Northeast Ohio Regional Airport hosts third aviation career day
May 17—DENMARK — High school students from around the region heard from professionals about career opportunities in the aviation industry at the Northeast Ohio Regional Airport on Thursday.
It was the airport's third high school aviation career day.
Kate Burke-Rosales, one of the organizers of the event, said career day has grown every year.
"This is the most participation we've had from the schools to date," she said.
Madison High School participated in the career day for the first time, and about 400 students were scheduled to visit the airport, Burke-Rosales said.
There were 27 presenters at this year's event, about the same as last year, she said.
"This is a really great collaboration between the airport, A-Tech, and Leadership Ashtabula County," Burke-Rosales said.
She said people in the aviation industry are happy to talk about their jobs.
"With the critical shortage in the world, with all these jobs, they really just step up and try to inspire these kids," Burke-Rosales said.
She said there are more grants than ever for education in the aviation industry.
"Now is really the best time to get into the industry," Burke-Rosales said.
Presenters at the event included pilots from various airlines, flight instructors, flight attendants, drone pilots and airplane manufacturers.
Kelly Matter, a drone pilot and photographer, spoke to students about how to get a job in drone photography.
She said a license is required for those who want to get paid jobs in the industry.
"It's kind of a stepping stone if they want to do agriculture drones or thermal drones, this is kind of your first step," Matter said.
The licensing process requires extensive studying, followed by a test.
"You have to go to a ... testing center, and it's very locked down, they take your phone, they take everything, [give you a] pencil, and you take the test," Matter said.
There is a $150 fee for every time you take the test, she said.
"You have to really know airspace, it's very technical," Matter said.
The requirements for the test include knowing maximum altitudes and what airspace to avoid, she said.
She works full time and does drone photography as a hobby.
"I have a full-time job, so I just do this on the side," Matter said.
