Top news stories of 2022

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Check out our most-clicked news stories from 2022 for a recap of Center for Aviation Studies happenings.

Group of Ohio State and Aviate representatives cutting a commemoration ribbon.
The United Aviate partnership was commemorated with a ribbon cutting at Ohio State on March 2.

1. United Airlines Aviate partnership launches new career pathway for flight students
Students enrolled in The Ohio State University Flight Education program now have another pathway to a career flying commercial aircraft. A new partnership with Aviate, United’s pilot career development program, offers aspiring and established pilots the most direct path to a United flight deck. “This partnership is about more than just providing pathways into the flight deck,” he shared. “It is about United Airlines and The Ohio State University working together to strengthen opportunities across all areas of aviation business and academics," said Brian Strzempkowski, assistant director of Ohio State’s Center for Aviation Studies.

2. “This is the best summer I’ve ever had…”
This past summer many Center for Aviation Studies students took to the skies – and office cubicles – across the country to practice skills toward advancement in the aviation industry as interns. Their impactful experiences ranged from administration to the pilot’s seat. “This is the best summer I’ve ever had in my life," said student Jillian Bourdage. "I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many talented professionals and develop my skills through various projects and networking opportunities."

3. Mentorship and recruitment keep alumnus flying higher
Twenty-one years into their career, some people may feel they’ve reached cruising altitude. Not true for alumnus Woody Green, ’98 Aviation Management. Through his position at American Airlines, Green challenges himself as an IT manager while actively mentoring and recruiting Ohio State students. “It's sort of like confetti going off in my heart when the students get the job offer and they take their first standby flight somewhere and they're just like ‘this is amazing, this is the top of the world experience for me.’ And I find it incredibly rewarding," he shared.

A woman seated in front of a large jet turbine.
Anastasia Rogachevsky was a flight operations intern at United Airlines

4. Top collegiate flight competitors soar in to Ohio State airport
The Ohio State University Airport hosted the 2022 National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON) national collegiate flight competition in May. Nearly 500 event participants – including the Ohio State Flight Team and teams from 27 other schools – soared in to the university’s Don Scott Field for the pre-eminent competition that tests student pilots in a variety of flight and ground events. This was the 12th time the university hosted the event focused on safety, superior knowledge, skill and professionalism. “For Flight Team competitors, SAFECON is the event that challenges you at new airports and tests your piloting skills. It’s also the place where you make lifelong friendships with other people in the aviation industry,” commented Dale Gelter, the airport's assistant director of operations.

5. Advanced air mobility leaders convene to discuss drone implementation across Ohio
Featuring field trips, expert panels, networking, recruitment and timely presentations, The Ohio State University 2022 Ohio Air Mobility Symposium convened key leaders in the field of unmanned aerial systems to discuss “What does advanced air mobility mean for the State of Ohio?” The two-day gathering with over 150 attendees was held April 7-8 on the university’s Columbus campus. The student-led event first launched in 2020 and aims to foster collaboration among industry, academia, policymakers and regulators, who are laying the groundwork for Ohio’s advanced air mobility ecosystem.

Four people smiling
Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson (center left) and Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted (center right) shared opening remarks. Here they are with student event organizers Zoe Karabinus (left) and Chris Johnson. Photo: College of Engineering

 

Categories: StudentsAlumni