AVweb’s search of aviation news around the world found a new drone industry awards program, a first Girls In Aviation Day, a training pipeline for American Airlines jobs, and leadership changes at King Schools. The drone industry announced the launch of the Unmanned Air Systems Technology & Innovation Awards. The awards are open to all organizations involved in the unmanned aviation industry, with entries welcomed from across the globe. Women In Aviation International announced that the first Girls in Aviation Day was a huge success. Sept. 26 saw 45 events, 48 chapters participating, events in 7 countries and 25 U.S. states.
Envoy Air Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines, is collaborating with Metropolitan State University of Denver to offer a direct pathway to employment for qualifying aviation students starting as early as their sophomore year. The agreement addresses future pilot shortages, anticipated to have an increasingly negative impact on the airline industry’s ability to maintain desired flight schedules due to lack of personnel. Unusual changes are taking place at King Schools to ensure their continued pace of technological advancement. Long-term President and CEO of King Schools, Dave Jackson, recommended to company owners John and Martha King that Barry Knuttila, formally Senior Vice President, Technology and Marketing, take over the CEO duties while Jackson would remain as President and Chief Operating Officer. Jackson became President of King Schools in 2000 and CEO in 2006. John and Martha will continue as Co-Chairmen.
