., I was given a tutorial on the Garman G-1000. WOW!  Quite a difference, although Eagle Flight did teach/train flight students in the traditional manner.

Talking with different pilot friends now in Major & Regional carriers, most find it more difficult learning and dealing with the on-board automated computer systems, then the actually physical act of flying.

From a management point of view, I want to point of the ATC systems at DTW. Parallel Runway operations commence daily using all 4 runways, and separation of aircraft is very strict. Pilots & controllers find themselves making almost immediate turns on take-off as to not set of the ATC collision detection equipment.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704353504575595641282602022.html

The Basics

         I became interested in aviation, as a young child. I was fascinated with airplanes, how they worked, etc. I traveled very extensive with my parents while growing up and became very acquainted with civilian passenger aircraft. I traveled to various states and countries and became deeply interested the everyday operations of commercial aircraft.

        While in Jr. High & High school, I decided that the field of Aviation was my "thing". I made sure to become involved with various organizations that were connected with the industry. I attended summer camps, such as the ACE Academy at Wayne State University & the NASA space camp in Huntsville, AL. These were exciting times as I was surrounded by fellow peers in which loved flying just as I did.

        When I entered high school, I continued to thrive in aviation & flight studies and activities. I completed the Senior level of the ACE Academy, and later traveled to Western Michigan University for the high school summer flight camp.This experience allowed me to have my first flight in a small aircraft with a flight instructor. After returning from the flight camp, I announced to the world that I was going to be an airline pilot.