THE GLOBAL LGBT AVIATION COMMUNITY
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APRIL 2016
www.skywest.com/careers
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from the executive director
Hard work and perserverence are hallmarks of success. We are no exception.
share a pic! Have a fun photo as a kid growing up around airplanes? For our May edition, I will be doing a special throwback section featuring NGPA members when they were young, aspiring aviators. Please send pictures with your name by clicking the red box by April 22.
Definition of Easter Eggs to a typical person: a dyed, hard-boiled egg often decorated as part of the Easter celebration. Definition of Easter Eggs to a pilot: intentional problems given by a flight instructor for students to find and correct.
As you can see, Easter can have different meanings to different people. For those that celebrated recently, I hope you enjoyed the colorful, hoppy weekend whether it was a break from school and a trip to the beach, spending time with loved ones, or flying others to their families. Easter marks the beginning of consistent warmer weather for most parts of the world, which means NGPA is packing its bags and preparing for a busy summer ahead. Be sure to check out where we are flying to and pay us a visit. None of us like tax season, unless it’s how you earn your living. At NGPA, we are making April 15 a GREAT day for everyone as we start the process of giving money away! April 15 is the final day an aspiring pilot looking to further their aviation education through our scholarship programs can apply for this year’s cycle. This first cycle is funded by NGPA’s gracious donors and supporters. The second cycle in May opens our airline-sponsored scholarships and the Alaska Airlines B737 type rating. Don’t let your friends, your kids, or your friends’ kids miss this opportunity to dream bigger by learning to fly. Apply online through our website.
Front image: Thom Barbour
We all have memories of growing up around aviation or airplanes that inspired us to get where we are today. While none of my immediate family are pilots, they certainly supported my dream to fly. From pancake breakfasts at Geauga County Airport (7G8) to the observation deck in terminal B at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), the sound and smell of airplanes forever entered my body and never departed. Recently, a photo surfaced and, while I don’t approve of the attire (I’ll be having a chat with the parents about this), I certainly support the photo for what it tells. Encourage those interested in aviation around you. It makes the difference in someone’s life and it’s an unwritten etiquette to share our passion. Thanks to each and everyone that sent a note of support and appreciation to AOPA and writer Barry Schiff. The response was overwhelming and I’ve received many correspondences from Barry and members of AOPA for the love and support we showed them. It is unfortunate that events like these take place but NGPA always comes together and rises to the top, all because of you. The work of NGPA continues to increase and become more valuable in the aviation and LGBT community. This means there is always more to do. Be part of our twenty-five year history and help plan our future. Our continued, careful seed planting this year sets the stage for a rich harvest next year, and so on. What we do today effects what happens tomorrow. Feedback from events we attend tells us there are LGBT aviators and allies that don’t know we exist, or think we aren’t a legitimate group. This spring, plant the seed with someone on the fence about joining our community as a member or ally. Tell them why it is important to you, and to all of us. More events like the hate mail to AOPA and Barry Schiff will happen. The stronger we are, the better. “It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in the Autumn” - B.C. Forbes
Our North America NGPA tour is ongoing. Please stop by, say hi and pick up some NGPA swag. This is a great place to meet other members and renew your membership! Check the NGPA website to keep up to date with events and plans across the country.
David Pettet Executive Director david.pettet@ngpa.org
VISIT THE WEBSITE CLICK HERE
WOMEN in aviation 2016 The tenth annual NGPA/Women in Aviation booth was a huge success! From our nineteen new members, to over $1,000 of airplane beads sold, to spreading the word about our scholarships, it was great to reach so many aviation-involved people! Thanks so much to the volunteers who make this happen year after year, and to all the people who come and join the NGPA family! See you next year! –Gina Martyn & Beth Blankenship
When I joined the NGPA at the Women in Aviation Conference in 2016, after joining only a month ago, I found the large group fun to be around. I worked the booth during conference, promoting NGPA and selling rainbow airplane necklaces to fundraise for scholarships. Everyone kept asking where the beads came from. The social events were very exciting and, while we may only get together a few times a year, the connections and friends made are invaluable. I was introduced to ExpressJet by a NGPA member and, as a result, have an internship opportunity. In an industry that isn’t quite as gay friendly as many others, it is beneficial to be part of the NGPA and it would be great to continue getting more students involved, since there are limitless opportunities with this group.
Chris Hodnicak Aviation Administration Student at MTSU
(l-r) NGPA organizers Gina Martyn and Beth Blankenship strike a pose at the 2016 Women in Aviation Conference.
For many years, NGPA has been attending the Women in Aviation conference to show support for our members, network, and shed light on the the organization as a whole. The Board of Directors and myself would like to thank Gina Martin, Beth Blankenship, and Justin Demer, for their tireless efforts on our behalf. They brought in 19 new members and planted the seeds for many more. Thank you to those that represented proudly at the booth and stopped by to say hi. I look forward to our continued relationship with the WAI conference for years to come. – David Pettet, Executive Director
local groups
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YANKEE flyers, NEW ENGLAND
ATL STICK AND RUDDER
AREA ATL ATLANTA stickandrudderngpa@gmail.com
CITRUS FLYERS ORLAND AREA MCO GREATER stephen.gatlin@icloud.com
The Stick and Rudders meet monthly to foster an environment for networking, reconnecting with old friends and forming new ones. Email us for more information or to sign up for upcoming event alerts.
Serving the central and greater Orlando area. Please contact Rob Neighbour at gparob@aol.com or Stephen (above).
It was a very successful 2015 for ATL Stick and Rudder re-launch and, hopefully, everyone enjoyed meeting and forming new friendships from bowling night opportunities to Friendsgiving dinner. In October, we will be marching and on display during the ATL Pride festivities!
FRANCISCO AREA SFO SAN mike.fillman@gmail.com
CASCADE FLYERS SEA SEATTLE AREA Cascade Flyers meets up for dinner on the last Wednesday of the month. Check out our Facebook page (Cascade Flyers) for the location or to get on our private email alerts list.
GOLDEN GATE FLYERS San Francisco’s Golden Gate Flyers holds monthly dinner meetings on the second Wednesday of each month. The meeting venue alternates between The Sausage Factory Restaurant in the Castro on even numbered months and Don Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant in South-of-Market on the odd numbered months. Members and guests meet at 7pm for drinks and socializing, followed by dinner and future event briefings. Guests and prospective members are always welcome. Find us on Facebook (Golden Gate Flyers) for more.
GOTHAM FLYERS YORK CITY AREA NYC NEW jesse.elliott@me.com The New York area NGPA group has decided on a name! The Gotham Flyers have been cleared for takeoff and in full swing. Please reach out to us for the next gathering, we would love to have you. Email Jesse Elliot or call 860–917–3122
HEARTLAND FLYERS CITY AREA MCI KANSAS flynba@gmail.com Heartland Flyers is a new group organized primarily around the greater metropolitan Kansas City area to foster social interaction and regular meet-ups. We welcome all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members of the aviation community, including commercial and general aviation pilots and people from all aspects of the industry, as well as aviation enthusiasts. The group meets monthly for brunches, dinners, special events and fly-ins. Email or visit our Facebook page for more (Heartland Flyers).
Monthly dinner, outings, and social activities for aviators and enthusiasts alike.
LIBERTY FLYERS
TWIN CITY FLYERS
AREA PHL PHILADELPHIA mark.schmid@ngpa.com
MSP MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL AREA
Liberty Fliers is the Philadelphia area’s only gay pilot group. Now meeting weekly for cocktail hours, dinner and events. Join us at the local watering hole in the Gayborhood, or out flying at a PHL area airport. For more information please email Matt Stevens mastevens2@gmail.com or Mark (above). Also, check out our Facebook group (Liberty Fliers) for more.
The Twin City Fliers is a group representing the Minneapolis-St. Paul gay aviation community within the National Gay Pilots Association. We are working to create a network of people in the area for social functions as well as career networking. We are going to be hosting regular events such as fly-ins, dinners, happy-hours, etc. for meeting and interacting with people in the area. Send a message through our Facebook page (Twin City Fliers) for more.
MACH1 FLYERS FLORIDA AREA FLL SOUTHERN cale.choi@me.com
UNUSUAL ATTITUDES
Mach 1 Flyers is a social and networking group for gay and lesbian pilots and aviation professionals in the South Florida area. NGPA membership is encouraged, but not required. Mach 1 Flyers meets monthly for a social. They also organize fly-ins around the south Florida area! Check them out! Email or look us up on Facebook (Mach1 Flyers).
CALIFORNIA AREA SAN SOUTHERN unusualattitudes.org
MILE HIGH FLYERS AREA DEN DENVER doug@TeamSecord.com For more information, please email or see the Mile-High Flyers page on Facebook.
OUT ON THE RUNWAY DC AREA DCA WASHINGTON red911forme@gmail.com Out on the Runway has an activity scheduled every month. We have new members and are looking for new ideas for get-togethers! If you are in the greater DC area and interested in meeting LGBT pilots, email Russ Prechtl (above) or check our Facebook page (Out On The Runway).
RAINBOW FLYERS WORTH AREA DFW DALLAS/FORT mel@melandtom.net The Rainbow Flyers is a group of LGBT aviators, their supporters and aviation enthusiasts in and around the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Rainbow Flyers meets monthly for social gatherings and fly-ins. Email Mel Rushton (above) for more information or to join the group. You can also find us on Facebook (Rainbow Flyers).
April 10-12 Unusual Attitudes and the San Diego Chapter of GreatOutdoors fly into Agua Caliente Airstrip in Eastern San Diego County and camp at the county park. April 16 Danish Day in Central California! We’re flying into Santa Ynez (KIZA) for breakfast/ lunch at a local spot before spending the day in Solvang, the “Danish Capital of California”, and finishing with an authentic Danish dinner at the Bit O’ Denmark restaurant. More info is available on the website.
COME SHOW YOUR PRIDE WITH NGPA IN 2016!
JOIN US at one of these events this season and show your pride!
JUNE 11–12
JUNE 18–19
JUN 26
WINDY CITY FLYERS AREA ORD CHICAGO scott.shatzer@ngpa.org The Windy City Flyers are often meeting up for drinks, potluck dinners, and out making trouble. This Jun we will be marching with NGPA during the Pride parade. Get event information by joining the group on Facebook (Windy City Fliers).
YANKEE FLYERS
OCTOBER 8–9
ENGLAND AREA NE NEW kyle.szary@ngpa.org The Yankee Flyers formed in February to provide a more personal outlet to collaborate and network outside of flagship NGPA events. Join us on Facebook (Yankee Flyers) to keep in touch and facilitate daily conversation. We hope it proves to be a good resource to connect members, whether it be to find a flight instructor, provide the name of a good AME, or simply make a new friend. Our summer outdoor BBQ event will have live entertainment courtesy of the BOS ILS Runway 04R final (weather permitting)! We’d love to have more faces in our new group, and hope to hear from you soon!
OCTOBER 8 If you are interested in showing NGPA pride in your city, click here to submit a request. All requests will be considered based on availability of resources.
2016
ALASKA AIRLINES/k&s aviation/NGPA B737 Type Rating Scholarship
In Palm Springs, Alaska Airlines, K & S Aviation and NGPA achieved a long-time goal with the announcement of offering one B737 Type Rating Scholarship in 2016. The application window opens this Spring with the scholarship awarded in the Fall. We are grateful for the continued partnership with Alaska Airlines.
minimum requirements The NGPA provides scholarships to aspiring aviators with the desire to develop professional aviation skills and ratings who: ▶▶ Have demonstrated community involvement, including support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. ▶▶ Have or meet ATP minimum requirements. ▶▶ Have a BA college degree.
▶▶ Be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident.
▶▶ Have a valid FAA 1st Class Medical.
▶▶ Have a valid US Passport.
▶▶ Complete the online application when available.
▶▶ Have appropriate current or recent employment and/or experience to transition to an airline entry position.
▶▶ Answer essay questions. ▶▶ Submit a resume.
VISIT THE WEBSITE CLICK HERE
Aero Crew News Your Source for Pilot Hiring Information and More...
Aero Crew News is a pilot hiring magazine, bringing you the latest information directly from the source, the airline. Every month we include, Airline Premiers, various articles and over 30 contract comparisons from over 33 different airlines and growing. To view and/or subscribe to our eMagazine, please visit our website at AeroCrewNews.com.
• Application Review • Resume Critique Upcoming Events
www.AeroCrewSolutions.com
• Career Consulting • Interview Prep OBAP Conference Denver Pilot Job Fair Fort Lauderdale Job Fair
August 12-14 September 25 November 13
www.AeroCrewNews.com
save the dates
Ready for that upgrade to PIC? Or how about being part of the crew?
JUN 4-5
JUL 25-31
AUG 10-12
NORTHERN ESCAPE TORONTO, CANADA
AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH, WI
OBAP CONFERENCE CHICAGO, IL
For seven days from sunrise to well past sunset, your Oshkosh day is filled with dazzling displays of aerobatics, informative programs, hands-on workshops, and much more at The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration!
Founded in 1976, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of minorities in all aviation and aerospace careers.
Join our first ever event with Canadian Aviation Pride in this beautiful city. Canadian Airlines, and other aviation vendors, will be setting up shop to join us for the day, ending our evening with fun and entertainment.
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sep 15-18
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jan 18-19
Ready for that upgrade to PIC? Or how about being part of the crew? Join the 2016 NGPA Flight Crew and help out at events to show the aviation community your pride as a member. If you want to get more involved with NGPA, we have a role for you. ▶▶Advocacy Committee ▶▶Development Committee ▶▶Events Committee / On-Site Event Management ▶▶Membership Committee ▶▶Mentorship Committee
See more
jan 19-22
▶▶Scholarship Committee ▶▶Governance Committee ▶▶Navegaytor: Writing/Editing/ Production ▶▶NGPA News: Writing/Editing/ Production ▶▶Fundraising ▶▶Assisting the Executive Director
CAPE COD CLASSIC PROVINCETOWN, MA Finishing touches are being processed now for our annual Cape Cod Classic event in lovely P’town. Great entertainment and guest presenters you won’t want to miss! Registration opens this summer.
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NGPA INDUSTRY EXPO PALM SPRINGS, CA Finishing touches are being processed now for our annual Cape Cod Classic event in lovely P’town. Great entertainment and guest presenters you won’t want to miss! Registration opens this summer.
Email david.pettet@ngpa.org
WINTER WARM-UP PALM SPRINGS, CA Finishing touches are being processed now for our annual Cape Cod Classic event in lovely P’town. Great entertainment and guest presenters you won’t want to miss! Registration opens this summer.
▶▶I want to help wherever I’m needed We always have a need for more people to help and if you don’t know where your skill or talent can be used, let us help place you were you can be most effective. Email david.pettet@ngpa.org or Tom.Morin@ngpa.org to learn how you can participate with us in a 2016 event.
be on the board We are accepting Statement of Interest to join the leadership team for 2017-19 board of directors at NGPA, and the NGPA Education Fund. If you are interested in submitting a statement of interest, email david.pettet@ngpa.org to receive an application.
VISIT THE WEBSITE CLICK HERE
ready to launch NGPA.ORG ONE STEP CLOSER TO A NEW REALITY The first weekend in March, a dedicated group made major steps toward the completion of the new website, creating over 80 pages of content with even more to complete. The new NGPA website will be a central resource for our membership, encompassing information, updates, and connections with our worldwide LGBT community! Part of the UND NGPA Chapter joined our website
content writing party alongside NGPA and Windy City Flyers members. A big THANK YOU to all who participated in this day, and to Chair Scott Shatzer for opening his home to the effort. There is always something to be done and we are actively looking for IT Committee members.
Standing (l-r): Adelynn Mrosko, Michael Eble, Michael Koziarz, John Burdick, Scott Shatzer, Brian Straub, Nick Michaels, David Pettet, Braden Siegel Seated (l-r): Brandon Richards, Steve Shanks, Patrick Keys, Paul Hart, Drake Hunter
join the IT CROWD. It takes a village to raise a website and we are actively looking for IT Committee members. If interested in learning more, please send your inquiry to john.burdick@ngpa.org.
VISIT THE WEBSITE CLICK HERE
big news!
VISIT THE WEBSITE CLICK HERE
This first-of-a-kind event in Canada will make the history books. Join us for an Aviation Expo, Cocktail Social, Brunch, Fly-In, and more.
JUNE 4–5, 2016
PROTECTING THE FREEDOM TO FLY Visit aopa.org today!
Upgrade in 18 to 24 months. Flow to American Airlines in 3 to 5 years.
VISIT THE WEBSITE CLICK HERE
Career planning made easy. piedmont-airlines.com
81 YEARS AGO, THE DC-3 MADE Image courtesy of Jim Gabbert and Tim Nueson
HISTORY.
THIS YEAR, SO DO WE… $81,000 IN AVIATION SCHOLARSHIPS! THE NGPA EDUCATION FUND IS
HOW WILL RECIPIENTS BE SELECTED?
PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE 2016
An independent selection committee will review the candidates’ applications and rank the candidates based on:
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
• Excellence in personal and
AT WWW.NGPA.ORG.
• Aviation accomplishments
WE RECOMMEND YOU
• Demonstration of personal motivation, teamwork, attitude, and leadership
DOWNLOAD THE ”HELPFUL HINTS” DOCUMENT.
FOR A FULL LIST
• Involvement in volunteer and LGBT activities. Scholarship winners will be announced during the summer, with financial awards distributed following the announcement. WILL THE SCHOLARSHIPS BE AWARDED BASED
OF SCHOLARSHIP
ON AN INDIVIDUAL’S SEXUAL ORIENTATION?
INFORMATION, AND TO
No. However, the applicant should provide evidence of his or her contribution to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.
APPLY, VISIT WWW.NGPA.ORG VISIT THE WEBSITE CLICK HERE
HOW WILL THE AWARDS BE ADMINISTERED? Scholarship awards are paid directly to the educational institution or flight school, to offset the cost of the recipient’s training. Awards are based in US Dollar amounts.
Contact: pilotjobs@gojetairlines.com Apply online at airlineapps.com
Contact: pilotjobs@gojetairlines.com Apply online at airlineapps.com
GoJet Airlines is a proud supporter of the
GoJet Airlines is a proud supporter of the
co No nt ra tra ct in re ing qu ire d!
$10,000 First Officer sign-on bonus
co No nt ra tra ct in re ing qu ire d!
$10,000First First Officer sign-on bonus $15,000 Officer sign-on bonus for pilots
who are current and qualified with aforCRJ type rating $15,000 First Officer sign-on bonus pilots
who are current and qualified with a CRJ type rating
• Become upgrade eligible at 2,500 hours total time • Generous commuter policyat(four • Become upgrade eligible 2,500hotel hoursstays total per timemonth provided!) • ATP-CTP provided forper successful candidates • Generous commutertraining policy (four hotel stays month provided!) training provided successful candidates • Earn $5,000 •forATP-CTP mentoring a new pilotfor through their first two years with the company • • Earn $5,000 for mentoring a new pilot through first two yearsfor with the pilot company Employee Referral Bonus—Earn a $1,500their referral bonus each candidate you • Employee Referral Bonus—Earn a $1,500 referral bonus for each pilot candidate you recommend that is hired and completes training recommend that is hired and completes training
VISIT THE WEBSITE
Theaforementioned aforementioned programs are offered at the sole discretion of GoJet and may modified for future CLICK HERE The programs are offered at the sole discretion of GoJet Airlines andAirlines may be modified forbe future employees or discontinued at any time.at any time. employees or discontinued
VISIT THE WEBSITE CLICK HERE
Š 2016 United Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.
SM
Proud to embark on an exciting journey with the NGPA as their first Diamond sponsor.