Focus: Louisiana

By Tom Flavin

Worldwide, more pilots, A&P mechanics, engineers, and future aviation/aerospace leaders are needed. AviNation focuses on connecting two things simultaneously i.e. current industry leaders and tomorrow’s industry leaders (Mentors/Mentees). AviNation’s horizon!

Focus: Louisiana is fittingly titled because AviNation has committed the Winter and Spring issues to feature a special section sharing Louisiana’s aviation community.

Why focus on Louisiana?

Amid the Worldwide Covid pandemic, Louisiana has uniquely endured devastating hurricanes including Laura, Delta, and Ida over the past few years. And yes, a severe winter storm and freeze. During these catastrophic events, very little focus nationally was placed on Louisiana. Today is a new day!

Outstanding talent, great educational institutions, and many perfect industry jobs are available, now in Louisiana! Community, teamwork, and perseverance are part of the fabric. Yes great food can be found here too, but this for yet another article!

In this special issue, you will find four inspirational stories featured about aviators in Baton Rouge, Belle Chasse, Ruston, and a meteorologist in Lake Charles. Despite hurdles and challenges, these contributors share that the American spirit and dream are both alive and well in Louisiana.

To get here, AviNation had a meeting with Citadel Completions of Lake Charles, Louisiana. We quickly learned; excellence is the focus of Citadel Completions. Mr. Joe Bonita, General Manager, is an early supporter of AviNation’s mission. We are grateful for his support. Some photos from the NBAA-BACE show and Mr. Bonita’s invitation to the Citadel Completions Louisiana-style hospitality event appear here. Citadel Completions is World Class. Visit www.citadelcompletions.com and visit Louisiana!

Earlier in 2021, AviNation met with Ms. Nell Chennault, CEO of the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe, Louisiana (www.chennaultmuseum.org). She is a great-granddaughter of General Claire Chennault of the Flying Tigers. She is an early supporter of AviNation’s Museum section. One of the articles in this issue is also thanks to her and the Chennault Air Museum! Make sure to visit their upcoming Red, White, and Blue Airshow: Saluting America’s Heros, June 17-18, 2022!

AviNation is grateful to all of our advertisers, content supporters, article contributors, and readers. We welcome your continued support!

Laissez les bon temps rouler,

Tom Flavin

AviNation