The United States Labor Department reports that career opportunities in aviation with roles from pilots to technology specialists will continue to grow to meet global market demand. As part of its activities, the 2013 Great Georgia Airshow (GGAS) will host an Aviation Expo that features a Career Center highlighting job opportunities in aviation.
In addition to a high level of demand, careers in aviation can last a lifetime. Bernice “Bee” Haydu, began her flying career as Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) during World War II, flying military aircraft and joining a select group of women that were recruited to ferry aircraft from factories as well as other operational duties to help the war effort. From many years after the war, Bee flew as a pilot as well as an instructor in a variety of aircraft.
In a recent interview, Bee commented that “…after my first airplane ride, I knew that this was exactly what I wanted to do in life. It gave me the opportunity for many new experiences and to meet people from all walks of life.”
The WASP program was established during World War II, and from 1942 to 1943, more than 1,000 women joined, flying 60 million miles of noncombat military missions.
Bee went on to comment “Back in the 1940s, it was very novel for a woman to be a pilot. Today, it is not uncommon to have women commercial and military flight crews. The unique thing about a career in aviation is that there are no limits based on gender, race, creed and national origin; the only thing that matters is that a trained and competent person is involved.”
On July 1, 2009 President Barack Obama and the United States Congress awarded the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal.
The Great Georgia Airshow benefits more than 40 area non-profit and civic organizations, but it has also emerged as a boost to the local economy. Financial value to Fayette County economy due to the business activity generated by the preparation for and staging of the event was $637,653, and $1,130,417 for the increased sales with Fayette County businesses. These were conservative estimates based on limited data and scope of the study.
For more information about the GGAS Air Expo, tickets, sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, visit the airshow website www.thegreatgeorgiaairshow.com.
