Pipelines, Pathways, Partnerships
Full STEAM Ahead! Preparing the Aviation Workforce of Tomorrow Magazine Issue
By Robert C. (Rico) Carty, FAA Flight Standards Service Acting Executive Director
Mission: Inspire youth from diverse backgrounds to pursue aerospace careers and create a consistent pipeline of professionals for a robust workforce of the future. — FAA STEM AVSED Action Plan
Greetings! As you might have seen in the September/October issue, Rick Domingo retired from his position as executive director of the FAA Flight Standards Service at the end of September. It is my pleasure to occupy this space in FAA Safety Briefing magazine in my capacity as acting executive director. I am especially happy to introduce an issue devoted to a subject very close to my heart: encouraging education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as a portal to any of the many constantly evolving careers in aviation.
(Note: we’ll talk about the “arts” component of the “STEAM” acronym a bit later in this issue.)
Aerospace is a huge field. According to the FAA’s January 2020 report on The Economic Impact of Civil Aviation on the U.S. Economy, the U.S. aerospace system contributes to more than 5% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product and accounts for $1.8 trillion in total economic activity. The industry also supports nearly 11 million jobs. Supporting this critical industry today and as it evolves into the future, while also ensuring the safety and efficiency of the U.S. aerospace system, requires a robust pipeline of future aerospace professionals who have the right skills to meet the 21st century challenges of the aerospace industry.
FAA Outreach
Not surprisingly, the FAA places high priority on doing its part to fill the future aerospace workforce pipeline with diverse and highly skilled individuals. The agency is working closely with partners in industry, academia, non-profits, and other government agencies to develop and implement a robust program to reach as many young people as possible, including those in underrepresented and underserved populations, and address industry needs. The FAA’s STEM Aviation and Space Education (AVSED) program is an essential part of our outreach to the public.
The FAA’s STEM AVSED program is not new. First established in 1961, the goal is to conduct outreach and prepare skilled professionals for careers in the aerospace industry. Over the last 60 years, the STEM AVSED program has reached countless numbers of young people through both formal and informal outreach and partnerships. While its fundamental aims are constant, the specifics of the program have evolved to meet the changing needs of the highly dynamic aviation industry. At this stage, the guiding principles for FAA STEM AVSED engagement include: (1) developing robust pipeline and pathway activities that reach diverse student populations; (2) using partnerships with industry, academia, and government; and (3) ensuring successful internal and external collaboration on these efforts.
Ambassadors for Aviation
You don’t have to work for the FAA to contribute to the critical work of introducing young people to aviation. Each and every person with a passion for aviation can help by sharing that enthusiasm with people you know. You can get some specific ideas from information on the FAA website’s STEM AVSED page. You might also consider finding ways to help publicize and celebrate National STEM Day on November 8. The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are great. I hope you’ll take the time to get involved in this very important cause.
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Robert C. (Rico) Carty is Acting Executive Director of the FAA Aviation Safety Organization’s Flight Standards Service. Before joining the FAA in 2006, Mr. Carty flew as a captain for a major part 121 U.S. air carrier. His background also includes corporate flying and a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force as a C-130 and C-141 pilot.This article was originally published in the November/December 2021 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine. https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/
