“I’ve run across a lot of people in this industry who have had very interesting twists and turns on their resume: it’s a fascinating industry in that regard! There’s also a lot of upward mobility in our industry—so many opportunities and so many paths,” Eisenstein says. “The potential is there for a lot of growth, and that is what is so exciting!”
liked the work: the advocacy side of it, helping people understand the regulations and helping them with compliance. I enjoyed being involved with how the laws and regulations impacting aviation are formed and building relationships within the industry and it became my career,” Rosser says. Rosser thinks it’s important for NATA and its members to invest in helping young people understand the many career paths in aviation. “That’s the interesting thing: there’s always these diversions. I always like to ask people, ‘What did you think you would be doing?’ and almost no one says, ‘I thought I’d be doing this.’ You never know exactly where your path is going to lead you,” Rosser says. “The university aviation programs tend to be very airline- centric: everyone thinks they’re going to be working at the airlines. General aviation careers are not always as well promoted. I think we can do a better job of highlighting some of those paths.”
leaves a lasting mark, it is time well spent. We should all be so lucky as to make a career out of doing what we love. And, if we are that fortunate, let’s share it with others,” Castagna says. As of late, “living the dream” has taken on a sarcastic connotation. Castagna says, “Let’s development opportunities, scholarship contributions, and other philanthropic support of organizations such as NATA, the RedTail Flight Academy, Women in Aviation, and others—opening the aviation business industry as a viable career-long path, not just a steppingstone to other aviation segments. I am excited about the prospect of increased engagement in this area through NATA and its National Air Transportation Foundation, and other industry initiatives.” • take it back. Our members are providing innovative internship and career NATA is pleased to offer our members and other attendees of NBAA’s Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference, January 24-26 in Nashville, TN, the opportunity to tell their aviation story. Stop by booth 533 for a brief podcast session and chance to win great prizes. Your story may be featured on NATA’s social channels and the new Aviation Career Navigator – a comprehensive tool for researching, posting, and finding aviation career opportunities. www.nata.aero/sdc
Jacqueline Rosser, NATA’s Senior Advisor for Regulatory Affairs-Air Charter, says her aviation dreams began when she was in high school. “I wanted to be a pilot, so I attended a university with an aviation program: Southern Illinois University at Carbondale,” Rosser says. “I completed the flight program, ultimately earning a flight instructor certificate, and graduated from the Aviation Management program. Originally, my goal was going to be an airline pilot. But, like many people, I didn’t end up doing what I thought I would! When I was finishing up college, a very good friend of mine recruited me to come out to Washington, D.C.” Rosser says she initially viewed working at NATA as a stepping-stone. “It seemed like a good way to make a lot of industry contacts and see what I wanted to do if I didn’t want to go to the airlines. When I got out to D.C., I really
NATA’s new President and CEO Curt Castagna agrees. “I am most proud of my time and efforts as an aviation educator and mentor. I am thrilled to share my enthusiasm for flight through the Young Eagles Program, providing industry prospects their first experience in a GA aircraft. If one flight, one airport visit, one interaction with an interested aviation entrant
To learn more: www.nata.aero
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