Career View

My career aspirations have not changed since the beginning of the semester.  I still want to work in management or dispatch.

I don't think my career aspirations have changed because I have been set for a while on what I want to do.  I was very interested in ATC but I knew I was too old to begin a career with ATC.  The speakers were all very informative, and i learned a quite a bit about other areas in aviation that may be options.  I did like the Express Jet Pilot's information, even though I don't want to fly it was good information about pilot pay.  I always though it was much worse starting off, not just a one year pay.  I liked the stories on how a few of the speakers never even considered aviation as a career choice and either fell into it or changed areas of studies for it.

Four specific career goals in the next five years for me are:

1. Obtain my dispatch license
2. Take a leadership role at my current job
3. Get a job working in dispatch
4. Obtain a private pilot license

Little Airlines, Big Ideas

WOW Airlines and La Compagnie are airlines that are challenging the high cost international ticket the legacy carriers are charging.  La Compagine flys 757's with 74 seats all business class between New York City and Paris, charging about $2,000 round-trip vs. $5,000 to $11,000 for the same seat on a larger carrier.  The next carrier is WOW.  WOW uses Airbus 320's to fly between Baltimore and Boston to Reykjavík, then connecting to 18 different cities, all starting at around $400.00 round trip.  WOW has a very Spirit Airlines or Peoples Express feel to them.  You buy a seat and everything else is purchased, like luggage fees, food, beverages, ect. 

WOW Air, as of February 2014 operates 3 A320's and has orders for 3 more.  They also have orders for 2 A321's   WOW is based in Iceland and flys into 13 countries including the US.  WOW has 170 employees and estimated passengers carried this year at 450,000.  La Compagnie operates 1 Boeing 757 with 74 all business class seats.  They are based out of CDG Paris and fly to EWR Newark, NJ. The Pilots are all under a French employment contract.

I think both models will be successful.  Spirit and Southwest have already proven that low cost coach carriers are desired by the value driven public.  WOW having such discounted lower fares to international destinations will put the airline in a position where it can fly at higher capacities than most other airlines.  La Compagnie will be a hit with the business traveler and corporations who book business fares.  A first class seat to Paris that costs less than the major US carriers, yet offers the same frills, without the lack of bin space and crowded aircraft that coach seats bring, should appeal to many business travelers and couples.  

These airlines will definitely make it hard on the US international airlines.  Airlines like Delta make a lot of their money on their business class seats on international flights. There's no doubt that these low cost carriers will hurt profits from the major carriers.  


https://www.lacompagnie.com/en/the-company/who-we-are
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Compagnie
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WOW_air
http://wowair.us/the-wow-experience/our-story

Space Tourism

1) In a short paragraph describe the details of the accident.

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo broke apart a few minutes after separation from the launch vehicle.  It happened at around 50,000 ft, killing one pilot and injuring the other.  Pilot error seems to be the early focus for the accident.  It is believed that the feathering system was deployed at around mach1 which caused the ship to break apart.  The surviving pilot fell from the sky in -59 degree temps and extreme pressure changes.  He was released from the hospital with a shattered shoulder and damage to his lung.
2) Give a brief history about space tourism and specifically, Virgin Galactic.
Richard Branson is the CEO and founder of Virgin Galactic.  The space project has approximately $490 million invested and has received $80 million in tickets sales on pre order.  The project has not yet taken passengers into outer space and at around $250,000 per passenger, has a a small niche of people that can afford it.
3) Are there any regulations, FAA or ICAO, that specifically address space tourism and/or space flight in general? 

The FAA  has a minimal regulatory framework for commercial spaceflight. Companies have to get test permits. Congress imposed a moratorium on burdening the fledgling sector with additional red tape back in 2004, with the Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act. And in 2012, Congress extended the measure to October, 1, 2015.

3) Where do you see space tourism headed and in what time frame? I.e., do you think it will be accessible to the general public, not unlike the commercial airline industry?  
I think that we will see space tourism at a level where it will be more affordable in the future.  Its early in the stages now and has a lot of kinks to work out.  I think it will be something the masses could afford in the next 20 or 30 years.  Traveling in airplanes used to be only for the wealthy, but now anyone can afford a flight.

4) What are the qualifications to work in the space tourism industry  - either from the pilot or the management perspective? This may require some research, perhaps even making a phone call.

I found a job listing on Glassdoor for a Business Manager for Virgin Galactic.  The qualifications are; * 8 plus years of financial and contractual management experience is required

* Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or related field; MBA is desired

* Strong budget/forecast and financial analysis skills

* Strong understanding and abilities in procurement processes

* Business Management experience supporting aerospace/newspace companies are
 highly preferred

* Exemplary written and oral communication skills

* Familiarity with ITAR regulations and compliance

* Solid negotiation and influencing skills

* Strong administration/time management skills

* Familiarity with FAR financial requirements are a plus


http://www.glassdoor.com/job-listing/business-manager-JV_IC1146850_KO0,16_IE486741.htm?jl=1216084400&paoIdKey=MA== http://www.newsweek.com/commercial-space-travel-virgin-galactic-nasa-space-spaceshiptwo-virgin-282199
http://qz.com/290722/the-real-problem-behind-virgin-galactics-flight-test-disaster-is-bad-business/

cargo

1) As a result of the Colgan Air accident, the FAA institute new flight and duty regulations. Summarize  these new regulations and describe how they are different from the old flight and duty regulations.

Pilots are required to complete 1500 hours of pilot training to up from 250 hours to obtain an ATP.  Requires airlines to track training processes and failures and provide training for more effective pilot monitoring.  The rest requirements are now 10 hours rest between shifts with 8 hours of sleep time. The old requirements were 8 hours of rest but that was from shift end to shift start.

2) Cargo carriers are exempt from the new rules. What are the current flight and duty limitations for cargo carriers? 
Cargo is exempt from the new rule  they have the 8 hours off between shifts, not starting at sleep.  


3) Why do you feel that cargo carriers have been excluded from the new changes? Value of life? Public perception? Too much money for the carrier? Other reasons? All the above?
I think cargo was excluded because possibly because of less legs of flights completed, less life loss risk, and the cost would be higher for cargo, having to use more pilots.

4) Do you believe cargo carriers should be included in the new rules? Why or why not?
I think they should be included in the new rule.  Fatigue is real and whether or not you have a cabin full of cargo or passengers safety should be the first priority.  

5) Finally, what would be the impact to your career if cargo carriers were to be included in these new rules - Pilots, address this from a pilot perspective, management address from a management perspective.
Management- Hiring more pilots, keeping track of times and having standby pilots in more locations with crew scheduling.  

https://www.alpa.org/portals/alpa/magazine/2004/Sept2004_FTDTAirCargo.htm
http://skift.com/2013/11/05/faa-issues-new-pilot-training-rule-to-fix-colgan-air-deficiencies/

Norwegian Air International

Describe Norwegian Air International. Where is the company based? Where are the pilots based? Where are their destinations?

Norwegian Air International is registered in Ireland and has its head office in Dublin.  They operate Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.  NAI hires Thai flight cabin crews.  The routes they fly are all over the world, including the US, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Why are US carriers opposed to Norwegian Air International operating routes into the US?

The US carriers are opposed to NAI operating us routes because it creates unfair competition.  The whole airline including crews are basically outsourced.  Safety is also a major concern, that's because the lack of  the same regulation requirements the US airlines are held to.

The DOT recently denied the NAI request to operate into the US. On what premise? Do you agree with the decision? Why or why not?

Due to the complexity of the case it was denied.  I do agree with the decision to deny the request for operation into the US.  There are too many unanswered questions and too many people and major companies against them operating here.  By approving them at this very moment would have caused an uproar in the industry

If NAI is eventually granted permission to fly into the US, what ramifications, if any, do you believe this will have on the industry?

It could cause a lot of damage to the US airline industry, competition with these lower paid employees and lack of regulation can make it almost impossible for US airlines to compete.  US airlines would need to find a way to compete, which could lead to even more outsourcing in the industry.  

Sources

http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2014/09/02/dot-norwegian-air-alpa-foxx/14810499/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Long_Haul

http://www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/transport-and-tourism/no-reason-to-refuse-norwegian-air-shuttle-a-transatlantic-licence-1.1939256

UAV

1) What civilian purpose, if any, are UAVs currently being used for in United States? How are these civilian UAVs regulated (if they are regulated)?

I found an article online published last month that said "the government plans to grant waivers to seven movie and television companies to use small unmanned aircraft in film making, the first permits for commercial drone flights in the continental U.S." It sound like they are regulated/restricted for wide commercial use.


2) Do you foresee UAVs integrating into the NAS? If so, how? Also, what problems do you foresee resulting from this? Be sure to include not only logistical problems, but also potential perception problems.
Unmanned aircraft are flying in the NAS under very controlled conditions, performing border and port surveillance by the Department of Homeland Security, helping with scientific research and environmental monitoring by NASA and NOAA, supporting public safety by law enforcement agencies, helping state universities conduct research, and supporting various other missions for public entities.  The issue with the public perception of UAVs is the thought of being watched or spied on, possibly violating privacy laws. 
3) As for the military application of UAVs, how have they transformed military strategy? Has their integration been efficient (consider all aspects - from financial to ethical)?

The military has been using UAVs for missions that can be to dangerous or to possibly avoid being seen.  UAVs are able to spy without much risk, and drop weapons.  From an ethical standpoint I can see where this may be an issue.  UAVs can be used almost anywhere and can contribute to violations of laws or standards.

4) Finally, do some research and find out if their are UAV jobs that are advertised for civilians (both flight and management students). If so, include this as your link. If you are unable to locate a job posting, reference your above answers to brainstorm the potential for types of UAV jobs in the future.

UAV Specialist
http://adorama.theresumator.com/apply/job_20140917215422_LQABMVS6DI7MXDVE/UAV-Specialist.html?source=INDE





http://www.buffalonews.com/business/faa-expected-to-grant-waivers-today-to-allow-commercial-use-of-drones-20140925

Corporate and Airlines

1) Describe the basic differences between the careers open to you at a corporate company vs. the careers available at the airlines. For flight students, this may be a little more straight-forward as you have heard speakers from both places. For management students, this may be a little more challenging  - for example, do corporate companies employ crew schedulers or dispatchers? What other positions may be open to you?

Some of the differences between corporate aviation and the airlines for dispatchers would be that airlines do have FAA licensed dispatchers, while corporate may just have a flight follower or no form of dispatch at all.  Management positions are always open in the airlines. They could include jobs such as managing flight attendants, ramp personnel, gate agents, and mechanics. 


2) The argument has been made that corporate aviation departments can actually save a company money. What is this argument based upon? Do you agree?

I think corporate aviation departments can save companies money by being able to fly executives and partners around in a minutes time notice.  It can also bring people to smaller places which a typical airline couldn't fly, which can save a company more travel expense.



3) Identify one corporate aviation department. Discuss details: Company, Location, Fleet size and make-up and hiring requirements for your given position (flight or management). Again, this may require some research beyond websites.

Amazon Prime Air Team.  Located in Seattle WA.  I noticed this on Indeed. "Amazon Prime Air is looking for flight operations and certification personnel for flight testing our UAS technologies. You can expect to collaborate on test plans, plan the test evolution, and execute the flights while working closely with our flight engineering and flight test teams in Seattle."  They are looking for an engineering degree but also want a pilot certificate and experience with flight test planning, coordination, and execution. 

Resources:

Flight Operations Engineer - Prime Air

https://us-amazon.icims.com/jobs/286471/flight-operations-engineer---prime-air/job?mode=Job+Posting&iis=Indeed&iisn=Indeed+%28Paid+Sponsored+Posting%29

Explaining Why Your Company Relies on Business Aviation: Questions and Answers

http://www.nbaa.org/admin/policies/why/

Why Companies Utilize Business Aviation
http://www.noplanenogain.org/Advocacy_Tools.htm?m=47&s=407

NextGen Funding

 1) In 1-2 paragraphs, describe what NextGen is and when it will be implemented.

Nextgen is a satellite based form of aircraft GPS that will be implemented in Air Traffic Control beginning in 2018.  The sky's keep getting much more crowded year after year.  With NextGen a pilot will be able to see the exact location and altitude of traffic in the sky's.  It will allow for less separation in the sky's freeing up more direct routes and creating safer "highway" in the Sky's.
 2) Also discuss the impact of NextGen on both GA and commercial aviation (positives and negatives).

Positives of NextGen deployment will be managing the congested airspace more accurately and safely.  It will also give pilots an eye on where traffic is.  It will also save money by creating a more direct route.
Negatives are that all aircraft will be required to have an ADS B out which will cost money.  Also an ADS B reports everything to ATC in real time with identification, so if you do make a mistake you will be more likely to be caught.
 3) NextGen will cost a lot of money. This money will be obtained through fees/taxes. How do you think these fees/taxes should be applied and why?

I think that a good way to collect taxes and fees used to deploy NextGen would be through a tax on airline tickets and cargo/shipping tax.  A tax of just a few dollars per airline ticket wouldn't really affect passengers on a $300-$1200 ticket.  The tax wouldn't be noticed much.
 4) How will NextGen affect your career?

NextGen will make a career in dispatching a little easier. I think it would give the flight crew and the dispatcher more leeway to navigate around weather more efficiently due to separation minimums.

Sources

http://www.trig-avionics.com/adsb.html

http://www.faa.gov/Nextgen/slides/?slide=1

Blog 2 Professionalism

1) What is the specific job and company in the aviation industry that you would like to end up at? You must be specific on both to receive full-credit for this question. Remember - you have the freedom to change down the road...

The specific job I would like to end up in is dispatching for Delta since I do work for the company or United in Chicago


2) Provide a basic description of the job and company that you listed in 1).

Dispatching would be creating flight routes, watching for weather and turbulence, setting up alternates for airports, tankering fuel based on cost, sharing the go-nogo decision for the flight, solving problems that may arise on the flight, and watching the entire flight.


3) Are there any safety/liability concerns with the job you listed in 1)? If so, what are they and how do you plan on mitigating these concerns? (*Hint: there are always concerns in this industry.)

There are a lot of safety concerns and liabilities.  A dispatcher and flight crew are equally responsible for the safety of the flight .  Problems may arise suddenly and having knowledge of aviation and knowing where to find information on things I don't know are critical.  I will stay informed within the industry and learn as much as I can.


4) I proposed that one theme in the events that led up to the Colgan accident was the lack of professionalism.  Answer the following three questions related to professionalism:

    * 1) Define professionalism in your own words.
Professionalism to me is acting in a way which is respectable.  Performing a job or task the way you would want others to follow.  Handling situations in a calm and collective manner.
    * 2) List two ways in which lack of professionalism was demonstrated in this documentary. Remember: Both pilots and management can lack professionalism.

The captain of one Colgan flight fudged numbers to fly, he told the first officer to do it but refused.  So he took it upon himself to change is weights so the flight was legal on paper.  Nothing professional about this.
The First officer turned the captain in and the captain lost his license.  Colgan tried to defend him and get his license and job back.  Colgan showed a huge lack of professionalism by doing this.


    * 3) List two specific ways you plan on maintain and expand your level of professionalism once you are employed in the job that you listed in 1). These ways must be independent of the requirements of the job.

To maintain professionalism as a dispatcher I will keep up to date on aviation by using FAASaftey.gov to keep up on any changes.  I also plan on getting a pilots license, cause experience flying and knowing more about systems will help with handling flight situations.

about me

Hi everyone,

I am a senior at EMU in the Aviation Management program.  I am taking 4 classes this semester and should have 4 more classes to go to graduate.   I always had a fascination with aviation ever since I could remember.  So I found the program at EMU and knew i had to enroll. I am taking the dispatch courses because I plan on using the certificate to pursue a career in aircraft dispatch.  I know a few people that are dispatchers for Kalitta Air and Delta Air Lines.  They seem to enjoy their career and like the ever changing atmosphere of the job.  Topics I follow in aviation are mainly airlines.  I am a subscriber to Air Transportation World and work for an airline.