Fall 2010 is well underway!

Update by Chief Instructor Cheryl Cahill  

The fall Aviation Operations Program for 2010 has kept us all on our toes since September.  As of October 19, over 100 students are registered in full-time and part-time studies. That is a long way from  the first nine students in 2001, who we still think of fondly. 

We have had overwhelming interest in the monthly information sessions held on the third Tuesday of every month at the ATC from 1700 to 1830.  If you haven't been to one of the Info Sessions, it works like this: I conduct a presentation with individuals interested in one or the other of the Airport Operations programs while an instructor takes the opposite group on a tour of the ATC.  Then we switch, and the other group tours while the first group has an opportunity to learn more about their program of interest.  It would be a great touch to have alumni or current students on hand to share experiences and answer questions, so please let me know if you would like to get involved.

The senior Airline and Flight Operations cohort, Class 8, have just finished their final course in the program!  CONGRATULATIONS!  The formal Graduation ceremony will be held at the ATC on December 22 at 1400, so mark your calendar for this special date.  Come out to wish them well as they begin their new career in aviation.

Airport Operations Class 11 are now the senior students on campus, at the mid-point in Term 4 with a countdown to completion on December 22.  The Final Projects will be delivered the week of January 10. The Class 11 Graduation will be announced in the New Year, but keep your calendar clear for mid-February 2011.

Airport Operations Class 12 (International) is currently out on workplace practicum.  This group will have some amazing stories to share as the practicums include Chengdu International Airport, Victoria International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, InterVISTAS Consulting and Air Terminal Services. They are all busy working on airport related projects honing the knowledge and skills acquired over the past three terms.

Welcome to Airport Operations Class 13, who started their journey at BCIT Aersopace in September.  They are an enthusiastic group - ready to immerse themselves in aviation.  And, welcome also to our newest cohort, Airport Operations Class 14 (International), who began the program on October 4.

Airline & Flight Operations Class 8 have been very busy completing the requirements of the private pilot license which includes both Transport Canada written and flight tests. They are back at the ATC for two months of training related to safety, security, aircraft maintenance, survival skills, aviation meteorology and many other interesting topics. Please join me in congratulating those students who have achieved their PPL, they have truly earned their wings.

Industry Events- Past, Present and Future!

Past

This has been a particularly interesting and busy fall as we have had the opportunity to participate in several industry events which give students and instructors an opportunity to learn more about the aviation industry and contribute to the aviation community as participants and volunteers.  For example:

•  Routes 2010 in September was an amazing conference that gathered airlines and airports from around the world into one city to discuss potential new routes. This is a first for Vancouver and a first for BCIT.  Over 30 students had the opportunity to meet with industry representatives and participate in special seminars and talks from leading aviation experts.
• Also in September, we had the opportunity to participate in the CAMC Forum (Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council).  Don't let the name fool you, CAMC is an aviation sector council which will soon be called the Canadian Council of Aviation and Aerospace. CAMC partnered with the ATC to provide a full day of training and industry networking opportunities for over 130 ATC students in the Maintenance and Aviation Operations Programs. It was great to see one of our instructors, Larry Johns, as a guest speaker at the event!

 But the fall line-up doesn't stop there!  Here are a few of the Coming Events:

•  The first special event is and afternoon with Air Canada Jazz on October 25.  Current students and alumni are invited to join us in Room 160 at 1430 to talk about recruitment and career paths at Jazz.  A special panel from Jazz includes representatives from Flight Operations, HR, and Airport Operations.  
• Next up, the BC Aviation Council Conference on November 3 & 4 will provide Airport Operations students with an opportunity to network with airport and airline operators, regulators and other aviation organizations as well as celebrate with the industry at the Silver Wings Award Gala. The Gala is a special evening to recognize those individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation in BC as well as, honour aviation students with scholarships. Three students in Aviation Operations will be receiving awards this year: Tristan Calvo, Sarah Chandra, and Natalie Hanczak.  Congratulations! 
• Then on November 05, Central Mountain Air will be on hand in the CIBC room to share information about their organization and what graduates can expect in terms of job prospects.  Once again, current students and alumni are invited to attend this special event - so keep your eye on the blog for further details! 
• The next event on the horizon is the Air Transport Association of Canada conference on November 7, 8 and 9 at the Westin Bayshore. ATAC has offered selected BCIT students the opportunity volunteer at the event, which offers these lucky students the opportunity to network with airline operators, regulators and many other aviation organizations while they gain valuable working experience assisting the conference coordinator throughout the three-day event.  In addition, the Airport Operations programs will have an exhibitor booth at the event and students will have the chance to practice their public relations and networking skills over the course of the event.  We are very excited to have an opportunity to participate in this important conference.

So 2010 has presented many exciting opportunities for the programs, alumni and current students, and I'm looking forward to building on the momentum with the start of a new term in 2011!