Market Intelligence: -General Aviation

US Public Schools Announce New Pilot Training Program and Lottery Process

Starting with the 2023-2024 school year, 10 high school students from Springfield Public Schools will have the opportunity to work toward earning their private pilot’s license through a new choice program offered in cooperation with Ozarks Technical Community College. The new program was announced during the opening session of SPS University on Thursday.

Fly SPS is a new half-day program, currently being developed, that will provide students instruction in aviation. Year 1 of the program will focus on completing the requirements to obtain a private pilot’s license. During Year 2, students will receive advanced training in flight and aviation.

“We are thrilled to be able to continue to expand our choice options for SPS students,” said Dr. Grenita Lathan, superintendent. “When I came to Springfield, I saw our choice programs as an opportunity for growth for Springfield Public Schools.”

Expansion would not be possible without the collaboration of generous partners like Ozarks Technical Community College. “Dr. Hal Higdon and the OTC team are eager to take this journey with us,” said Dr. Lathan. “Their commitment to exploring new ways to serve our students, especially in the area of career and workforce development, will benefit not just our students but our community.”

Initially, two students from each SPS high school will be selected through a random lottery process to participate in Fly SPS. To be eligible, they must meet all FAA screening requirements. More details about the timeline, application process and classes will be posted at sps.org/FlySPS in spring 2023.

“We believe this program has great potential to serve more students in the future and to expand to include other aviation careers,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, OTC chancellor. “Students who participate in Fly SPS will be well positioned to continue their education at OTC and earn an associate degree in aviation flight technology and a commercial pilot’s license.”

Potential aviation careers include commercial, corporate and airline pilots, as well as flight engineers.

Fly SPS expands the career and technical education (CTE) options available to SPS students, which currently include agricultural education, business and marketing, computer science and engineering, among others.

Source: Springfield Public Schools Press Release

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Boeing Delivers 20th CH-47F Chinook to the Royal Netherlands Air Force

Boeing delivered the 20th CH-47F Chinook to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), concluding the country’s latest fleet update.

“Our continuing partnership with the Royal Netherlands Air Force exemplifies the value of a modern and versatile Chinook fleet,” said Ken Eland, vice president and H-47 program manager. “These state-of-the art aircraft will significantly improve their defense and humanitarian assistance capabilities.”

The Netherlands is one of eight NATO countries to operate the Chinook and has fielded the aircraft continuously since receiving its first CH-47D models in 1995. In 2016, the RNLAF purchased14 new CH-47F Chinooks through the U.S. Department of Defense’s Foreign Military Sales program. In 2017, the RNLAF signed an agreement to upgrade their remaining six D-model Chinook helicopters to the latest F-model configuration, ensuring commonality of systems for their entire 20-aircraft fleet.

“This is a milestone for us. We have newer radios and newer equipment which help our pilots operate better in different environments than we do already,” said LTC Wil van Rijn, senior system integrator of the Chinook, Dutch Ministry of Defence.

The CH-47F Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter containing a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system compatible with Common Avionics Architecture System. Its advanced cargo-handling capabilities further complement the aircraft’s mission performance and handling characteristics.

About Boeing

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. 

Source: Boeing Press Release
Photo Credit: Boeing

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Regional Aircraft Leasor and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Collaborate for Women in Aviation Scholarship Fund

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is pleased to announce the creation of a multi-year scholarship fund through the generous support of Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC). After establishing an internship program earlier this year, the two organizations are excited to go a step further by forming a multi-year initiative to support the next generation of female aviation professionals.

The fund will award two scholarships to female students enrolled at Embry-Riddle’s Singapore campus in the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration degree programs. It will help promote career opportunities in aeronautics and aviation business by supporting female students pursuing degrees in these fields.

“We greatly appreciate NAC’s support of students pursuing careers in aircraft financing, leasing and management services,” said Matthew Flaherty, Vice Chancellor & Head of Asia at ERAU Asia. “As our relationship with NAC grows, we’re confident we’re creating opportunities in this exciting sector of the aviation industry.”

“This scholarship fund is important because it aims to financially support talented young women, a growing yet underrepresented stakeholder in the aviation workforce,” said Mr. Flaherty. “We hope this fund inspires and helps pave the way for the future generation of women in aviation.”

The first two awards are planned for January 2023. Applications for admission are still open for Embry-Riddle’s January 2023 start term.

Source: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Announcement
Photo Credit: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

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