ALPA ACE Clubs Continued Success on ERAU Campuses

The ALPA Education Committee continues to support the very successful ACE Clubs at the Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., campuses of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). With the purpose of promoting professionalism and cultivating safety among future aviators, these student-led clubs are in their third and second years, respectively.

On October 9, F/O Costas Sivyllis (PSA), F/O Andrew Schwartzman (United), and F/O Robin Kim (ExpressJet) represented ALPA at the ERAU-Daytona career expo answering questions from students on everything from the profession to career options and ways to get involved in the industry.

The following day, these pilots visited various classes to discuss the nature of the industry and provide insight on the lessons the classes were covering that day. That evening, Joe Cook, pilot recruiter for United, headlined the ACE Club’s general session “How to Land Your Dream Job.” Just over 65 students heard briefly about United as a company, steps that they can take starting now to align themselves with United’s hiring preferences, and the internship program in place there. After the presentation, the group interacted with the ALPA pilot representatives and Jared Allison, pilot recruiter from ExpressJet. The mentor pilots relayed the important message of how they have succeeded, but have all taken different paths to their current jobs. They also drove home the importance of good track records and being flexible in the industry. Students gained insight on how to create a path, or at least a blueprint, to get from where they are now to where they want to be. A long, personal Q&A session concluded the evening.

Daytona’s next ACE Club meeting is November 13. The semester will conclude with mock interviews for the students conducted by Jared Allison from ExpressJet in December.

The prior week, the Prescott campus of ERAU was active with ALPA pilots as well. The ACE Club held its second meeting of the school year on October 2. Representatives from five airlines attended to present on the topic “State of the Airline,” including ALPA carriers ExpressJet, Mesa, and United. Forty-five students listened intently about hiring expectations, aircraft orders, growth plans, and what each airline looks for in successful employment candidates.

The following day, F/O Kurtis Ludwig (Delta), F/O Alicia Ludwig (Endeavor), F/Os Jacob Clymo and Marcin Kolodziejczyk (Mesa), and F/Os Roland Vera and Stephen Rocha (ExpressJet) participated in the annual career fair helping students network for internships and potential jobs.

Prescott held its “Wings out West” airshow and static display on October 5. With the generous support of Mesa Airlines, F/Os Clymo and Kolodziejczyk arranged for a CRJ-900 to be flown to Prescott to be a part of this display. This was the first time any airline had made the generous donation of a crew, aircraft, and time to this event. The CRJ 900 was the largest aircraft that has ever been on display or parked on the ERAU ramp and was the most popular. More than 200 students and visitors toured the aircraft.

November promises to be another exciting month as the ACE Club will head to Phoenix to tour the Mesa Airlines Headquarters and the Phoenix TRACON.