Ian Cosco - Agent of Change

Congratulations Ian Cosco!  

Ian Cosco, a graduate from the BCIT Airline and Flight Operations program has been named on of Wings Mgazine, Top 20 Under 40!  

As co-owner of Tintina Air, based in Whitehorse, Ian is recognized as one of the young leaders who will influence the future of aviation.  

Learn more about Ian's journey here:  WINGS Magazine

Meet Kenneth Leiblich

Alumni Up-date: Mira Chang (Airport Operations)

Mira Chang, AO Class 23

Congratulations to Mira Chang of Airport Operations Class 23.  Class 23 attended convocation at the end of February, and by the end of April Mira was employed at Transport Canada as a Program Support Officer.  

I just wanted to thank you, Margo, Heather, Mike and other BCIT instructors for teaching me valuable knowledge that is useful in the real world. 

I truly appreciate you for giving us the opportunity to go on practicums which made us stronger and gave us a better understanding of the aviation industry.  Although there were tough times with deadlines and presentations, I am positive that every minute at BCIT was worth it. I am truly glad that I chose BCIT as my education, with the loveliest instructors! 

Thank you so much.

Congratulations Cristian Nichele and Sabrina Nowshin

Cristian Nichele and Sabrina Nowshin (Airport Operations Class 23), are pictured left during a tour of the CRA-900 taken during their practicum with Jazz Aviation.  Interestingly, the practicum host at Jazz was also a graduate of the Airport Operations program, David Pixley!

Sabrina notes that, "We had an amazing learning experience with both our supervisors Mr. John Dooley and Mr. Dave Pixley. My practicum partner was Cristian Nichele. We went for some unique visits around YVR such as the ATC tower, the Airside Operations Building, the Integrated Operations Center, the Gate Gourmet Catering facility, and the Jazz in-flight crew training area."

This experience has served both the recent graduates well.  Sabrina began a position in the Jazz SOC Centre in January, and Cristian began his position as an Airside Escort with Securiguard Services way back in November.

Congra

Congratulations Dan Starodubtsev

Congratulations to Dan Starodubtsev, who graduated in January with Airport Operations Class 23, and who started not one, but two new jobs in January!  

The first is as a part-time Customer Service Ambassador with Dexterrra, and the second is as an Assistant in the Flight Operations Department with Select Aviation.  Dan also completed his five week summer practicum with Select Aero, which demonstrates once again how valuable the practical experience can be. 

Dan is taking on quite a challenging schedule, but for the Class Representative and Scholarship Award winner, Dan is used to managing his time effectively.

Congratulations Dan, please stay in touch. 

Alumni Up-date: Brad Critchley

Brad Critchley at Harbour Air

Brad Critchley graduated from the Airport Operations program in early 2018.  By April he was working with Harbour Air (Customer Service).  Within two months Brad had been promoted to Supervisor! 

It is so gratifying to see graduates looking this happy as they take their first steps into an industry and a career they love.

Congratulations Brad!

Alumni Up-date: Tatsuki Taylor

Congratulations to Tatsuki Taylor, a graduate of Airport Operations Class 23 who began his aviation career with Dexterra at YVR roughly month ago.  That's pretty amazing since, although classes have been over since shortly before Christmas, Class 23 doesn't officially graduate until the February 23 Convocation ceremony!  

Meanwhile, Tatsuki is a Customer Service Ambassador who is putting much of his education to good use in this very important role.  

Congratulations Tatsuki!

Congratulations Sabrina Nowshin

Congratulations to Sabrina Nowshin!  

2019 has started off very well for Sabrina. She has been awarded an NWAAAE Scholarship, will start a new position with Jazz Aviation as a STOC agent on January 14, and is on-track to graduate from Airport Operations Class 23 on February 26.  

This is great success, and well deserved.  As a student, Sabrina brought passion, energy and dedication to the table. She was engaged in many activities throughout the Airport Operations program, including the BC Aviation Council, the YVR FOD Walk, a Nanaimo Airport Tour, and the Boundary Bay Airshow to name a few.  She also had the opportunity to work with Jazz during her practicum, which allowed her to explore where her strengths and skills might provide a good fit to launch a successful career in aviation.  

Congratulations Sabrina!

Alumni Up-date - Fiona Joyce

Fiona Joyce with instructors Mike Prosser,
Heather Madden-Johns and Margo MacNeil

Fiona Joyce, (lower left in the photo) graduated from the Airport Operations program in 2013.  Her first job after graduation was with a consulting firm in Toronto using airport design and AutoCAD skills acquired through the program.  She also credits connections first made during practicum experiences with playing a role in securing this first position in aviation.

A couple of years later, Fiona returned to Vancouver, and began working for Dexterra (then called Marquise) as an Operations Control Agent.  Next, she was promoted to the role of Supervisor.  For the past year, Fiona has been the Manager, Operations Centre Agents for Dexterra.  

Today Fiona closed the loop by returning to her BCIT roots to speak to the Airport Operations graduating class about her experience - and opportunities available with Dexterra.  

Thank you Fiona for sharing your story and advice - and thank you for the selfie too!  

Alumni Up-date: Dylan Reid and Nigel Schatz

In late 2017, Dylan Reid from Airline and Flight Operations Class 15 started ground school for the North-Wright Twin Otter, taught by Nigel Schatz, who also graduated from Airline and Flight Operations!  What a great coincidence.

A big thank you to Dylan for including this great great shot of two BCIT grads working together! Please keep those cards and letters coming in - we love to hear about your success and progress!

BCITSA - Head Shot Day

Professional Headshots for Students and Alumni

The BCIT Student Association (BCITSA) will be holding a Professional Headshots Day for students and alumni on Wednesday, May 09, 2018.

Date:  Wednesday May 09

Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Location: Aerospace Campus – The Hub

If you’re looking to get that professional LinkedIn picture just right, the BCITSA’s Careers Services will be providing professional headshots to BCIT Students and Alumni at the Aerospace Campus!

This is a FREE service so come prepared to say ‘cheese’! There will also be a Career Specialist at a table to give you ‘tips and tricks’ for your LinkedIn Profile. 

Click here to register for this great free event!  For more information contact careerservices@bcitsa.ca.

*Please Note: it take 3-4 weeks to receive your photos. 

Alumni Up-Date: Sapir Kaufmann

So much fun  to run into Sapir Kaufmann from Airport Operations Class 21 yesterday.  It was Sapir's first day as Flight Operations Administration for Jazz.   

But that's not all.  Sapir is one busy girl as she has kept two part-time positions, and is about half way through a Bachelor of Aeronautic Science with Embry Riddle.  She mentioned how great it was that the Airport Operation Diploma was approved for the first two years of the BSc.  This laddering effect is not only a  great time-saver, it also highlights that the BCIT Airport Operations training is valued by other post secondary institutions as well as the industry.   

Congratulations Sapir, we know you will enjoy this position, and we look forward to hearing more as you move through your career!

Alumni Up-date!

Natasha Stolyar (left) graduated from the Airport Operations program in 2006, and after working else where in the industry, went to Boundary Bay Airport in 2008.  Since then, Natasha has been the central figure coordinating events like the Boundary Bay Airshow, and hosting practicum students!  

Pawan Singh (right) is just completing his first three-week practicum at Boundary Bay airport where he has an opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom, to the workplace.  Having a host who understands the program and the business as thoroughly as Natasha does is a great benefit for Pawan.

And don't forget to volunteer at the Boundary Bay Airshow!  

Alumni Up-date: Kristian Cu and Pavel Yim

Kristian Cu and Pavel Yim

It's so nice to run into graduates from the program when passing through an airport! 

Earlier today we ran into Airport Operations graduates Kristian Cu (Airport Operations Class 20) and Pavel Yim (Airport Operations Class 21). 

Pavel is a full-time employee who works at the South Terminal both in reservations and in customer service.  Kristian is working part-time with Pacific Coastal and in addition works with the Vancouver Airport Authority in the Environment Department. 

Both are enjoying their roles in aviation and are continuing to build on their education.  It was great to see you both! 

Congratulations Ellie Huey

Ellie Huey 

I have officially accepted a permanent full-time position of Terminal Duty Officer with the Vancouver Airport Authority!

After 2+ years with Marquise/Carillion (now Outland-Carillion as the company was just obtained by Fairfax) working as a Customer Service Ambassador, OCA, Call Centre Officer, Trainer, and Relief Supervisor, I feel ready for the next challenge. 

I couldn't have achieved this milestone without my BCIT knowledge, or without the colleagues I had rallying around me; specifically Marcia Strang, Cal Currie, and Jason McArthur from my BCIT student practicums, who mentored me throughout my career thus far and acted as references for various opportunities.

While the past two years have had a couple rocky patches, I couldn't be happier with the path I've chosen and how well Airport Ops (and the support from you three amazing women!) set me up to overcome life's obstacles.  I hope you are all doing well, and look forward to seeing you at the next  aviation social event.

Alumni Up-date: Kent Thai

As a former Class Representative of Airport Operations Class 22, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for teaching me as well as my classmates during the Airport Operations program.

It has been a few months since I graduated from Airport Operations Class 22 and I would like to share a little story of my career in the aviation industry. 

For me, the Airport Operations Diploma program was an intense 16-month program with lots of happy and stressful moments, which usually pushed me to give up my plans with my friends. In order to keep up and not falling behind others in my class, effective time management is always the key. 

The biggest accomplishment in my life as an Airport Operations student was that I became a recipient of both YVR Student Achievement Award and North West Chapter American Association of Airport Executives Scholarship in 2017. 

Before graduating, the Flight Attendant Manager of Pacific Coastal Airlines, who was my practicum host, gave me a call, and I was lucky enough to receive a job offer to work in  the airline's Cabin Safety department. 

During the first few months at my new job, the Pacific Coastal Chief Flight Attendant, told me that collaboration and kaizen (continuous improvement) are extremely important at work. At the moment I recognized those terms that I learned about during the Airport Operations program, I realized that I have not only gained knowledge about aviation through this program, but also learned how to perform and apply my knowledge at my workplace. 

After three months of working as a Document Production Assistant, I have been promoted to be the Training and Document Control Coordinator for Pacific Coastal Airlines. The critical role of this position is to maintain all company manuals in the activities such as adding new revisions, issuing transmittals and maintaining up-to-date LEPs for all manuals. And now, my career journey in the aviation industry has officially begun.

Finally, I am very grateful for what my instructors, family, friends and classmates have done to support me throughout 16 months at BCIT Aerospace Campus. 

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to share my aviation story. I have also attached a photo of me taken at the campus' hangar during my graduation ceremony in February 2018.

Kind regards, 

Kent Thai

Alumni Up-date: Jason Tran

Congratulations to Jason Tran, graduate of Airport Operations Class 22!

Jason has recently started a new position as an Airport Operations Officer with Transport Canada.  As an Airport Operations Officer Jason ensures airport regulatory compliance and aviation safety management systems (SMS) standards by ensuring inspections are conducted and documented in accordance with Transport Canada policies and standards.

The Airport Operations program is comprised of many courses and modules that are directly related to this position, including a practicum experience with Transport Canada.  While a student, Jason was also recognized with two scholarships - one from the BC Aviation Council, the Airport Operations and Management Training Scholarship, and the second from the Vancouver Airport Authority recognizing Excellence in Airport Operations.

Congratulations Jason!
 

Congratulations Airline and Flight Operations Graduates!

Congratulations to the graduates of Airline and Flight Operations Class 15, pictured here at their graduation ceremony on January 12, 2018:   
Dana Archer, 
Spencer Bak, 
Tommy Cheung, 
Harmandar Jauhal, 
Tony Kwok, 
Kieran Lapointe, 
Lorenzo Lopez, 
Ka Kei (Matthew) Mui, 
Dylan Reid (not pictured as he is already working with North-Wright), 
Kurtis Scott, 
Chris Tsang and,
Luke Williams
We look forward to hearing where your next steps take you.

Please check out the BCIT Flicker account for more great photo's of this event!

Congratulations Denis

Denis Dilworth

After competing a contract a Pitt Meadows Airport here in the lower mainland, Denis Dilworth has accepted a position as Assistant Manager of the Powell River Airport!  It's interesting to note that Denis won't be completely on his own - classmate and graduate of the Airport Operations program Nicole Gaudet is also in Powell River, with Pacific Coastal Airlines. It really is a small and tight knit world of aviation!

Denis will have the opportunity to apply many of the skills he acquired through the Airport Operations program, and will also add to his tool kit of skills. 

Congratulations Denis!

YVR, Airport Familiarization Tour

Highlights from the Airport Operations Class 23 Airport Familiarization Tour yesterday are pictured left.  The class toured the Vancouver Airport with Lyndsey Kitsul (A graduate of Airport Operations Class 4) and Marcia Strang, the guru of Emergency Management and Planning at the Vancouver Airport Authority. This behind the scenes peek at the airport is an ideal opportunity to witness the application of classroom learning to the workplace.  A big thank you to everyone who helped to bring this tour together.   

A nice surprise for everyone in the IOC was meeting a number of Airport Operations graduates - Isaac, Fiona Joyce, Lucie Stevens and Cheshire Lin were all on shift! 


Photos and update by Cheryl Cahill, Chief Instructor, Aviation Operations programs