At the global level, predictions from Boeing, the aerospace giant, the company’s jobs outlook for the next 20 years reports a need for 637,000 commercial aircraft pilots, 648,000 technicians; and a whopping 839,000 cabin crew members.  According to the Boeing report, the demand for high-quality aerospace professionals is driven by three things: emerging economies, strong aircraft replacement demand, and new markets. Boeing’s President cited that the new replacement aircrafts will increase capacity.  Projected travelers with discretionary income will have a positive impact on the hiring surge.

The event will also expose everyone to the opportunities in the field of Drones. These pilotless aircraft, UAVs (“Unmanned Aerial Vehicles,” better known as drones) are poised to play a much more significant part in the business model of a variety of different industries, as well as become commonplace in our everyday lives. The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International forecasts that the drone industry will create more than 100,000 new drone jobs and $82 billion in economic impact within the first 10 years they become legal to fly.  While emerging drone technology brings about a host of new questions and concerns about security, safety, and privacy, there is no doubt that drones will provide a slew of opportunities for developers and businesses looking to integrate them into our everyday lives.

The goal of the pilot program is to expand the knowledge base about future opportunities in the field of aviation for our students.  The goal is also to determine if this initiative can be duplicated to serve communities such as Delaware and Otsego Counties where their local airports can host similar career exploration activities.

Currently, the planning team is working together with the Chenango County Planning Department, the Chenango Industrial Development Agency, GE Unison, Lt. Warren E. Eaton Airport team and the Enrichment Education program at DCMO BOCES.  Detailed information will be sent to all our component schools to consider participation and to disseminate the information to families.  Education stakeholders interested in supporting this venture are welcome to share their input and to join the planning team.  To inquire about this initiative contact DCMO BOCES Public and School Liaison, Martha Ryan, at [email protected]