Aviation program launches annual event

On March 15, at 9 a.m. in the Bissett School of Business Building, the aviation program kicked off their first annual Pilot Career Expo in order to help aviation students launch their careers. Major airlines, such as West Jet, Air Canada Jazz and the Canadian Forces had information booths set up.

Jeff Kobar, aviation student and volunteer of the event, says that the event was created in order to help students connect with prospective employers.

“Things are changing. Employers are starting to hire students straight out of the aviation program,” says Kobar.

According to Kobar, in the past pilots would have to work their way up into being in the cockpit of an airplane.

“You would be on a two-year waiting list and have to work ramp jobs,” says Kobar, “Now, if you are in aviation school you can be hired to become a pilot right away.”

In order to be considered a commercial pilot, over 200 hours of flying has to be completed.

At the expo, a simulator was set up for guests to test for free. There were two simulations, according to Kobar, a single engine simulator and a multi-engine.

The single engine simulator was a three-projector system, in which an instructor would demonstrate from the co-pilot seat how to fly from the Springbank airport to the Calgary airport. The multi-engine simulator worked similar to a video game system, with the freedom to fly the aircraft anywhere.

Guests were also able to enter a draw where they could win a free hour to use the simulator. Another option was to sign-up for half an hour, with an instructor who teaches how to land a multi-engine aircraft.

“We’re hoping that this will draw out more people and more aviation companies next year,” says Kobar.