FLIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL - Alumni help industry find new ways to adapt to global pandemic - Lift Magazine
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THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY
SPRING/SUMMER 2021
FLIGHT AT THE END
OF THE TUNNEL
Alumni help industry find new ways to adapt to global pandemic
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Spring/Summer 2021
8
Volume 17, No. 1
Lift, the alumni magazine of Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University, is published twice
annually (spring/summer and fall/winter)
by the division of Philanthropy & Alumni
Engagement.
made a full recovery, the pandemic
Copyright © 2021
and struggling economy sidelined his Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
goal of becoming a pilot with the U.S. Florida/Arizona/Worldwide
1 Aerospace Blvd.
Army Air Corps. Rather than abandon 26
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
his dream, Riddle focused on aviation All rights reserved.
maintenance, until a spot in the Army 6
Executive Director of Alumni Engagement
flight program opened. At 25, he Bill Thompson (’87)
opened a flight school of his own that
grew into an aviation business. Based PHILANTHROPY & ALUMNI
on this early experience, he insisted his COMMUNICATIONS
Executive Director of Communications
pilots complete extensive maintenance Anthony Brown
training, convinced it would make them Senior Director of Communications/Editor
safer operators. His conviction paid Sara Withrow
off when the company’s reputation for Assistant Director of Communications
Melanie Stawicki Azam 20 12
safety led to its success in securing Assistant Director of Digital
12
This issue of Lift celebrates CAM-24, one of the first U.S. Air Mail Engagement & Philanthropy
Alan Marcos Pinto Cesar IN OTHER WORDS GIVING TO EMBRY-RIDDLE
routes. The government contract
Embry-Riddle alumni who are
5 Family Fuel 22 Giving to the
Alumni Digital Engagement Coordinator
stabilized the fledgling company, Cynthia Puckett
translating resilience into action.
From seizing new market
allowing it to expand to cargo service,
photogrammetry and even aviation- CONTRIBUTORS
Sergio Sovero (’16) recounts his Bigger Picture
journey to becoming a pilot, which Retired professors make
Mike Cavaliere, News Manager
opportunities for business based tourism. took him from Peru to Florida
jet fractional ownership, to
Each of us, in our own way, carries
forward Riddle’s combination of daring
Michaela Jarvis
Daryl LaBello, Multimedia Producer Flight at planned gift to support student-
athlete scholarships
the End of
WINGS OF LEGACY
retooling a critical supply and pragmatism. As you will see from
David Massey, Multimedia Producer
chain, to raising standards of the achievements featured in this issue,
Annelise O’Donnell 6 Riding the First ALUMNI IN ACTION
the Tunnel Wave of Feminism 24 By Air or by Sea
Ginger Pinholster, Associate Vice President
excellence at the intersection our graduates continue to embody for News & Research Communications
creativity and productivity even in the Embry-Riddle hosted high- Drew Ferguson (‘01) is preparing
of safety, quality and customer face of unexpected challenges.
EAGLE WRITERS CORPS Alumni help industry profile fliers during 1929 students for aviation and
service, Eagles move our These success stories are a source
Tristyn Bemis (‘20)
find new ways to adapt Women’s Air Derby maritime careers
Kim Sheeter
industry forward. of pride. We can’t say it too much: Sergio Sovero (’16) to global pandemic
Thank you for serving as ambassadors FLIGHT PATH GLOBAL
Jack Sprankle (’76)
Although the past year brought of inspiration. Thank you, too, for the 8 Blasting Off 26 Fueling Change
delays and detours, our insight,
experience and sheer love of
generous financial support that funds
scholarship, research and futures.
Published by Casual Astronaut
Managing Editor
to Cure Cancer Aviation Management students
Colleen Ringer Billionaire charters humanity’s help revise aviation fuel
flight and exploration remained as Embry-Riddle graduates have always regulations in Brazil
Creative Director CHECK OUT THE first all-civilian spaceflight
motivating as ever. I like to believe we shown the industry what excellence Marc Oxborrow
LIFT WEBSITE!
share a little historical DNA as a part looks like, and your support will Art Director GLOBAL
Felicia Penza Read Lift on your 10 Team Eagle
of Embry-Riddle. Resourcefulness is
the core of our legacy. And how we
continue that tradition.
Chief Client Officer desktop, tablet or phone. Alumni collaborate on aviation 28 Eagle Odyssey
Paul Peterson
lift.erau.edu modeling and simulation company Alumnus honored for creating
advance, even when the route seems Onward. Upward. Beyond,
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is
1980s Greek alumni group
indirect, can bring unexpected gains. an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
ALUMNI @WORK
Embry-Riddle’s founder, John Employer and does not discriminate on
Paul Riddle, faced setbacks that feel P. Barry Butler, Ph.D. the basis of race, color, religion, gender,
age, national origin, disability, veteran’s 20 Online Detective
familiar to us a century later. In 1918, President status or sexual orientation. Albane Flamant (’10) analyzes
Nonprofit identification: 59-0936101.
he caught influenza. Although he Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University online conversations to benefit
Have you moved? Send address changes
or unsubscribe requests to: brands and customers
Embry-Riddle Office of Philanthropy &
Alumni Engagement, 1 Aerospace Blvd.,
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Email: erupdate@erau.edu
2 Chatter 4 Feedback 30 Alumni News 36 Class Notes
Visit: alumni.erau.edu/update-my-info News and notes Embry-Riddle alumni A message from the Find out what your
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER from the world of and friends offer executive director, fellow alumni are
Embry-Riddle comments and opinions upcoming events and more up to now
ON THE COVER: Illustration by Daniel Hertzberg
LIFT S P RI N G /SU MMER 2021 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 1
NEWS & NOTES
FROM THE WORLD
OF EMBRY-RIDDLE
BY THE NUMBERS
CH AT TE R EMBRY-RIDDLE
Expanding Innovation
Research Park adds Advanced Technology
RESEARCH PARK and Manufacturing Center
22
companies served
Embry-Riddle’s Research Park will soon
gain another 10,000 square feet of
The Research Park brings business
leaders together with Embry-Riddle faculty
production space to advance innovation and and students, promotes out-of-the-
A LT I M E T E R :
entrepreneurship in Central Florida. box thinking and drives technological
H I G H P O I N T S AT
E M B R Y- R I D D L E
$41.1m
raised from grants
Dubbed the Advanced Technology and
Manufacturing Center, the new facility will
include 5,000 square feet of space for both
advancement, says Embry-Riddle President
P. Barry Butler. “Our highly collaborative
business ecosystem encourages
Worldwide Campus Chancellor
emerging and established businesses in need transformative ideas enriched by many
John R. Watret was appointed and investors
Matthew Robinaugh, a senior in of a larger footprint for light assembly and different perspectives,” he adds. “By
by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to
the Florida Virtual School Board aerospace engineering, confirms the production operations. WeatherFlow-Tempest providing an environment where academia,
104
of Trustees. rotation direction of the motors and Inc., an existing Research Park innovator industry and entrepreneurship can share
syncs the transmitter on a drone. focused on weather observation, modeling their best ideas, entrepreneurs in Embry-
Embry-Riddle Director of and forecasting technology, was first in Riddle’s Research Park are translating
full-time jobs created
Athletics John Phillips has line to claim all of the leasable space. The innovation into new products, services
been named chair of the newly other half of the building will be devoted to and solutions.”
formed Business of Small
College Athletics Advisory Board
(BOSCA). The BOSCA board will
Air Taxi Innovators $67,000
Research Park operations. — Ginger Pinholster
be tasked with giving back to the Students gather scalable data for average annual salary
collegiate athletics profession and
mentoring future leaders. Honeywell’s urban air mobility research
Students Jenesis Tucker, Kyle
Kingsberry and Chelsea Slater
Honeywell is partnering with Embry-Riddle
to design air taxis and help shape the urban
student participants have the same major —
they also come from the computer science
159
student interns employed
will receive paid internships, air mobility (UAM) industry — and students and unmanned aircraft systems programs, for
professional mentoring and are more than just along for the ride. They’re instance — Cross and Stoutenburgh share an
grants of $2,000 as awardees of benefiting from hands-on research opportunities, academic focus in propulsion, and both say they
the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship
competition, which was
co-founded by alumnus Col. B.
internships and employment offers.
The project, which aims to characterize the
are fascinated with engines.
“It was within the last few years that I realized $90m Embry-Riddle’s John Mica
DAVID MASSEY
flight performance of future urban air vehicles by my passion for engines,” Stoutenburgh says. in total economic impact
Alvin Drew Jr., USAF, Ret. (’95) to Engineering and Aerospace
help “bring long-overdue diversity using scaled-down models, involved six Embry- “They’re a topic I could talk about all day.” in Florida, to date Innovation Complex
to the U.S. aerospace industry.” Riddle juniors last year, and all were offered Cross, who is the team lead on the UAM (MicaPlex) is at full capacity.
Honeywell summer internships, according to project, says the research will help to determine
Three student teams scored in Johann Dorfling, assistant professor of aerospace characteristics of full-size air taxis — capable
the top 4% in the biannual Simio engineering, who is the project mentor. Of the six of carrying four to six people — such as flight
(Simulation Modeling framework who interned at Honeywell last summer, at least time, maximum range and stability. Cross points
based on Intelligent Objects) three were offered full-time positions. This past out that one of the main intentions behind
Competition, which tests students’ fall, four new juniors joined the project team, and UAM is finding cleaner alternatives to current
understanding of simulation
modeling, scheduling and
optimization while solving real-
they have received internship offers for 2021.
“Being selected to work on the project
transportation modes, so the vehicles will be
powered by electricity. 3D When Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus-15 vehicle
rocketed skyward on Feb. 20, bound for the
For six months, Rojas and his team of student
researchers will send signals from a 3D-printed
Printing
world problems. really sets students up for success,” Dorfling The initial phase of the project involves International Space Station (ISS), its 8,000 pounds of antenna on the ISS to new satellite ground stations at
says. “Having practical, hands-on project a hexacopter design. A small-scale model is cargo included a 3D-printed electronics experiment the MicaPlex. The researchers will study the effects
in Space
A team of 20 undergraduate experience really gets employers interested currently being flight-tested, and data related by Embry-Riddle students. on the 3D-printed material after exposing the antenna
students, led by senior lead in our students. I often hear that, during to speed, flight path angle, power and vehicle The Eagles are supporting a larger effort by and the shield to UV radiation, ionizing radiation and
authors Andrew Fichou and Bryan interviews, many of the talking points are the altitude will be collected. This information, L3Harris Technologies that will help advance the atomic oxygen.
Kitsu, had their design for a lunar extracurricular projects students worked on. according to a project abstract, will provide a Eagles and use of 3D printing, or “additive manufacturing,” for All of these activities will support the characterization
rover published in the American This project provides the added benefit of foundation for optimum route planning and space applications. of a broader set of additively manufactured materials
Institute of Aeronautics and working with practicing engineers. It really validation of projected performance.
L3Harris “Our students are contributing to a much broader prepared by the L3Harris Technologies research
Astronautics Journal. Technologies
rounds out students’ résumés.” “What we aim to do with this research initiative by L3Harris, thanks to Embry-Riddle’s team, led by Senior Scientist Arthur Paolella, Ph.D.
Aerospace physiology junior
Both Brooklyn Cross and Brendan is gather scalable data — rotor RPM, power send 3D-printed partnership with this leading aerospace company,” “This is a great opportunity for us because we can
Stoutenburgh, two mechanical engineering consumption and movements in every direction,”
BROOKLYN CROSS
Olivia Siu won a prestigious says Eduardo Rojas-Nastrucci, Ph.D., faculty mentor study the degradation of 3D-printed materials caused
Goldwater Scholarship. She is students involved in the project, say they Stoutenburgh says. “This information can be devices to the and assistant professor of electrical engineering and by different phenomena that only happen in outer
one of 410 students chosen from came to engineering quite naturally. Both have used in the future to roughly describe the motion International computer science. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for space,” says Carlos Mejias, a Ph.D. student who worked
throughout the United States for always loved taking things apart and putting of similar larger vehicles.” the students to learn from a real-world client as they on the radiation shielding and sensing components to
this honor.
Space Station
them back together. Although not all of the — Michaela Jarvis prepare for their future careers in this field.” monitor the radiation levels. — Ginger Pinholster
2 LIFT S P R IN G /S U MMER 2021 AL UM NI.ERAU.EDU LIFT S P RI N G /SU MMER 2021 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 3
COMMENTS AND OPINIONS
FROM EMBRY-RIDDLE
ALUMNI AND FRIENDS IN OTHER WORDS
Sidebar
FEEDBACK Head
University Sidebar
body, sometimes copy
is bold like a lead in,
URLs are Medium,
sidebar italic copy
THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY
FALL/WINTER 2020 looks like this
Family Fuel
BREAKING BY SERGIO SOVERO (’16)
BARRIERS
Alumni, like Gen. Charles Q.
Brown Jr. (’95), bring diverse
backgrounds and a shared
Embry-Riddle heritage to
national leadership roles
PAGE 12
It seems like yesterday: My mother and her 17-year-old son
unloading a rental car on move-in day in Daytona Beach, Florida.
That day was also the first time I had ever visited Embry-Riddle.
All of the admissions paperwork was accomplished online from
my home in Lima, Peru.
I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Learning a new language and flight
training in a different country were all barriers I would have to After graduating with honors, Sergio
Sovero (’16) became the youngest
F RO M T H E E D I T O R overcome. Without a doubt, what pushed me the most to never
candidate eligible for a Delta Air Lines
L
give up was the support of my parents. I simply couldn’t fail them. pilot position.
ife is a relay of sorts. We’re perpetually creating programs they worked on “their baby.” This sense of They sacrificed many things to help me afford to go to Embry-
and then handing our creations off to others to pride comes from the countless hours and sleepless Riddle, and I wanted to make them proud.
build upon, hopefully to improve and ultimately nights they invested, the passion that motivated their I had a plan: My goal was to become a flight instructor at the
hand off to someone else. In April, I celebrated drive to succeed, as well as the life moments, outside university as quickly as possible, in order to start building hours. The final verdict came a few hours later. When the manager
my 10-year anniversary as the editor of Lift and of work, that they sacrificed along the way. Thanks to all of my flight instructors, I was able to take extra flight of pilot hiring approached the candidates with conditional job
my final day as an employee at Embry-Riddle. In the field of communications, we don’t build lessons and advance through my flight courses at a rapid pace. offers, he looked at me and said: “Sergio, 23 years old? Sometimes
The relay race seemed an appropriate metaphor rockets. Our lifework is created word by word, story I never went home to Peru during those four years. By the start I get asked about why I hire such young candidates. You not only
for this occasion, as I race to complete my last edition by story. When building a magazine, we hand our of fall 2015 — two years after my first semester — I was hired as a have worked so hard until today, but you excelled on all of the
of Lift. As I write this letter, I can see in my mind the creations off to editors, illustrators and designers to flight instructor after earning my CFI. interview scoring.”
outstretched hand of the next Lift editor reaching add their touches and expertise to produce the highest Flight instructing was just the first of many steps. I knew that At that moment, my family came to my mind. My mom in
energetically for my baton — in this case, my pen. quality, most engaging print product for our audiences. the airlines, particularly at the major level, looked for candidates Peru, 2,600 miles away, waiting for me to call her with the news. “I
Life is full of relay races. Think of child-rearing. I didn’t birth Lift. But it’s definitely been my baby. who take the extra effort to stand out, either by volunteering or did it, Mom. I made it. Your only son made it!” were my first words
As a parent, you raise a child through different life As a Christian, I believe God, the great Creator, mentoring. I knew Embry-Riddle had the tools to allow me to to her. Looking back, all the effort was worth it. Having a strong
stages. Once they hit school age, you help them places people where they need to be at the right time accomplish those things; it was up to me to seek them out. support system behind me was key. Every check ride, every step
advance through their studies from grammar school in their lives. We may not see the ultimate purpose of I became a flight supervisor for the flight department, and I accomplished throughout my flight training, I shared with them.
to high school and then to college. In each stage, our efforts, but we trust that it’s fulfilled nonetheless. shortly thereafter, a quality assurance mentor and an assistant They were my “fuel” to keep going.
they receive instruction, guidance and input from you, In a relay race, each runner sprints as fast as they can training manager. I graduated with honors at the age of 21 and Thank you, Embry-Riddle. All of you became my American
but also from teachers, other family members and to win their individual stretch of the race, knowing that started flying for a regional airline. I flew the Embraer 175 jet for family during those years. Thank you for welcoming me, but most
friends. Ultimately, they “graduate” from your care to their effort can make or break the team’s success. I’ve Republic Airways for two years, and then the Airbus A320 for importantly, thank you for laying out the path to success for my
careers and spouses, and they oftentimes start their run my fastest, and now, it’s time for the handoff. My Spirit Airlines. professional career. Now, for me, it’s all about giving back and
own human creations. But they remain in your heart, story isn’t over, but this stretch of the relay is. I believe It wasn’t long before Delta Air Lines reviewed my application sharing my story with young, aspiring aviators all over the world.
forever your child. my purpose, here, has been fulfilled — at least for now. and offered me an interview. It was the interview of my dreams. I have a few words for them: I missed my family as much as you
The space program is another example. Nearly I’m grateful to all of you — our readers — for I prepared tirelessly for it, over a month of sleepless nights. The will. Yet, remember, you are not alone. Your family’s happiness as
every alumnus/na who works for NASA or the providing the inspiration for and substance behind day finally arrived: Nov. 21, 2019. I found myself standing outside they watch you succeed will be your primary motivation. You will
commercial space industry with whom I’ve talked Lift, and for sharing your stories with me over the the Delta World Headquarters building in Atlanta. At 23, I was the encounter many obstacles along the way — learn from them and
has credited those who came before them — our last decade. Just as you made lifelong friends and youngest candidate to be eligible for a Delta pilot position. None don’t let them sway you away from your dreams.
space pioneers — for their projects’ successes. It’s colleagues as students and alumni of Embry-Riddle, of the interview candidates were doing much talking; we knew
a collective effort of lifeworks woven together. This I’ve done the same. There’s something special we had a long and stressful day ahead. EDITOR’S NOTE: Sovero is a Delta Air Lines first officer. He earned a B.S.
collective took humankind to the moon, built an about this place. Wrapped up in the shared passion After hours of intense testing, it was time for the human in Aeronautical Science in 2016. He is a member of Embry-Riddle’s
International Space Station, and in February 2021, put for aerospace and aviation is a spirit of family and resources portion of the interview. I remembered the words CTAofHEAD Prescott Campus Aerospace Advisory Board and the Eagle Writers
the aptly named Perseverance rover on Mars. The first teamwork that I dare say is unparalleled. one of my biggest mentors at Embry-Riddle, John Fit (’94): Cta body copy,Corps,
“Above italics,abold
group of volunteer writers for the Office of Philanthropy and
all-civilian space flight, the next stretch for SpaceX In publications, when a story is over, we signify all, remain calm, cool and collected.” Alumni Engagement.
in its relay to advance space travel, is set to launch it with a symbol we call an end bug. This tells the
later this year — and Embry-Riddle alumnus Jared reader that the story is complete and won’t be
Isaacman (’11) is the commander. [See page 8.] continuing to the next page. In Lift, we use the eagle SEND US YOUR STORY In Other Words gives you the opportunity to share your industry-related
While generations of people have contributed logo as our end bug. Note to design: Let’s put an end or personal perspective with Lift readers. Email submissions/proposals to liftmag@erau.edu.
to the space program, each would proudly call the bug on this. — SARA WITHROW, EDITOR
4 LIFT S P R IN G /S U MMER 2021 AL UM NI.ERAU.EDU LIFT S P RI N G /SU MMER 2021 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 5
WINGS OF
LEGAC Y On Aug. 25, 1929,
fliers in the Women’s
Air Derby stopped
at Lunken Field in
Cincinnati, where
they were guests of
the Embry-Riddle
Company.
“W
e’ve been called powder-puff racers and lady
birds, and perhaps even lady bugs, but no
matter what they call us, you’ll note that the
girls and women handle their ships just as
competently as the male aviators.”
That was Amelia Earhart’s message to
reporters and 15,000 spectators as she stepped out of her
Lockheed Vega, landing at Lunken Field in Cincinnati on
Aug. 25, 1929.
Earhart was making a scheduled landing, not an
unexpected stop as some of her competitors in the
Women’s Air Derby had been forced to make, setting
down in a cow pasture due to sand in the engine, heavy
fog or, possibly, sabotage. At the last minute, Cincinnati
was added to the competition’s 11 required check-in
points, giving the women the opportunity for rest, repair
and photo ops.
From left, Ruth Elder, The fliers were guests of the Embry-Riddle Company.
Gladys O’Donnell and With the backing of the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce,
Amelia Earhart were T. Higbee Embry and John Paul Riddle negotiated with
among the 19 women the National Air Races to replace Indianapolis as the next- were both judges. (The next year, Huffman would break wicked sunburn, and Rasche soothed an upset stomach
who took part in the
to-last stopover before the eight-day derby culminated in the light airplane solo endurance record, flying over Lunken
with bottles of milk. When the engine of her Travel Air
Women’s Air Derby,
the first official Cleveland. On Aug. 13, Ohio newspapers announced the for more than 26 hours.) died upon landing, she explained to reporters, “When the
women-only race in fliers would spend four hours at Lunken Airport. Thanks to the company’s new public address system, tummy of my plane is sick, then my tummy is in trouble,
the U.S. The Women’s Air Derby was the first official women- the crowds heard directly from Earhart, Barnes, Thea too.” The German pilot worked alongside Embry-Riddle
only race in the U.S. It drew 19 participants flying from mechanics until the Wright J-5
Santa Monica, California, to Cleveland. Like their male engine was humming.
The derby drew 19 participants flying from Santa
Riding
counterparts competing in the National Air Races, the Phoebe Omlie, a certified
pilots were required to have 100 hours of solo flight and a Monica, California, to Cleveland. The pilots were airplane mechanic and the first
minimum of 25 hours of cross-country flying. Fourteen flew
required to have 100 hours of solo flight time and female certified transport pilot,
heavy-class airplanes, and six flew lighter-class airplanes. won the light class, flying a
the First
They competed for prizes totaling $8,000. a minimum of 25 hours of cross-country flying. Monocoupe 90. Louise Thaden,
Although some, like humorist Will Rogers, trivialized flying a Travel Air J-5, won
the event, calling it the Powder-Puff Derby flown by Rasche, Blanche Noyes and the famous flying Ruths — the heavy class. At 25, Thaden became the first female
Wave of
“petticoat pilots,” it proved dangerous to several fliers Elder and Nichols. Elder shouted “Whoopee” upon pilot certified in Ohio. With just a year of experience, she
and fatal to one. Marvel Crosson crashed and died in finding out she was the eighth to land and the crowd had already set altitude, endurance and speed records in
the Arizona desert. Despite public outcry, the remaining roared. They also cheered lesser-known hopefuls Mary light planes. She was one of three derby competitors to
fliers continued as a tribute to her. Pancho Barnes Haizlip, Jessie Miller, Opal Kunz, Mary von Mach, Gladys co-found the Ninety-Nines. In 1991, NASA astronaut Eileen
Feminism
wandered into Mexico and crashed. Ruth Nichols O’Donnell, Margaret Perry, Neva Paris and Vera Dawn Collins carried Thaden’s cloth flying helmet, autographed by
crashed. Frances Noyes battled an in-flight fire. Earhart Walker. Bobbi Trout and Edith Foltz had been disqualified the other racers, into space to honor her.
had electrical problems. Claire Fahey withdrew from the earlier in the race. Hosting the derby was a publicity coup for Embry-
race when she believed someone deliberately damaged At the home of Riddle and his wife, Grace, the Riddle, which tapped into the excitement about the race
her wing wires with acid. women dined on a buffet of “chicken a la strut, radiant- to announce its new air service to Cleveland. The company
Embry-Riddle hosted Fourteen women made it to Cincinnati to take
advantage of Embry-Riddle’s ground support and
cooled iced tea and angel-wing cake,” according to a
local newspaper.
also recognized another potential market. A 1929 ad for
Embry-Riddle Flight School promises, “Women will learn
high-profile fliers during hospitality. The company provided mechanics and free gas
and oil and kept the field clear of overexcited spectators
During the stopover, they compared notes on engine
performance and checked maps. Earhart tended to a
to fly to keep pace with progress, to express their new
freedom, and now for the sport of it.”
1929 Women’s Air Derby who wanted to get too close to the aircraft. Embry was
the event’s official referee and in this capacity disqualified EDITOR’S NOTE: The information and quotations included in this story came from articles that were originally published in
one contestant who lost her way to Cincinnati and skipped the Cincinnati Commercial Tribune from Aug. 13-26, 1929. Kim Sheeter is a member of the Eagle Writers Corps and an
the required check-in. Riddle served as chief starter, and executive communications specialist at Embry-Riddle. She publishes the aviation/”prop culture” website wilderblue.com
BY KIM S HE E T E R he and operations manager, Stanley C. “Jiggs” Huffman, and is at work on a biography of John Paul Riddle.
6 LIFT S P R IN G /S U MMER 2021 AL UM NI.ERAU.EDU LIFT S P RI N G /SU MMER 2021 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 7
FLIGHT PAT H
H
ot on the heels of the first privately operated From Draken to Dragon
crewed flight to the International Space Station, Thoroughly fevered over flying, Isaacman bought an
launched by SpaceX in November 2020, Jared ex-military fighter jet while he was pursuing a bachelor’s
Isaacman (’11) is deep into astronaut training. In degree in professional aeronautics at Embry-Riddle’s
the fall of 2021, he will command a SpaceX Crew Worldwide Campus and began trying out aerobatics with
Dragon capsule as it blasts into Earth’s orbit, to an some friends. But things escalated.
apogee of 540 kilometers, on humanity’s first-ever “When you have one plane, you realize quickly all the
all-civilian spaceflight. benefits of having two planes. You can do formation flying
Isaacman’s chosen mission, called Inspiration4, and you can ‘fight’ each other. And once you have two, you
is also a fundraising partnership with St. Jude’s imagine the things you can do with four. Next thing you
Children’s Research Hospital. It’s the biggest in a series of know, we have five [Aero] L39s and two [Mikoyan-Gurevich]
fundraising campaigns that the tech-maven-turned-billionaire MiG-17s in matching paint jobs,” Isaacman said in the Embry-
has paired with major aerospace feats. Riddle webinar, describing the Black Diamond Jet Team’s fleet
and his role as right-wing pilot. “The air show circuit is a rock
Teenage Entrepreneur star lifestyle for sure.”
Isaacman’s career success started early, when he was Running a seven-jet fleet is also very expensive,
building websites on the side for business owners he met at Isaacman said, especially with the temperamental MiGs. “No
his part-time job at CompUSA. One of those clients was a sponsorship dollars can ever offset all that. We were having the
payment processing merchant, who offered Isaacman a full- time of our lives, but we knew we couldn’t do that forever.”
time job in his information technology department. Isaacman’s
parents conditionally OK’d his departure from high school:
“My parents wanted to make sure I at least had a high school
diploma, so I got a GED. That was the big requirement,” “Even in the basement days of my
Isaacman said in an interview with CNBC.
Isaacman got ideas on the job that inspired him to start his
company, corporate responsibility has
own payment processing company, initially called United Bank always been a big part.” — JARED ISAACMAN (’11)
Card, with the goal of greatly simplifying the process for small
businesses wanting to accept credit card payments. He hired Just a year after graduating from Embry-Riddle, he pivoted
his dad, an experienced salesman, to be the outward face of the air show team to a commercial adversary support business
the company until Isaacman himself was in his mid-20s — old by creating Draken International. His company specialized in
enough to be taken seriously by their potential clients. air-to-air combat training, putting up many types of ex-military
The company, now known as Shift4 Payments, has more aircraft to simulate air battles with U.S. Air Force pilots. After
than 200,000 client businesses and processes more than eight years, Isaacman sold Draken to Blackstone Group in 2019.
$200 billion in transactions annually. As CEO, Isaacman’s Isaacman is now preparing to command a mission
Blasting
38% ownership stake made him a billionaire when the Shift4 even higher and faster than any fighter jet can go. Recent
Payments’ initial public offering in 2020 valued the company advancements in the commercial space industry are finally
at $6 billion. able to make the space-travel dreams of a select few come
true. But Isaacman is once again using the opportunity to do
Off to Cure
Aviation + Philanthropy some additional good in the world.
During his 20s, though, his work consumed him, and he “Even in the basement days of my company, corporate
needed an outlet. He started taking flying lessons. True to responsibility has always been a big part. I’ve tried to support
Cancer
his adventurous nature, he decided to break the world record a handful of worthwhile causes,” he said in the webinar.
for circumnavigating the globe in an airplane and turned his He hopes the Inspiration4 mission will help St. Jude’s
attempt into his first large-scale fundraising effort. Hospital raise $200 million toward its efforts to fight
It took two tries to break the record. “We learned a lot that childhood cancers. Isaacman, who is funding the SpaceX
first time, as far as what countries you can fly over, which mission and contributing $100 million to St. Jude’s himself,
ones don’t like each other and how to speed up the refueling offered up the other three seats on the Dragon Crew capsule
Billionaire charters humanity’s turnaround time,” he said during an Aviation Outlook webinar to help publicize the fundraising effort.
hosted by Embry-Riddle in March. The crew was carefully and intentionally selected:
first all-civilian spaceflight “It gave me a huge appreciation for how easy it is to fly scientist and educator Sian Proctor won an entrepreneurship
in the U.S., especially learning to fly. The concept of VFR competition; Hayley Arceneaux is a former St. Jude’s patient
[visual flight rules] isn’t as much of a thing in other countries. and practicing physician assistant; and Chris Sembroski (’07)
In Japan, for example, every airport is on a slot system. You is a dedicated St. Jude’s donor. Sembroski, who earned a
BY AL AN M ARCOS PI N T O C E S A R either make your slot time or you’re on the ground.” B.S. in Professional Aeronautics, coincidentally gives Embry-
He succeeded in 2009, circling the globe in less than 62 Riddle alumni a 50% representation on the Inspiration4 crew.
hours in a Cessna Citation CJ2. He beat the previous record “We named our mission to inspire others to see what’s
by about 20 hours and helped raise $100,000 for the Make-A- possible here on Earth,” Isaacman said. “Sure, we can go to
Wish Foundation. space, but we can also cure childhood cancer along the way.”
8 LIFT S P R IN G /S U MMER 2021 AL UM NI.ERAU.EDU LIFT S P RI N G /SU MMER 2021 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 9
From left, Vinayak ‘Vinnie’ Khera (’01), Mwangi ‘Moh’ Karuri
(’16, ’19), Tom Styc (’79) and Florian Hafner, Ph.D. (’99, ’02)
work on modeling and simulation projects for airports
around the globe, from LaGuardia to Latvia.
NEAR Lab
Projects Worldwide “We try to be as forward-thinking as Supports
One of Cignus’ biggest domestic projects
is with the Port Authority of New York
we can, so commercial space operations
planning is definitely something we are University
and New Jersey, which manages John
F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark
looking to do more of in the future,”
Khera says.
and Industry
Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia
The Next-Generation ERAU Applied
Airport and Teterboro Airport. The The Eagle Advantage
Research (NEAR) lab is a research
company provides support with airside Roughly 50% of all Cignus employees
and development facility operating
and airspace modeling and simulation, are Eagles.
under Embry-Riddle’s Center for
master planning work, airport layout and “When we hire new people, we want
Aerospace Resilience (CAR). It
terminal facility planning. a specific skill set and a lot of it is geared
supports the university, plus works
“We are also helping them with toward understanding of air traffic,
with industry and government
expansion projects at JFK and LaGuardia simulation and modeling, and a specific
entities on rapid prototyping, proof
airports,” Khera says. aviation domain understanding. Basically,
of concept, modeling and simulation,
Internationally, Cignus has done everyone at Cignus needs to have a
data science and solution-oriented
airspace and transportation planning passion and love for airplanes,” Hafner
applied research. It also supports
work on airport projects in Turkey, Russia, says, “so Embry-Riddle is really the first
the Federal Aviation Administration
Latvia and United Arab Emirates. place we look.”
(FAA) on projects, including the
“We did a modeling and simulation He says he often calls Carlos Castro
Next Generation Air Transportation
project for Dubai International Airport, (’02, ’14), the NEAR lab project manager
System (NextGen) research contract.
and it expanded into a regional airspace who now teaches the airport modeling
Carlos Castro (’02, ’14), the NEAR lab
design for all of the UAE,” Khera says. and simulation class, when they are
project manager, says applications
Another major international project was looking for a new employee.
developed by NEAR include:
an airspace assessment and development/ One of their newest “finds” is Aviation
environmental impact analysis, along with Simulation and Modeling Consultant
TEAM
• The NEAR Flight Operations
modeling and simulation work for the new Mwangi “Moh” Karuri (’16, ’19), who
(NFO) tool, which supports
Istanbul Airport. was hired in 2019. He works on various
flight planning and air traffic
management research.
“When we hire new people, we want a specific
skill set. ... Basically, everyone at Cignus needs • The Advanced Environment for
ISR Simulation and Research
to have a passion and love for airplanes. So (AEISR) simulation program,
Embry-Riddle is really the first place we look.” which allows students to operate
— FLORIAN HAFNER, PH.D. (’99, ’02) unmanned aircraft and payloads
EAGLE
in virtual environments.
V
Hafner says he sees their work transportation planning projects — the
• The Flight-line Real-time
inayak “Vinnie” Khera (’01) and Florian Hafner, Ph.D. (’99, as using technology and analytics most current being a terminal planning
Information ERAU Notification
’02), first met more than 20 years ago as Embry-Riddle to improve operational and planning project for JFK.
Display (FRIEND), which
students working together at the university’s Next- dilemmas that later guide the engineering “Every simulation is different, and there
uses electronic screens at the
Generation ERAU Applied Research (NEAR) lab. behind projects. are so many dynamic variables to consider,”
university’s flight line ramp to
“I have known Florian from the day I walked into Embry- “In a way, it is putting math to Karuri says. “You get knowledge from a lot
specify the weather conditions
Riddle,” Khera says. “We were both on the varsity tennis operational problems,” Hafner says. “It of different areas, and then you can apply
under which a student may conduct
team and have been close friends from day one. Since we bridges the gap between the technical the knowledge to develop solutions.”
flight activities, based on their level
graduated, we always wanted to do something together.” and operational domains, so we learn to Director of Business and Corporate
of training and proficiency.
Now, Khera and Hafner are working together again at Cignus, be adept in both.” Development Tom Styc (’79), who was
their own consulting company, based in Leesburg, Virginia. With its proximity to Washington, D.C., hired four years ago, was Khera’s former
Alumni collaborate on “I was at Embry-Riddle to become an aerospace engineer Cignus also is involved in government boss and mentor. He is a U.S. Air Force
• The ERAU Live Traffic Mobile
App, which provides students with
because my parents were against me being a pilot,” Khera says. work, particularly with the Federal Aviation veteran with decades of experience
aviation modeling and “It turns out one class was all it took to change my path — it was Administration (FAA). Cignus is working working on FAA projects.
situational awareness of current
airspace conditions and allows
an airport planning class that focused on modeling and simulation.” with the FAA NextGen office on a project “In business development, it is all
simulation company Khera and Hafner now work on modeling and simulation looking at the integration of unmanned about networking,” Styc says. “I planned
other people to follow along
during a flight.
projects for airports and air navigation service providers around aircraft systems (UAS) into the National to retire, but Vinnie brought me back in.”
JASON HORNICK
the world. With clients in both the private and public sectors in Airspace System (NAS). It has also done Looking back, Khera and Hafner credit
the U.S. and abroad, Cignus specializes in airport and airspace software engineering work for the FAA to Embry-Riddle and the NEAR lab for their
BY MELANIE S TAW I CKI AZ AM simulation and modeling, air traffic management, systems/ enable spaceport operators to look at the career trajectory. “Literally, one class and
software engineering and transportation planning. viability of future spaceport sites. lab paved my career path,” Khera says.
10 LIFT S P R IN G /S U MMER 2021 AL UM NI.ERAU.EDU LIFT S P RI N G /SU MMER 2021 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 11
FLIGHT AT
THE END OF
THE TUNNEL
Alumni help industry
find new ways to adapt
to global pandemic
B Y A L A N M A R C O S P I N TO C E S A R , C Y N T H I A P U C K E T T A N D T R I S T Y N B E M I S ( ’ 2 0 )
12 LIFT S P R IN G /S U MMER 2021 AL UM NI.ERAU.EDU LIFT S P RI N G /SU MMER 2021 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 13
F
ew industries have been hit as hard by the global “Called the ‘Keep Trust in Air Travel’ initiative, it
pandemic as commercial aviation. For more than switched from collecting flight data to health data, to
a year, freefalling demand in passenger traffic, learn how to mitigate risk,” Zwegers says. “It’s the
job losses and multibillion-dollar cash burns have same approach we have always taken to safety risk
tested the mettle of an industry that has seen management, just with different data points.”
its share of existential challenges. Much of that data collection dealt with cabin
“This isn’t just a blip. This is a sustained airflow, plus cleaning and disinfection procedures.
9/11,” says Kelly George (’15), associate A study published by the International Air Transport
professor at Embry-Riddle. “U.S. airlines were Association (IATA) in October 2020 determined,
burning $10 billion in cash per month.” through analyses conducted by Airbus, Boeing and
But the industry is proving itself tough. From Embraer, that the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission
launching vaccination and hygiene programs that in an aircraft is very low when passengers also
protect people and planes from viral threats, to wear masks.
developing innovations in aircraft inventory and crew “We pooled our internal and external resources
management, the industry is finding ways to adapt. to share knowledge of systems on the aircraft
Not surprisingly, Embry-Riddle alumni have been on and knowledge of the virus to eliminate the risk
the front lines, playing key roles to serve the industry of spread,” Zwegers says. “It was critical to help
in its time of greatest need. airlines reduce their impact because many CAAs [civil
Lift reached out to several alumni to get their take aviation authorities] were taking measures that were
on the struggle, what they’ve learned and what we more politically driven than fact-driven.”
can expect in the wake of COVID-19. Aircraft manufacturers also had to quickly review
new cleaning and disinfection methods that had not
WIDENING THE SAFETY NET been tested in aircraft before. Airbus rapidly tested
When the pandemic hit, the scope of flight safety electrostatic fogging, ultraviolet light and many
management widened quickly. The discipline that chemicals to see if these methods would reduce
Founded by Glenn
Gonzales (’11), historically focused on things like maintenance, pilot virus propagation and be safe for the aircraft. Zwegers
Jet It offers a fatigue and passenger movement suddenly also expects that the increased demand for antibacterial
day-use model had to address a deadly virus that may not show surfaces, as well as touchless features to operate
and fractional symptoms for weeks. faucets, toilets and doors, will continue long term.
ownership options
David Zwegers (’98, ’10) says adapting to this new He adds that safety will expand to include the
that resonated
with travelers threat was straightforward. Zwegers served as regional entire travel experience, from home to destination.
as the pandemic safety director at Airbus for seven years, leaving the “Safety in the air transport system itself requires
took hold. company in March 2021 to become director of global a collaboration of all stakeholders. We all work
safety strategy at The Boeing Company. together. We don’t compete on safety.”
Shareef Al Romaithi, Ph.D. (’05,
’06, ’14), receives a COVID-19
vaccine. As a captain for Etihad
Airways, he was among the
first to participate in the
airline’s vaccination efforts.
14 LIFT S P R IN G /S U MMER 2021 AL UM NI.ERAU.EDU LIFT S P RI N G /SU MMER 2021 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 15
Operational
Safety Goes
Virtual
Elisabeth
Matschnigg (’20)
predicts the recent SHIFTING AGAINST THE HEADWINDS
introduction of With passenger air travel down as COVID-19 took
remote audits will
hold, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO)
impact future audit
programs. organizations felt the ripple effect and promptly adjusted
their business models.
“The impact of COVID was unique,” says Ed
Onwe (’12), vice president and general manager of
VT San Antonio Aerospace, a global leader in aviation
maintenance. “Significant portions of the world’s cargo with stress from prolonged periods at home,
Embry-Riddle
go in the belly of passenger airliners. So when passenger THE HUMAN ELEMENT this can reduce the fulfillment of your work. If Eagles rose to
travel declines, the opportunity to move cargo declines. To When it comes to addressing safety in a you [as an organization] don’t address this on all the challenge
correct that, there has to be an increase in cargo lift. That pandemic, aircraft are only part of the equation. levels, it can show in overall performance and of COVID-19,
including, from left,
gave us an opportunity to shift our focus to [maintaining] The human element is vital. Keeping the the financial bottom line,” she says. “It’s always
Amyr Qureshi (’85,
cargo airliners instead of passenger airliners, but the net industry aloft begins with protecting the health a balanced approach — obviously the company ’86) of Aventure
effect is a decline of 20% to 30% in work volume.” of crews and passengers. going bankrupt helps no one. But if employees Aviation; Ed Onwe
Amyr Qureshi (’85, ’86), senior vice president and Vaccines are a front-line solution, and airlines see your support, they will want to support you.” (’12) of VT San
co-founder of Aventure Aviation, says this unique situation are eager to vaccinate workers. Shareef Al At IATA, Matschnigg highlights their internal Antonio Aerospace;
E
and Marquita
lisabeth Matschnigg (’20), assistant manager of created an opportunity for parked passenger aircraft to be Romaithi, Ph.D. (’05, ’06, ’14), a captain for Etihad “Are You Okay?” initiative, which includes
Pfannenstiel (’04)
ground operations audits at the International Air converted to cargo use. “The honeymoon period right now Airways, was among the first to participate in his surveys on mental well-being. “We had a of Delta Air Lines.
Transport Association (IATA), says that although is more for the conversion facilities that are converting airline’s efforts to have all of its crew members restructure; we had to let people go. The survey
infectious disease was not directly addressed passenger aircraft into freighters. They have a long backlog fully vaccinated — a measure taken to ensure the asks how [they] are coping with that, how has
in prior auditing procedures and emergency of orders for converting these aircraft.” safety of its passengers and crews. [their] workload changed. This has been a big
response plans, the industry and regulators were But the demand for cargo isn’t strong enough to make “I was very confident about taking the focus in organizations and has become more
quick to meet the need for working guidelines in use of all the excess aircraft in the industry. Qureshi says vaccine,” says Al Romaithi, who is also head of important than ever.”
response to COVID-19. some airlines are salvaging their own parked aircraft for corporate safety at Etihad. “As I work on the front Singapore Airlines embraced a similar
“Despite the tough times, we were very innovative. spare parts or making drastic cuts to their fleets altogether, line, the vaccine gives me an additional peace of approach to help address the well-being and
There’s this reputation that bureaucratic organizations which is having ripple effects on the aircraft parts sales mind to safely operate commercial flights.” professional needs of their employees. Rick
have for being slow — and the same applies for side of his business. He credits his confidence in receiving the Wee (’15), senior executive of Cabin Crew
regulators and governments. But they [the FAA, “Airlines are deciding to retire their aging airplanes vaccine to the cooperation between Etihad Safety, Security, Quality and Health at Singapore
International Civil Aviation Organization and civil much sooner than planned, lessen their cost structures and Airways and the UAE government. Airlines, says they sought special permission
aviation authorities] were very good at issuing guidance maximize their revenues,” Qureshi says. “This trend is bound “Strong collaborations between Etihad and from the nation’s civil aviation authority to
early and adjusting policies to match reality very fast,” to continue for the next four to five years simply because of the UAE government ensured that all pilots use online programs to keep crew current on
she says. the evolving market conditions leading to fleet optimizations.” and cabin crew were vaccinated in the shortest their 60-day operational and flight frequency
IATA member airlines that were coming due Qureshi says the resulting glut of harvested and time possible. It is a great moment of pride,” requirements. In addition to investing in these
for on-site operational safety audits during the early reconditioned parts on the market compelled them to run Al Romaithi says. “We are doing our part by measures, Singapore Airlines encouraged
days of the pandemic, when travel restrictions were a strategic analysis of the industry looking forward. Their getting vaccinated, and the sooner we all get employees to volunteer locally, both to support
severe, were given extensions while the IATA worked conclusions called for Aventure Aviation to scrap parts vaccinated, the sooner we will get through this. their country and develop new skills.
with regulators to firm up the remote-audit option. inventory for older generation aircraft. “We are shifting We are all in this together.” “We provided crew to government
Matschnigg expects that remote audits will likely toward building parts inventory for more efficient new- institutions that were in need of resources, in
influence the future of audit programs even after the generation aircraft, as well as for some common 757, 767, A QUESTION OF BALANCE areas such as healthcare, transport and contact
pandemic ends. 777 freighters that are surely destined to fly for years It’s that “all-in-this-together” approach that’s tracing. The Crew Ambassador Programme was
“We’re getting very good at working remotely, and ahead on medium- to long-haul routes,” Qureshi says. helping companies and their employees weather a win-win situation, as the role and training of
in many cases, it has brought our teams closer and Though parked aircraft are slowly being brought out of the storm. Elisabeth Matschnigg (’20), assistant the cabin crew enabled them to contribute to
made us more efficient,” Matschnigg says. “It shows how storage to meet some rising demand, Qureshi predicts manager of ground operations audits at IATA, these establishments,” Wee says.
versatile and adaptable we are, that when we have to be many operators will scrap older airframes and buy more says the way companies balance employee When the difficult reality of staff reductions
quick to make sure operations continue safely, we find a efficient, new-generation aircraft. mental well-being with the bottom line is a became necessary in September 2020, the
way to do it.” “Many airplanes will never be airborne again,” Qureshi critical factor in their adaptability. airline waived their exclusive employment
says. “You can blame this on the pandemic, no doubt “If people are worrying about job security, restrictions on cabin crew and assisted them in
about it.” the economic welfare of their company, dealing finding temporary work. They also introduced
16 LIFT S P R IN G /S U MMER 2021 AL UM NI.ERAU.EDU LIFT S P RI N G /SU MMER 2021 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 17a COVID-19 Voluntary Release Scheme to offer their point: Glenn Gonzales (’11), CEO and founder of Jet
cabin crew an option for early release or retirement It, a hybrid fractional provider.
with payouts and benefits. As flights gradually “For private aviation, it’s actually been a bit of a
continue to resume, their “seconded crew” are boon for us. The pandemic has definitely increased
starting to return to work at the airline. awareness as people are looking for different means
of travel,” Gonzales says. “The industry is evolving,
EMBRACING RESILIENCY and I think it’s just accelerating the inevitable.”
Delta Air Lines was able to avoid involuntary Gonzales launched his hybrid fractional ownership
furloughs by leveraging its existing resiliency business in 2018. It offers a day-use model that allows
strategy to secure employee buy-in, says Marquita for travel to multiple destinations in one day and
Pfannenstiel (’04), manager of domestic inventory fractional ownership options of one-tenth (25 days)
management at Delta. to one-half (130 days) of a HondaJet Elite. It’s called
“We [were already] trying to make ourselves more a hybrid program because owners who are pilots
resilient as an organization,” Pfannenstiel says. “We and have a type rating for the HondaJet can fly as
wanted to withstand dramatic changes in demand co-pilots in the Red Jet Squadron. The Jet It fleet is
and the economy. And we had been on that journey also available for charter flights.
for a long time.”
Jay Sterioff (’79, ’83), a senior captain who has “The entire world has had a setback.
been with Delta for 31 years, also feels that the
company’s approach was an important part of the But you are going to see a continual
pandemic response. uptick and a huge demand for pilots
“I believe Delta recognized the issues very
quickly, and I think they responded intelligently and going forward. I think that you’re going
thoughtfully and virtually immediately,” Sterioff says. to see an improving economy and see
“It helped balance the issues that everyone was
concerned about in the industry.”
things that hopefully will allow us to
That balance involved securing the cooperation of put this behind us.” — JAY STERIOFF (’79, ’83)
Delta employees. According to company statements,
more than 40,000 Delta employees took a voluntary “I noticed a gap in the market” Gonzales says.
unpaid leave of absence and nearly 17,000 retired “I created a business model that met the market
early or left the company with benefits packages. demand, and I was fortunate to have Harvard
Pfannenstiel credits this proactive, cooperative [University] select Jet It for a case study and
approach in difficult times as the defining factor in incorporate us into their academic curriculum.”
Delta’s ability to recover, including the ability to avoid In executing their vision, Gonzales and Jet
involuntary furloughs. It’s co-founder, Vishal Hiremath, have executed
“We did the absolute best we could for people,” operations in three regions: the United States,
Pfannenstiel says. Canada and the European Union. They are making
While pay cuts, mass furloughs and retirements preparations to launch in India and Southeast Asia in
have left newly certificated pilots with few current 2022. The company has gained global attention for its
prospects in a pandemic-ravaged industry, Sterioff focus and innovation in travel.
remains hopeful for the young pilots just getting While it may take some time, Gonzales expects
their start. people’s innate need for connection to induce a
“I would say to anybody who is pursuing [a pilot] rebound in business air travel.
career that I think it’s a tremendous career,” Sterioff “At the end of the day, when closing a deal, there’s
says. “I think it had a setback. The entire world has had that human element that does not go away,” Gonzales
a setback. But you are going to see a continual uptick says. “There’s something about the essence of
and a huge demand for pilots going forward. I think another person that you cannot feel online. You need
that you’re going to see an improving economy and see to look them in the eye, in person, and shake their
Glenn Gonzales (’11) is
things that hopefully will allow us to put this behind us.” hand. That will never go away as far as I’m concerned;
CEO and founder of Jet
It, a hybrid fractional it’s a human behavior that does not change.”
provider that has seen RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME
demand rise during the Not all sectors of the industry have struggled during EDITOR’S NOTE: Gonzales is a member of Embry-Riddle’s
pandemic. the pandemic. A fortunate few were in the proverbial Worldwide Campus Business Administration Industry
right place (or right sector) at the right time. Case in Advisory Board.
18 LIFT S P R IN G /S U MMER 2021 AL UM NI.ERAU.EDU LIFT S P RI N G /SU MMER 2021 A LU MN I .ERA U .ED U 19You can also read
