While attending an aviation summer camp at Lewis University in July 2019, David Sabeckis toured Midway Airport and had the opportunity to sit on the flight deck of a B-737-800.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, airline pilot employment is “projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.” To keep the supply line of future aviators flowing, one of ALPA’s strategic plan objectives is to cultivate the next generation of airline pilots. The Association pursues this via programs and resources it administers through its committee structure, but sometimes this outreach effort takes on a more personal touch.

Capt. Joe DePete, ALPA’s president, recently sent a congratulatory letter to David Sabeckis, a senior at Riverside Brookfield High School near Chicago, Ill., and a member of Troop 111 of the Boy Scouts of America. On February 6, David earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the organization’s highest position, during a special Eagle Court of Honor ceremony at Holy Guardian Angels Parish.

In addition to extending his congratulations, DePete had another reason for reaching out to the young man. David, who has 3.6 grade point average, has expressed an interest in becoming an airline pilot.

“I’m sure that achieving this status was an exceptionally difficult challenge for you, and that its attainment reflects on your personal sense of commitment, keen ability to focus, and demonstrated leadership skills,” DePete commented in the letter. “These talents will serve you well in whatever endeavors you choose to pursue as an adult.”

Of the Boy Scouts’ nearly 2 million members, only about 4 percent have earned the rank of Eagle Scout since the youth service organization was founded in 1911. According to the organization, becoming an Eagle Scout demonstrates that the individual can set and achieve long-term goals. Requirements include earning the previous six ranks as well as at least 21 merit badges. Candidates must hold designated positions of responsibility within the troop and must demonstrate Scout spirit, an ideal attitude based on the Scout Oath as well as law, service, and leadership. Plus, the individual must complete an extensive service project that the Scout plans and manages.

David earns the rank of Eagle Scout, the Boy Scouts' highest honor, during a special Eagle Court of Honor ceremony.

To further his interest in flying, David attended an aviation summer camp in 2019 at nearby Lewis University, and he was recently accepted as a student into the university’s Aviation Flight Technology program and will begin classes this fall.

Lewis University is a recipient of the Loening Trophy for its outstanding aviation program, which is both nationally recognized and FAA-approved. In addition, the school offers an ALPA-sponsored Aviation Collegiate Education (ACE) Club, a professional development and mentoring program designed to help students bridge the gap between the classroom and the flight deck. “I encourage you to reach out to the Lewis University ACE Club, once you become a student, and seriously consider joining our ranks,” DePete remarked.

ALPA ACE Clubs offer students a real-world view of what it’s like to be an airline pilot. Regular visits and presentations from pilot members of ALPA’s Education Committee—a component of the Association’s Professional Development Group—emphasize professionalism while providing students with a better understanding of the pilot interview process, what airlines look for in job candidates, and the day-to-day experience of flying the line. In addition to on-campus outreach, Education Committee volunteers help organize visits to airline operations and other aviation-related facilities.

ACE Clubs are run by students with the assistance of ALPA pilot volunteers, many of whom are graduates of the school. Just last October, Lewis students met with ALPA Education Committee volunteers F/Os George Chiampas (Sun Country), John Eannace (Delta), Steven Foster (United), T.J. Fogarty (United), and Anthony Lalor (United). The group reviewed the various kinds of airline operations that exist, the different types of schedules pilots can fly, and what pilots encounter in initial and recurrent training. Students asked questions about scholarships, student loans, and the importance of seniority. ALPA members also visited the campus last month and have started a series of virtual meetings to teach students about various transport aircraft systems.

The Association formalized its alliance with Lewis University in 2015, and the school is one of 13 colleges and universities that feature an aviation curriculum and have supplemental education and mentoring programs with ALPA. Other participating schools include Arizona State University; Central Washington University; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Dayton Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz.; Indiana State University; Louisiana Tech University; Oklahoma State University; Parks College of St. Louis University; Purdue University; Southern Illinois University; University of North Dakota; and Western Michigan University.

In his letter, DePete also encouraged David to visit the ALPA Education Committee’s dedicated website, clearedtodream.org. This resource is intended for students of all ages but gives special attention to those preparing for college. The site outlines collegiate academic programs that have been endorsed by the Aviation Accreditation Board International, available scholarship and financial aid information, and recommendations for activities and coursework students can take to better align themselves with typical aviation program requirements and expectations. ALPA’s Education Committee also works with educational institutions like the American School Counselor Association to ensure that those who advise high school students are fully versed in career paths for airline pilot jobs.

Concluding his comments to David, ALPA’s president remarked, “Once again, I applaud your extraordinary efforts in becoming an Eagle Scout and wish you the best moving forward. Congratulations!”

And perhaps in the not-too-distant future, this Eagle Scout will join the ranks of ALPA’s membership.