Open Air Flight Instructor’s Corner

I’m a problem solver, at least that’s what I like to call it. Maybe ‘creative thinker’ is a better description. Some may say I’m a dreamer (but I’m not the only one) ~ to quote the John Lennon song, Imagine. For decades I have gone to different aviation events, sat in organizational meetings and often asked the same question, “How do we get younger people involved in aviation?” Or sometimes the question is, “How do we save the rapid decline in General Aviation?”

I’m almost 47 years old and when I attend aviation meetings of various organizations, I’m still the youngest person in the room, by nearly 20 years! Plagued with these questions and demographics, I set out over the last decade to research the answers. Through travel, research, numerous discussions with industry leaders and observation, I have found many solutions. I’ve been able to categorize and summarize them and have created the ‘Open Air Flight Club!’

As an award-winning author of the book, “Open Air - How People Like Yourself Are Changing the Aviation Industry” I share part of my aviation journey and lessons learned. In the process of writing the book and doing research on a lot of current aviation trends, I figured out how I can help. Self-discovery is a wonderful development and part of the solution. Once I published the book in 2017, I began doing book signings and speaking at organizations. I talked to schools and did aviation workshops and events. Originally, I was using the book to inspire youth and aviation enthusiasts, and it took on a life of its own. I started an aviation STEM program in a local school and started helping other aviation organizations with getting youth involved.

With the growth and experience I’ve gained from my endeavors, I’ve developed a program to help organizations understand the trends in aviation and what works to solve the industry challenges. Pilot shortages in various segments, how to help businesses navigate the decline in aviation, how to capitalize on the growth areas in aviation and getting youth involved in a long-term sustainable way that is changing aviation.

In working with Jacob to grow AviNation Magazine, we’ve developed powerful, complementary business models that are making a real difference in aviation!

I have helped a lot of organizations and it has been a rewarding experience. As a flight instructor, I’ve helped a lot of people get started in aviation, get their pilot certifications and help guide them towards success. I’ve partnered with a lot of aviation businesses to help them grow. I’ve developed a powerful presentation to inspire businesses and organizations that encourages new levels of success. Many businesses and organizations want me to come and speak for free and give them the answers they’ve been seeking for decades. Many think they’ve figured it out and ‘got this’ while others continue with the status quo, doing what they’ve always done and getting what they’ve always got. The solutions I offer are well beyond the scope of an article and require an interactive dialogue to engage the right solutions for your needs.

If you’re an aviation business looking for additional revenue streams, or alphabet organization with fundraising needs, I encourage you to consider partnering with us in the Open Air. If you have an interest in aviation and are trying to figure out how to find the time and money to achieve your dreams, Open Air Flight Club is designed to help you earn to learn. As more organizations understand and adopt a vision for a positive future for aviation, we will continue to make aviation more affordable and accessible to many, and inclusive to all who desire to participate in the joy and freedom of all aviation has to offer!

Let’s make aviation great again! We ARE the future of Aviation!