by Dave Weiman
As members of the aviation community, we share a common bond, regardless of our specific interests. For instance, if an issue comes up and it affects instrument approaches at the local and you do not have an instrument rating, you should still support your fellow pilot who does have an instrument rating, and your airport manager and fixed base operator who are trying to improve services.
Don’t have a private airport, but an issue comes up that affects the airspace around private airports? Come to the aid of your fellow aviator to protect his airspace.
The airport manager in your community is getting flack over extending the runway. Should you stick your head in the sand, or your neck out, even though your taildragger only needs a third of the length, and you prefer grass over pavement? You should take the opportunity to speak at the next public hearing, and call local decision-makers to tell them of the benefits of a longer runway for business, recreation and economic development.
All too often we don’t consider the other guy in aviation and issues facing them. We tend to stay in our own little worlds until which time we could use the support of our fellow aviators. As aviators, we have a common bond regardless of the issue.
Welcome Northland Aerospace
Over the next year, you will see articles in Midwest Flyer Magazine from aviation instructors at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU), who are helping to guide students to lifelong, fulfilling careers in aviation and aerospace.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is one innovation, which is creating some exciting possibilities for future technicians, and Northland Community and Technical College is meeting this educational need.
Northland launched the nation’s first UAS Maintenance Training Program in 2011 from its long-standing (since 1959) Aviation Maintenance Technology, Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Program.
In 2013, Northland launched the nation’s first two-year technical program to train “imagery analysts” to process the large amounts of data that is produced from various platforms, such as satellites, traditional aircraft and Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Through cooperation, education and regulation, Unmanned Aircraft Systems will eventually be integrated into the national airspace system, and Northland Community and Technical College will help accomplish this.
