The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) will host its first Aviation Career Expo on November 13 and 14 at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, connecting job seekers with airlines, manufacturers, flight schools, and aviation service providers.
The two-day recruiting and networking event, presented by ATP Flight School, covers careers in and out of the cockpit, from pilots and mechanics to air traffic controllers and airport operations. It is built for students planning their careers, graduates entering the workforce, and professionals looking to take the next step.
“Every corner of this industry is short on talent, and we hear it from employers all the time. Fortunately, AOPA is in a strong position to bring those employers together with the people who want to work for them,” AOPA acting co-president Katie Pribyl said. “Phoenix is the perfect location to hold an event like this. It’s one of the most popular places to learn to fly, and it’s home to just about every kind of aviation employer.”
Attendees can meet recruiters, attend educational seminars, and hear from industry leaders. On-site career help includes resume reviews, interview preparation, and logbook consultations.
Michelle “MACE” Curran, a former U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter pilot, combat veteran, and bestselling author who served as lead solo pilot for the Thunderbirds, will be a featured speaker. On Friday afternoon, Curran will talk about entering military flight training with no aviation experience and the decisions, mistakes, and people that helped shape her career, before taking questions from the audience and hosting a meet-and-greet.
Admission is free for AOPA members and anyone 20 and under. Nonmembers pay $89, which covers registration and a one-year AOPA membership. Registration and additional information can be found here.