Learn about aviation career training options first-hand from professionals in the pilot and aviation maintenance technology programs at Lake Superior College’s Aviation Career Night on March 16. The free event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at LSC’s Center for Advanced Aviation, Hangar 103, 4960 Airport Road, Duluth. Online reservations are encouraged, but not required.
The aviation career field is a dynamic place to be for qualified professional pilots, aircraft mechanics and other skilled workers. Boeing estimates that in the next 20 years, airlines in North America are going to need 117,000 new pilots and the military and regional carriers are already challenged to find and keep aviators. According to Twin Cities Business Monthly, both Duluth-based Cirrus and AAR have ongoing workforce needs with AAR looking to add at least 15 additional aviation maintenance technicians to their current head count of 385 employees; Cirrus, which employs about 1,000, wants to fill more than 200 new positions in the near future.
The Aviation Career Night will offer participants a chance to pilot a Cirrus SR 20 Airplane via a flight simulator and check out LSC’s airplane fleet including an American Champion Citabria float plane, twin-engine Piper Seminole, Cirrus SR 20 Aircraft, and a Robinson Helicopter. Tours of the Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) labs will include a hands-on demonstration of aircraft magneto timing. Participants can also enter a drawing for a chance to win a Discovery Flight valued at $100.
Faculty and students will give tours of the program facilities and equipment. Advisors will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about financial aid, transfer, and other service areas.
Representatives from the aviation industry, including the 148th Fighter Wing, American Precision Avionics, Cirrus Aircraft, AAR, and Lake Superior Helicopters will be on site to talk about job opportunities.
LSC’s Aviation Career Night is part of a series of on-going career nights which includes the Manufacturing Career Night tonight, Wednesday, February 28, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at Lake Superior College’s Downtown Duluth Center (120 N. 2nd Avenue W.) Other upcoming LSC career events include an April 20 Open House.
