2025 AV Career Forum
Interested in a career in aviation? Want to fly planes? Would you like the opportunity to network with colleges, aviation facilities and airlines? These, and more, are just a few of the reasons students, mechanics and career pilots attend the NW Aviation Career Forum, Saturday, FEB 25.
In 2024 the WAA is honored to once again sessions and exhibits dedicated to aviation careers.
“The majority of attendees are college, transitioning military or career airline pilots pilots looking to advance their careers.”
2025 Career Forum PRESENTATIONS
John SWEDBURG | Professor Emeritus, Big Bend Community College
“As an aviation non-profit, we are concerned about our industry’s future. Hosting this event is an opportunity for new aviators and experienced aviators, and provides resources to those who need to get to the next level. There are alarming aviation workforce shortages. We all need to be proactive in helping the new generation find paths to a career in aviation.”
Jamelle Garcia, Executive Director, Washington Aviation Association
John Swedburg has been an active flight instructor since 1974. In 2014 he retired from full time flight instruction at the commercial pilot flight training program at Big Bend Community College. John continues to share his love of aviation and teaching at various education events including managing and presenting at the Northwest Aviation Career Forum each year. John holds an ATP SMEL, a Commercial SES; CFI-ASME&I, A&IGI; and 107 Remote Pilot. He has over 16,000 hours of instruction given, and has taught in 58 FIRCs in the Seattle area. His aviation career has included responsibilities as a flight instructor, ground instructor, chief flight instructor, Aviation Division Chairman, Airman Certification Representative, Aviation Safety Counselor, and FAASTeam representative. Swedburg is the pivotal force behind the success of the Aviation Career Forum at the NWAC. John is pasionate about teaching and sharing access to aviation careers to all. Along with his Weight and Balance seminars each afternoon, Swedburg will be leading the student career workshop each day in which he makes himself readily accessible to students and educators.
CAREER FORUM WORKSHOP
SATURDAY
Introduction to Aviation Careers Workshop (hosting on SAT & SUN)
Saturday, February 22, 9:30 AM – 11:30 PM | South Foyer
Sunday, February 23, 10:15 AM - 12:15 PM | South Foyer
Great for everyone who has a keen interest in aviation, this event serves as an ideal place to begin your journey into the aviation world and connect with experienced mentors who can provide valuable guidance and insights.
John Swedburg, esteemed Faculty Emeritus at Big Bend Community College (BBCC), leads an engaging and interactive workshop designed specifically for students, parents, and individuals who are "new to aviation." In this insightful session, participants will go through a comprehensive overview of the various pathways on how to navigate their journey from point A to any desired destination, be it points B, C, or even D—regardless of what their aviation dreams and aspirations may be! Attendees will have the opportunity to hear first-hand accounts from seasoned professionals in the aviation industry, gaining valuable insights as they share their inspiring “how I got there” stories.
Attendees will leave the session with their questions answered and the resources needed to plan a career in aviation.
Funding the Dream (SAT only)
Saturday, 11:45 AM | South Foyer
Shawn Pratt, Safety in Motion Flight Center
There is a lot of information on how to pay for college, but if you need help with flight school financing or loans, it can be confusing. Don’t let high costs stop you from your goals. There are many options for future pilots, such as federal aid, scholarships, and private loans. Discussion on the importance of the FAFASA deadline, scholarship application timelines, writing a personal statement, and the importance of developing your portfolio; all keys to building a strong scholarship application. You might also consider training programs from some airlines to lower your costs. Explore all your choices to find what fits your budget best. If the expenses seem too high, join a 45-minute session to ask questions and learn about scholarships and helpful tips.
Career Panel: Overview of job opportunities in aviation (Sat only)
Saturday, 1:00 PM | South Foyer
Jeff Slakey, Moderator
JJ Greenway, commecial/corporate pilot; Samantha Karmaiolos, Airport Operations , Richard Kennington, Air Traffic Control
In addition to commercial airlines, various other entities such as corporations, charitable organizations, fire fighting services, medical transport services, bush pilots, tourism sectors, and numerous government agencies all rely on the expertise of skilled pilots and passionate aviation enthusiasts to function in their respective roles. In our efforts to provide deeper insights, we’ve reached out to our exhibitors to gather a comprehensive overview of career perspectives. We asked them to share their stories and insights regarding how they navigated their unique paths to achieve success in the aviation industry. Bring your questions and prepare to engage in stimulating discussions!