Aviation Careers

National Aviation Day From 1939 to Air and Space

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Today is National Aviation Day, first proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 to recognize the development of aviation in the United States.

Aviation in 1939 meant something very different than it does today.

Today, aviation reaches far beyond airplanes and airports. It encompasses commercial and military aviation, advanced aircraft development, unmanned systems, aerospace engineering, satellites, cybersecurity, advanced communications, space exploration and technologies that are changing how we operate in the air and beyond it.

It is also the foundation for an enormous range of jobs and career opportunities. Pilots and aircrews are only part of that picture. Aviation and aerospace depend on engineers, aircraft mechanics and technicians, air traffic controllers, manufacturers, software developers, cybersecurity specialists, researchers, educators and countless other skilled professionals. For young people especially, aviation and aerospace offer career paths that may not have even existed a generation ago.

And today, our definition of aviation extends beyond the atmosphere.

Space exploration and the rapidly expanding space industry have created entirely new areas of technology and opportunity. The creation of the United States Space Force in 2019 established a new branch of our Armed Forces dedicated to protecting American interests in, from and to space. Space is now an essential part of our national defense, communications, navigation and everyday life.

For the Air & Space Forces Association, National Aviation Day has particular meaning. Our mission connects the heritage of American aviation with the future of air and space power. It also challenges us to introduce the next generation to the opportunities ahead, support education in aviation, aerospace, cyber and STEM, and help build the workforce and leaders who will take us into the future.

When President Roosevelt proclaimed the first National Aviation Day 87 years ago, even the most imaginative aviation pioneers of the time could hardly have envisioned where their work would lead.

From the first generations of powered flight to aircraft flying faster than sound, remotely piloted systems, satellites orbiting the Earth and Guardians serving in the United States Space Force, aviation has become something far greater than simply flying airplanes.

And we are still only beginning to see where it will take us next.

Happy National Aviation Day from AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134

AFA Palm Springs Congratulates EAA on Mission 2.5

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

Today we want to congratulate EAA and the thousands of volunteer pilots, chapter members, and supporters who have reached an extraordinary milestone: 2.5 million Young Eagles flights. Since 1992, the Young Eagles program has introduced millions of young people to the wonder of flight, often sparking a lifelong interest in aviation and aerospace.

Here in the Coachella Valley, we’re especially proud of our friends at EAA Chapter 1116, who conduct Young Eagles rallies almost every month, giving local young people the opportunity to experience their very first flight in a general aviation aircraft. Their dedication has made a lasting difference in our community.

As Frank Brabec, President of EAA Chapter 1116, recently wrote in the chapter newsletter, aviation needs more than pilots. It needs mechanics, technicians, engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and many other talented people who will design, build, maintain, and protect the aircraft and systems of tomorrow. That vision closely aligns with the work our Chapter is already doing through Cyber Education and the Air & Space Forces Association’s CyberPatriot program.

We are excited about the growing relationship between AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 and EAA Chapter 1116. Together, we have an opportunity to inspire young people, introduce them to aviation, and help them discover the many career paths available throughout aerospace and the Air and Space Forces.

Congratulations again to EAA, EAA Chapter 1116, and every volunteer who has helped make Mission 2.5 such a remarkable success. We look forward to working together to inspire the next generation.

Thank You!

From Oshkosh to Opportunity: Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation

/ Ian L. Sitren / Leave a comment

What does a remarkable airplane at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh have to do with the future of AFA Palm Springs? More than you might think.

As another record-breaking EAA AirVenture Oshkosh comes to a close, more than 734,000 people attended the world’s largest annual aviation gathering. More than 10,000 aircraft, 1,600 forums and workshops, 1,021 exhibitors, 6,000 volunteers, and an estimated $257 million economic impact made AirVenture 2026 another extraordinary success. From vintage aircraft and warbirds to military aviation, homebuilt airplanes, aerospace innovation, education, and the future of flight, Oshkosh remains unlike any other aviation event in the world.

Among the aircraft attracting attention this year was the remarkable Gee Bee QED, a modern recreation of the famous 1934 cross-country racer. It is an extraordinary aircraft, powered by a 1,425 horsepower radial engine and built as a faithful recreation of one of aviation’s most recognizable racing airplanes.

As impressive as the airplane is, the most compelling story surrounding it isn’t found in its performance specifications. It’s found in the people working around it.

In an interview at Oshkosh, Kelly Mahon, Director of Operations for the Mid America Flight Museum, explained that while preserving aviation history and honoring veterans remain central to the museum’s mission, another equally important mission is mentoring young people. High school students were invited into the restoration shop to learn, contribute, and become part of the project. One of those students later attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and completed engineering work that directly contributed to the aircraft.

One story stood out in particular. A mother initially became involved simply by bringing baked goods to the restoration team while her daughters participated. Her interest grew into a passion for aviation, and she eventually earned her Airframe and Powerplant mechanic certificate and became a member of the restoration team herself.

Mahon also challenged one of aviation’s most common assumptions. While much of the conversation focuses on a shortage of pilots, he argues that aviation has an equally urgent need for aircraft mechanics, technicians, engineers, and other skilled professionals who will build, maintain, and advance the aircraft of tomorrow.

His message was both simple and compelling:

“We’ve got to get them to the airport, and we’ve got to get them excited.”

Those ideas reinforce an important opportunity for AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

The Air & Space Forces Association has always been committed to supporting Airmen, Guardians, veterans, and aerospace education. As our Chapter continues to expand its Cyber Education initiatives, we also recognize that aviation itself remains an essential part of inspiring the next generation. Through growing relationships with organizations such as EAA Chapter 1116, Young Eagles, Civil Air Patrol, College of the Desert, local schools, and other STEM partners, we have an opportunity to introduce young people to aviation, aerospace, engineering, aircraft maintenance, cybersecurity, military service, and many of the careers that support our nation’s Air and Space Forces.

The future of aerospace depends on far more than pilots. It depends on the people who design, build, maintain, protect, and innovate the technologies that make flight possible.

Aviation has always inspired people to look beyond the horizon. The challenge today is making sure the next generation has the opportunity to discover that same inspiration. Whether that journey leads to the cockpit, the maintenance hangar, an engineering laboratory, a cyber operations center, or military service, it begins by giving young people the chance to experience aviation firsthand.

That is why aviation outreach remains an important part of the mission of AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134.

We encourage you to watch Kelly Mahon’s interview. The Gee Bee QED is a remarkable airplane, but the ideas behind the project may be even more inspiring.