Jumping into my research portion of my Capstone Project, I have many questions with not many answers quite yet. To break down the information I need to know for my essential question, I have developed a plan that will help me gather all the information needed to answer my question. As I look and conduct research on how the aviation industry will change as I prepare to become an airline pilot, I have gathered prior knowledge as well as new information that I need to know. Furthermore, I have established some of the crucial pieces of information needed to know and do research on. I want to know more about the future of airline pilots and the supply and demand for them. Also, what the job outlook is predicted to be as I enter the industry. Additionally, I want to know more about the technological advances that could potentially replace pilots in the next 50-60 years and how it will effect my career. Lastly, I want to know more about unmanned air vehicles or commonly known as drones and how they might change the way packages are delivered or how things are transported. After conducting research to answer these important topics I can have a better understanding about not only my future career field, but it will lay the foundation for my Capstone Project. Knowing more information will help me assemble and formulate a solid, yet intellectual answer. While my essential question is very broad, I believe that the information that I need to know is the most crucial to truly answer my essential question.
What I Know or Assume
After doing the proper research to discover the new things that I need or know or didn’t know, I have already established the things I already know and have prior knowledge or background information on. While doing my annotated bibliographies I have learned new things and re-learned old knowledge such as the future of aircrafts and airports. As we enter into a new era of technology, aircraft manufactures are developing more fuel efficient, longer ranging, better passenger accommodating airplanes. Some of the way they do this is by making planes lighter and by using carbon composite materials to make the fuselage, wing and engines. Engine manufactures are creating engines that can operate with a lower fuel flow to make them operate with less energy and use less fuel all while helping to protect our environment. In order for this to become more mainstream, airlines are buying these next generation aircraft in hopes of growing their fleet and of course making money. With such a high demand, manufactures are trying to speed up the building process, by hiring more workers, building bigger factories and upping the scale of production. For example, Boeing is producing roughly 42 737s per month and climbing. This statistic is staggering. With my understanding about the high demand of the production of airplanes, I can already assume that it was having a counter-act for the demand of pilots to fly them. With more planes entering the skies their need to be a place to accommodate all of them. Airports around the globe are starting to re-modernize their buildings to make for a better travel environment all while accommodating more airplanes to keep the plane’s time less on the ground and more in the air. Not only does this help the airlines, but it also relieves the stress of passengers. It makes for more on-time arrivals and departures. Airports are trying to focus more on the passenger experience. What airports are doing is providing better transportation to the airport. Adding rail, bus or taxi service helps relieve traveler’s stress. Moreover, airports are increasing terminal and gate sizes so that everyone is not crammed in a tiny space. All in all there is a lot of information I already know from prior knowledge and things I have either discovered by myself or learned through other people, news outlets and other sources.
The Search
The search for the proper sources to help my find my answer to my essential question it has been a long and in-depth process. To begin, I decided to break down my essential questions into subquestions to then formulate them all together to answer my question as a whole. When looking at my essential question: how will the aviation industry change in the future as I prepare to become an airline pilot? The subquestions I have divided my essential question into are: what is the future of pilots, what is the future of unmanned air vehicles, how will aircrafts change, how will the airports change and what is the FAA doing in the future for civil and commercial aviation? As I started researching, I began with the most important question of what is the future of pilots because this is the exact profession I will be entering into after college, therefore it is the most important for myself, my research and that it is the backbone to answer my essential question. I scoured various websites, articles, books and even videos to find some helpful sources. I discover an article from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Dayton, FL filled with tons of precise and helpful information. As I analyzed this source, it was not only the perfect fit, but it started to already answer some of my questions. I did some background research over the author and site and all information is very creditable with proved analytics and proper information. In addition it was relevant; as it was just published last year. From there, I continued to search for sources breaking down the pilot shortage and what the job outlook is. The next source I discovered was an Investigation of the United States Airline Pilot Labor Supply written by a group of researches covering various flight schools such as the University of North Dakota and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and airline companies such as Delta Air Lines and Expressjet. This source was filled with lots of information. As I read it and looked over the graphs and data, I was very pleased with the results. All the information was critically analyzed and thoroughly developed to make a clear consensus to answer part of my essential question. It also aligned very well with the previous source I researched. Furthermore, I discovered a source from the Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering covering the Airline Pilot Supply in the US. This source was a good example to look at both sides of the equation. It presented the presumed pilot shortage as well as the non-presumed pilot shortage. It tested my current knowledge gathered from previous research and gave me some potential information to answer my question and provide a different point of view to it. Another source comes from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. While this is a non-profit organization, I was prepared while reading this to "tread lightly" as there could be some biased and irrelevant information that could skew my answer. From there, I gathered all the important and valid information and left off the non-important or potentially biased information. The last source for this subquestion comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics from the US Government. This source is highly creditable due to its explanation and outlook based off the US economy which helps to make this information very realistic and valid. The next subquestion is what is the future of unmanned air vehicles, or commonly referred to as drones, is. The source I found does a nice job explaining and summarizing the material covered. It comes from an aeronautical research organization called Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation. This source covers the various problems and future outcomes of drones impacting the world of aviation. It will be a great source to add to my project. The next subquestion is the future of aircraft and there was no better source for that than from the top aircraft manufacture in the world, Boeing. They explained in great detail about the improvement they are bringing to aviation, airplanes and additionally touched on the topic of the pilot shortage. It was a perfect source to include based off the reliability and reputation of the company. The next subquestion is the future of airports and passengers. For this question I looked to the International Air Transport Association which is a trade organization for world airlines and airports. Their article covered what the future looks like for airports based off estimated passenger traffic in the next 10-20 years. I found this article particularly helpful due to the widespread amount of information looked at. They covered all aspects which was perfect to develop an understanding over this criteria. The final subquestion is regarding the future of the FAA and all things related to aviation. I have already found a source from my second annotated bibliography, however I found an additional source from the FAA looking at their destination for 2025. This source went over the plan for the FAA in the next 8-10 years and thoroughly explained what they are look to do in the near future. This article answered many questions about the FAA that applies well to my essential question and will be one of the last pieces to the puzzle to identify a clear understanding on how will the aviation industry change in the future as I prepare to become an airline pilot.
What I Discovered
After completing all the necessary research in order for me to answer my essential question, I have made many valuable discoveries and obtained all the information needed to help me formulate an answer to my essential question. To begin with the things that I have learned, the first is the major demand for pilots in the next 10 years. Regional airlines especially are going to be hiring between 6,000 - 7,000 in 2021 right around the time I will be entering and applying for a commercial airline position. As the age of retirement for pilots is 65 there will be a constant decrease in senior pilots with new pilots coming in right behind to replace middle aged pilots. Additionally this will welcome in the new generation of pilots. Furthermore, aircraft manufactures are beginning to produce more fuel efficient and longer ranging airplanes. The production rate is rapidly increasing, and deliveries to airlines are also increasing. This is causing a domino effect and forcing airlines to hire more pilots to operate these new aircraft. As more and more airplanes are entering the skies, airports are opening newer buildings and terminals to better accommodate travels to offer them the best airport experience will little stress and hassle. The Federal Aviation Administration is changing the way for air traffic control technology and constantly increasing security and safety for passengers and crew. Lastly, the uprising of unmanned air vehicles is a future way to deliver packages, supervise oil pipelines, help with agriculture and much more; a new animal for the aviation world. Drones are yet to be mainstream, but with more research, investment and technological engineering drones will become a common entity in the aviation world. Each subquestion has much more in-depth information that I have developed into a presentation and video. All the information collected by each source is presented and clearly shows my discoveries and formulates an answer to my essential question. I am very confident in my research and conclusion and I am looking forward to presenting my finding with my relevant audience.
Interview
For my interview I decided to interview my mentor or flight instructor Capt. Rohan Bhatia. I thought he was the perfect candidate to answer these questions because of his love and passion for aviation.
1. What got you interested in aviation? Answer: "Probably my grandfather who worked in finance at PA (Panam) then DL. But ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to become a pilot... there was never any question." Reflection: Very similar to myself because no one in my family was ever a pilot, it was always something I wanted to do. Aviation has always intrigued me and it still does.
2. What made you decide to be a flight instructor instead of working for a company? Answer: "My dream was to always work for Delta and be a pilot for them. I never really “decided” early on to become a CFI. In fact, I dreaded the idea since I was a huge introvert and “hated people”. To help get my foot in the door at Delta I applied for various odd jobs like ramp and gate agent, etc. but something inside me died that day I went for the interview I realized how rigged the system was and it’s a “dog eat dog world” and in this industry, it’s not necessarily what you know it was who you know. It was so disheartening to see everyone who was in the interview room and how “unqualified they were” but they got the job because their uncle or auntie works for Delta... so it was that day that I decided I was going to be the best instructor... and if I made it or failed in life- it was going to be because of what I did or didn’t do... not because someone decided my fate for me." Reflection: An eye opening response. I would have not expected that going into the world of aviation job, but I can now see how that would be true. Making the decision to drop your dream and move on to something bigger and better was a huge move and shows his courageousness to seek something better in life. It must have been a hard decision, but in the long run it was the best move for his future and what he wanted to do. It makes me understand more how dreams may not end up as you want them to. Perhaps it will lead you to something better down the road, and that goes to show by the first hand experience by my flight instructor.
3. What were some of the challenges to getting to where you are today? Answer: "Everything was a challenge... everything was against me going through flight school. From not being able to initially get a medical due to asthma and a “lazy eye” to flight schools that took advantage of me left and right- it was non-stop. Plus starting my own business, that was also really difficult being that I started with $7... " Reflection: Inspirational because of all the roadblocks and problems and how he stopped at nothing to reach his dream. It goes to show that no dream is too big or too small. There might be problems along the way, but if you have the drive and passion to reach your dream, you should keep pushing forward just as Rohan did.
4. What made you decide to open a flight school? Answer: "It was not a decision- just a series of“accidents”or “luck.” It started as an after school flying club... then slowly became what it is today." Reflection: Any little idea can completely turn around a transform into something big and meaningful. Sometimes it takes a little initiative to make something big and impact many people. Having his flight school gives students a purpose and a resource to achieve their dream. It allows them express their self-interest with other people who are similar to them. It opens up an outlet into the world of aviation that most students can't get until college.
5. "Why did you want to teach teens/young adults instead of adults? Answer: I started the school (then a club) at the age of 16. So naturally, most of my “students” at the time were my age. And I guess it just kind of started being a school specializing in the education of young students." Reflection: His ability to teach teens/young adults, rather than adults, puts his flight school ahead of many others. Not many, if any, have a program for teens/young adults. It makes Rohan's flight school stand out among the others and now with its growing reputation, it proves itself as an excellent flight school for teens/young adults.
6. What are your biggest strengths? Answer: "Probably my sense of commitment and loyalty. I would stand in front of a bus for nearly anybody. I stand behind the principle no matter what the cost, no matter the time it takes... so right because it is right." Reflection: Import values to have when looking at the bigger picture of his career and reputation. Loyalty is a value I am always putting first. It allows people to gain their trust, and it begins to build your reputation and how you carry out yourself in everyday life. Without it, its hard for jobs or people in general to rely on you. I definitely stand by his answer because I have the same beliefs and strive for loyalty.
7. What is a weakness of yours? Answer: "I trust people way more than I should. And I get burnt a lot because of it too... but there’s this quote that I love that’s by Mother Teresa." - "People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;It was never between you and them anyway." Reflection: A very interesting answer, but something I would have never thought of. Building a sense of trust in someone is not easy to do, yet the fact that after getting "burnt," he continues to not stop which shows his dedication to not only his flight school, but to his students.
8. What is your favorite thing about your job? Answer: "Seeing other people succeed. I was never really instantly successful- everything came to me with great difficulty. So seeing my students succeed is the greatest reward and the best part of my job." Reflection: A meaningful answer and once again proves his loyalty and dedication to see his students succeed. I can see if you are a flight instructor you would want to see your students to succeed, because that is part of your job. I would imagine it is a favorite thing among all instructors want see. Seeing someone else succeed because of your guidance and education must be a powerful feeling and I can imagine that is what drives him to be a flight instructor each and everyday.
9. What is the hardest thing about your job? Answer: "Helping students who don’t put in the effort to be the best they can be. It’s easy to help even the most difficult student if they have the right attitude. But it’s those that don’t care... to try and help them is worse than pulling teeth." Reflection: I can see how this would be difficult as an instructor. Not everyone has the same drive, motivation and passion as the next person. Going off the last question as an instructor, you want to see someone succeed, but if they don't put in the initiative, time, effort and work it makes it that much more difficult.
10. Best advice for future pilots or people who want to go into this career? Answer: "Do it for the love... money will always take care of itself. Chase success. This industry is unlike any other in the world... we have some of the best people here. Take care of others, follow the golden rule and have fun!" Reflection: The best advice I've learned from my flight instructor. Put the time and effort into something you love. It will be challenging and frustrating, but the reward at the end will be priceless. Having the passion for something that you love is an important aspect and you should stop at nothing to achieve it! Truly meaningful words that I stand by.