Congratulations, Sharon Weng!

Sharon Weng at Chinook Helicopters

I started working at Chinook Helicopters (1982) as a Marketing and Administration Officer since February 2014, just before my graduation from the Airport Operations program (Class 17)! 

Chinook Helicopters is an accredited helicopter pilot training school located at Abbotsford International Airport. It has the highest employment rate of any helicopter training school in Canada, and half of the Canadian helicopter pilots have graduated from this school. The company is expanding their business with China, which is they need someone like me, who speaks Chinese and has a solid aviation education.

I have various job duties, such as managing the students’ files and paperwork, scheduling the flights, arranging accommodations, responding to emails, answering phone calls regarding the training, translating the website, hosting guests, managing finance, and sometimes I create even more. The most interesting part of the job is that I meet pilots from all over the world almost every week, from Australia, Switzerland, Austria, US, UK, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and more.  Chief pilots from CHC, TSB, and many other organizations come to Chinook for IFR training. For example, I had the chance to talk to a Canadian pilot who works in Shenzheng, China and was part of the search team for Malaysian Airlines flight 370, the missing Boeing 777. Everyday is a different day with lots of different people. That is why I love my job!

I am not the only BCIT graduate here. Bo Guan, who graduated from the BCIT Aircraft Maintenance Program in February, also works here.

I wouldn't have got my favorite job without the aviation education I received from BCIT. Thanks to the Airport Operations Program and all the instructors!  I give special thanks to Cheryl Cahill, who informed me of the opportunity, and Heather Madden Johns, who gave me tips for a successful resume and interview.