The aviation industry may have a renewed “beacon” of hope for search and rescue missions. Recently, the FAA has incorporated recommendations by NASA’s Search and Rescue (SAR) to install and maintain Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) on airplanes. These NASA-designed satellite-aided search and rescue beacons―or ELTs―are instrumental in saving lives when it matters most and improving overall aviation safety.
Taking a renewed look at ELTs performance
Developed by NASA over 40 years ago, ELTs are beacons that are designed to automatically transmit distress signals to satellites in the event of a plane crash. In the past, the failure of some ELTs to work properly shed renewed light on the beacons’ safety and performance issues. As recently as 2010, a sea plane carrying nine passengers crashed in Alaska, claiming the lives of five passengers, including former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens. Former NASA administrator Sean O’Keefe was among the four survivors. The failure of the plane’s ELT to activate stranded the survivors for a harrowing 12 hours until they were found by search and rescue teams.
Crash course in ELT research
The 2010 Alaska accident sparked NASA’s SAR team to launch a comprehensive study of ELT nonperformance. After reviewing thousands of crash reports, the SAR office determined that ELT failure was responsible for the loss of about 58 lives each year. Such tragic news set the wheels in motion for SAR to use NASA aeronautics expertise to study ELTs in simulated crash conditions. Using three decommissioned Cessna 172 aircraft at the Landing and Impact Research Facility―also known as the “gantry”―at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, the SAR team hoisted the planes at varying heights and crashed them from three different configurations into a slab of dirt. With numerous ELTs installed on each plane, the SAR team studied each beacon to determine survivability and the causes of ELT failure in aviation distress.
Improving survivability and airplane safety
Imagine taking the search out of “search and rescue?” The survivability study revealed how making only a few adjustments to the installation would greatly improve ELT performance and airplane safety. Some of the ways the SAR team adjusted the installation of ELTs to improve performance included:
Mounting the ELT to a more rigid structure to decrease the likelihood of shear and cable detachment
Adding relief hooks to cabling to give the cable the slack it needed to prevent it from unplugging from the ELT
Adding an inexpensive fireproof sleeve to cabling to add vital minutes of ELT transmission in the event of a fire
Taking Next-gen SAR technology out of this world
NASA’s continuing efforts in ELT technology could take the second-generation of distress beacons to the moon. The SAR office is developing next-gen beacons that will use a new constellation of satellite-based search and rescue instruments. These new miniature beacons will offer significantly improved location accuracy and detection times. This exciting development will not only take this next generation of beacons worldwide, but out of this world―literally―as NASA is planning on using them on Artemis astronauts’ life preservers to ensure their accurate location upon splashdown from the Orion capsule.
Interested in supporting aerospace initiatives like this? An engineering and technology degree from Vaughn College will open the door to many opportunities involving the design and construction of aircraft equipment. Many Vaughn mechatronic engineering graduates become interns at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, such as Joseph Kamel. Explore all the possibilities of a futureproof career at Vaughn.
A hurricane is part of Mother Nature’s fury which can endanger thousands of people in its path. Aviation weather forecasting plays a tremendous role in the determination of flight safety. But did you ever wonder how meteorologists obtain the data they need to monitor the intensity and track of this kind of storm to keep us out of harm’s way? If you answered, “hurricane hunters,” then you’re right on track. There’s no denying that hurricane hunters are well-trained pilots. As an institution of learning that offers a wide range of aviation and flight degrees, Vaughn College sets the pace for this adventurous career path. This month, Vaughn highlights a unique area of the aviation industry by discussing the vital role hurricane hunters play in saving lives.
Who are hurricane hunters?
Hurricane hunters are aircrews that are part of the United States Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, aligned under the 403rd Wing and located at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Today’s basic five-member aircrew includes a pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight meteorologist and weather reconnaissance loadmaster. They are called upon by the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida to collect and retrieve necessary storm data. The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron is a one-of-a-kind organization as it is the only operational military weather reconnaissance unit in the world.
Hurricane hunters are not new to the aviation industry. In fact, the first manned flight occurred in 1943―on a dare―after two military pilots challenged each other to fly into the eye of a hurricane. Little did they know then how that bet would pave the way to today’s aviation weather forecasting of tropical cyclones. Seventy-six years later, a special all-female aircrew made history as it flew into Hurricane Dorian.
Hurricane Dorian: All-female hurricane hunter flight crew makes history
Last month, the first-ever all-female hurricane hunter flight crew made history when it gathered storm data on Hurricane Dorian. Amidst the danger of a major hurricane, the three-pilot flight crew flew a mission into the dangerous storm, marking the first time in 76 years that an all-female hurricane hunter flight crew stormed an Atlantic Ocean hurricane. More women in aviation are being recognized for their impact in the field. Way to go, ladies!
So, why are hurricane hunters critical to keeping the public safe? Read on to learn about their daring missions. (Are you interested in a career as a pilot? Check out the top 10 reasons for becoming a pilot.)
What do hurricane hunters do?
The mission of the aircrews is to fly directly into a tropical cyclone to gather the necessary data required to accurately assess the intensity and track of the storm. Specially modified U.S. Air Force planes typically used to drop off troops and supplies in war zones are flown by the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron to maneuver through the storm. If you’ve ever tracked one of these storms―or worse―lived in the potential path of one, then you know how the track and intensity of the storm can change like the wind (pun intended). So, how do these crews gather the data?
Eye in the sky
At about 10,000 feet, the crew drops Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors while flying directly through the eye to the hurricane’s edge and repeats this pattern as often as four times. This allows the crew to gather information about the storm’s speed, direction and winds. Each mission takes eight hours and alternating crews fly continuously through the course of the storm. The data from each mission is transmitted back to the National Hurricane Center where it is compiled, analyzed and released to news and weather outlets who then relay the information to the public.
Vaughn cares
Hurricane Dorian made landfall as a “category five” hurricane earlier this month, having caused catastrophic damage to several Bahamian islands. The Vaughn community’s thoughts are with those affected by Dorian, including our students, their friends and families.
Both men and women in the field play a crucial role in the safety of flight, management of airlines and engineering of flight technology. And reports like this reinforce the contributions of women in aviation. Are you inspired to take your career to new heights? Check out all that’s possible with an aviation degree from Vaughn, where the programs offered are suited to many diverse interests in the field.
As a Vaughn aviation or engineering student, you already know you’re gearing up for an awesome career. But do you have questions about how to position yourself for the right job or how to meet the right people? If you answered “yes,” then you’re not alone. In fact, these are the exact questions you need to ask yourself and the perfect reason to consider attending one of the following conferences we’re highlighting this month. Don’t forget to ask about the financial support that may be available from your college to support your attendance.
Benefits of attending conferences include priceless job exposure, expansive networking opportunities, unparalleled learning experience in the field, chances to present your student research paper or project, and the opportunity to discover more about the companies you’ll apply to after graduation, in the industries you are interested in.
Automated Software Engineering (ASE)
This conference is billed as the “premier research forum for automated software engineering,” which brings together researchers and practitioners from academia and industry to discuss foundations, techniques and tools for automating the analysis, design, implementation, testing and maintenance of large software systems.
ASE is held annually in November. This year, ASE 2019 will be held in San Diego, California from November 11 through November 15, 2019. This conference has added several new workshops to keep an eye on, and which offer great opportunities to present: 1) The ACM Student Research Competition; 2) Industry Showcase; 3) Late Breaking Results.
American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
This conference draws thousands of attendees each year who are looking to find innovative solutions that can help airports work smarter. This past June, AAAE was held in Boston, MA. The conference proved successful for Vaughn graduate students as they entered the poster competition for the first time and took third place with their first-of-its-kind partnership research project. Keep this one on your radar for next year.
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
This is the only conference dedicated to all disciplines of engineering education. The 126th annual American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) conference, which was held in Tampa this past June, was an exciting time for Vaughn engineering students and faculty. Both students and faculty were commended for their participation at this historic conference, and presented research on braille block language design concept, working mechanism of design, manufacturing process using 3D printing, and electrical construction and Arduino software design of the braille block. You may want to consider putting this conference on your list for next year, too!
Association for Equality and Excellence in Education (AEEE)
This conference is geared toward professional development. In an intimate setting, attendees have direct access to presenters, and they can also share best practices with peers. This conference offers priceless opportunities for networking, product and software innovations, and the chance to participate in open discussions. AEEE is typically held in the spring and is a great one to put on your bucket list for next year.
Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions (LACCEI)
This non-profit organization of Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) institutions is geared toward raising the awareness level and importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), as well as education, research, and development and engineering.
This annual conference encompasses all areas of research and applications relating to a broad focus on experimental mechanics. Topics covered include digital image and digital volume correlations techniques, in addition to several of the latest technologies. This is a great opportunity for students to expand their knowledge in the field of experimental mechanics.
Vaughn engineering students attended the SEM conference in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2017, where they presented their paper, “The Effect of the 3D Printing Process on the Mechanical Properties of Materials.” Read about these students and others at Vaughn who presented at various conferences.
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
Known as one of the largest air shows of its kind, the EAA AirVenture features aviation enthusiasts in the fields of homemade flying craft, as well as designers of more serious craft, and an expansive list of government agencies and companies involved in the aviation and aeronautics industries. This is the go-to event for aviation enthusiasts and qualifying aviation students. Read about two Vaughn students who had the privilege of attending past EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and their priceless experiences.
Vaughn’s take
Vaughn is committed to providing its students a futureproof education. Part of that commitment is guiding these students to various paths of success. Supporting student attendance and participation in conferences like the ones spotlighted above is just another way students can up their game for a successful future.
Dr. Hossein Rahemi, chair of the engineering and technology department at Vaughn stated, “These conferences improve students’ presentation and networking skills and provide them with exposure to companies who attend, to ultimately help them secure a position post-graduation.”
You may have heard that air travel is considered one of the safest forms of transportation—and for good reason. In addition to a checklist of precautionary measures taken to ensure passenger safety, air travel is also the most maintained public transportation system for mass travel. Airplane safety precautions go way beyond the fastening of seat belts and listening to the pre-flight safety drill. As important as these measures are, did you know of the interesting and little-known safety features on airplanes that even the most seasoned air traveler may not be aware of?
This month, we caught up with Fred Parham, associate director of the Aviation Technology Institute (ATI) at Vaughn College, for his take on the subject. So, sit back and relax as we reveal some cool and interesting airplane safety features that just might surprise you. (Oh, tray tables and seats in an upright position do not apply here.)
Emergency Backup Systems
We don’t want to think about this, but even the best systems need a backup system―or two. Today’s aircraft are equipped with backup systems in the event of a catastrophic failure.
Ram Air Turbine (RAT)—Commonly known as RAT in the aviation industry, this small turbine is used as an alternate emergency hydraulic or electrical power source in the event of a catastrophic failure. A propeller-like turbine, which is stowed in a compartment in the fuselage or wing, drops down beneath the plane and generates power from the airstream while being connected to an electrical generator or hydraulic pump. The RAT provides power to vital systems that include flight controls and instrumentation, as well as navigation and communication equipment which aids the pilot to land the plane safely in an emergency.
Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)—Did you ever wonder how the air conditioning and electricity operate on the airplane when the engines aren’t running? If so, you can be thankful for the APU should you ever find yourself sitting in an airplane while it’s being serviced or prepared for flight. This small turbine is in the rear of the aircraft and supplies electric power, compressed air and hydraulic pressure to the aircraft systems.
Interesting airplane safety features
Here are some other interesting airplane safety features passengers may be curious about:
Floor Proximity Emergence Escape Path Marking System (FPEEPMS)—Do you recall the flight attendant explaining how arrows will illuminate the floor of the cabin in an emergency, serving as a guide to the exit doors? In case you missed it, this system is in place in the event of a fire in the cabin. Thick smoke can make it impossible to find the way to safety. Since smoke rises, passengers can crawl to avoid smoke as they follow the arrows to the exit doors.
Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)—These life-saving systems within aircrafts detect, warn and issue instructions to pilots of two aircrafts in the event of an impending collision.
Terminal Control Area (TCA) or Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA)—In order to reduce the risk of midair collisions, there is a designated area of controlled airspace around major airports where there is a high volume of air traffic. These areas are called terminal control areas (TCA) or terminal maneuvering areas (TMA). Air traffic control ensures aircrafts flying within these areas are safe.
Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning (EGPWS)—This electronic system alerts pilots if their aircraft is in immediate danger of flying into an obstacle, approaching terrain or the ground.
Air travel can be an exciting experience. Whether it’s flying off to unexplored destinations, visiting with friends and family or for business, the exhilaration of flying is truly a wonder. We hope these little-known airplane safety features make you feel even more comfortable whenever you fly the friendly skies.
Keeping an Eye on the Sky: The Need for Air Traffic Controllers
Has a career as an air traffic controller been on your radar? Now may be the best time to train for one of the most sought-after and important positions in the industry. See why attending an institution like Vaughn College can give you a competitive edge to landing a job as an air traffic controller.
Vaughn can prepare you for this exciting career as an air traffic controller in less time than you might have imagined. Vaughn partners with the FAA to offer the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI). Why is that important? By attending a college like Vaughn, which offers the AT-CTI, you get to bypass the FAA biometric screening exam―which many do not pass. Vaughn is one of only 30 colleges in the country to offer this program, and the only program of its kind in the Northeast.
Unique job benefits
The steady demand for air traffic controllers and the unique benefits of this position are catching the attention of aviation enthusiasts from all walks of life. With the following standard benefits, it’s no wonder air traffic controllers will be in steady demand for years to come:
Potential to earn six-figure salary after first few years of service
Consistent work schedule
Scheduled breaks throughout your shift
Mandatory retirement age at 56, with full federal pension benefits
Student Success Story
Vaughn graduates like Jessenia Diaz ’10 have landed successful careers as air traffic controllers―right here in New York City. Diaz is just one example of how passion and dedication can lead to attaining a dream job.
When you think of aviation, you can’t help but think “up”—airplanes flying overhead, rockets launching into space. But did you know the world of aviation is so much more than that? To keep aircrafts safe in the air, we need experts on the ground to make it all happen.
For over 80 years, Vaughn College has been the cornerstone of education for students who choose to pursue careers in aviation. With a vast curriculum encompassing all aspects of aviation, it’s no wonder Vaughn graduates are succeeding at every level and landing their dream aviation jobs in a soaring industry. Want proof? Check out the recent success stories of Alexa Cruz ’22, Kirei Watson ’18, and Jade Kukula ’07.
We’ve narrowed down the top five aviation jobs and salaries in the industry today. See all the opportunities you have with your aviation degree:
1. Director of Aerospace Program Management
Annual Salary: $183,000 (including bonuses and profit sharing). Education: Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or related field; graduate degree may be required.
This leadership position is one to aspire to as it requires experience and expertise in the field. Directors of aerospace program management lead product and project-development programs and are involved in creating a company’s business strategies, negotiating contracts to build aircrafts, and ensuring budgets and timetables are met. They are typically hired by aircraft or engine manufacturers, or defense, telecommunications or other aerospace-related employers. Other tasks include:
2.CommercialPilot, Co–Pilot,orFlightEngineer
AnnualSalary: $113,000 (including bonuses and profit sharing). Education: Bachelor’s degree in aviation. Certifications: Commercial pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the FAA-issued Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.
If you ever needed a reason―aside from your passion―to become an airline pilot, here’s one you can’t ignore: According to a recent report from Boeing projects, the airline industry will need more than 637,000 pilots by 2036. There’s never been a better time to pursue your dream and train to become a pilot amidst this staggering pilot shortage. Additionally, pilots have the potential to earn excellent salaries as their careers advance. Airline pilots, co-pilots, and flight engineers are on board to perform the same duties, ensuring the safe flight of aircraft from one place to another. Other tasks include:
Air traffic controllers (ATCs) are a pilot’s eyes and ears on the ground, assisting with landing and take-off instructions. ATCs are also responsible for rerouting in-flight aircraft when inclement weather strikes. A unique characteristic of working as an ATC is the mandatory retirement age of 56, with full federal pension benefits. Other tasks include:
4. Aerospace/Aviation Project Engineer
Annual Salary: $83,000. Education: Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, aviation engineering or another field of engineering or science that is related to aerospace systems.
Aerospace/aviation project engineers have the exciting task of designing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They are employed in various fields which include manufacturing, analysis and design, research and development, and the federal government. Note that aerospace engineers working in national defense may need a security clearance. Other tasks include:
Aircraft maintenance managers play a leading role of overseeing their team to ensure work is completed and performed according to quality control guidelines. These professionals must possess both technical and leadership skills to efficiently perform maintenance jobs in addition to supervising maintenance operations. Other tasks include:
Are you setting your sights on a career in aviation? Vaughn’s career services offer aviation enthusiasts a wide range of options where they can find the perfect career fit with certificate, associate, bachelor and master’s degree programs.
Note: Salaries reported by PayScaleand based on a national average.
Unique 3D printed sensor technology may be a real gamechanger in NASA’s future efforts to send humans to the moon and possibly Mars. Recent funding is fueling a much-anticipated program that could potentially make great strides in advancing the way NASA can detect life-sustaining elements in space and even monitor the health and safety of its astronauts.
The world of 3D printing really hits home for Vaughn students and alumni. Vaughn College is at the forefront of 3D printing technology, thanks to a 3D prototyping innovation center that was launched just a few years ago. It is equipped with 15 3D printers and two 3D scanners to provide students with hands-on opportunities to transform their concepts into physical objects.
What is 3D printed sensory technology?
Think of the way a printer uses ink to print things such as newspapers, for example. Now, take that principle and add amazing innovations where the ink is replaced with nanomaterials―such as carbon nanotubes and graphene―and applying them, layer-by-layer, onto a substrate to create miniature sensors.
The result is a set of highly sensitive tiny powerhouses that are lightweight, can withstand radiation and require less power, thus keeping them stable in extreme conditions. This 3D printer could produce these tiny platforms that may someday be sent on planetary rovers for further exploration in search of life throughout the solar system.
Vaughn Alumni, Jade Kukula ’07, who earned her bachelor of science in mechanical engineering, is no stranger to 3D printers. She studied “swarm robotics” for her bachelor’s degree project. The term “swarm robots” refers to a coordination of multiple robots that can communicate with one another. Right out of college, she took her learnings from Vaughn and applied them to the Hubble Space Telescope team, where she became responsible for maintaining the health and safety of the telescopes, as well as related science and engineering data.
Making it happen
NASA engineer Mahmooda Sultana won a $2 million technology development award funded by NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate’s (STMD) Early Career Initiative (ECI) to further develop the nanomaterial-based detector platform. As reported by Lori Keesey of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, this potentially revolutionary sensor technology stems from a self-contained platform, measuring only two-by-three inches, that is capable of sensing minute concentrations of gases, vapor, atmospheric pressure and temperature. Additionally, this platform would then transmit the data via a wireless antenna. Pretty cool, right?
For the next two years, Sultana and her team at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, will be working on this amazing program. They will design the sensor platform to determine the best combination of materials to achieve parts-per-billion concentrations of water, ammonia, methane and hydrogen. Northeastern University will then take Sultana’s design and use the 3D printing system to complete the process, simplifying the integration and packaging process.
Up until now, sensors were built one at a time and then integrated into other components. The advent of 3D printing will change that by allowing technicians to print a suite of sensors on one platform.
Interested in pursuing an engineering and technology career?
Vaughn offers a wide range of associate and bachelor’s degrees to prepare you for an exciting career in engineering, technology, management or aviation, that will set you apart from the competition. Here are a few of the majors offered at Vaughn which provide students with a rigorous and comprehensive course of study to enable them to become successful in their chosen fields.
Did you know over 635,000 new maintenance technicians will be hired worldwide over the course of the next 20 years? There are many possible career paths open to an aviation maintenance technician. Vaughn College Aviation Training Institute (ATI) graduates have found rewarding careers with the federal government, in the telecommunications field and with aerospace companies, just to name a few. From working on turbines found on aircraft, on trains and in nuclear power plants―whether your strengths lie in mechanical, analytical or managerial skills―a career in aviation maintenance can be the perfect fit for your future.
What is an Aviation Maintenance Technician?
Aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs)―also known as airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians―work around the clock for your safety by ensuring every plane and train passes inspection before leaving for its destination. If you’ve ever flown on an airplane, for example, you know the drill. From waiting on Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lines, to boarding the plane, the endgame is to arrive at your destination safely. If you ever wondered who is working behind the scenes to keep the planes properly maintained, the answer might be―you! Vaughn can help launch your dream career, and in less time than you may think.
Set Your Sights on Vaughn College
The ATI at Vaughn is the perfect launching pad where you can earn your Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) A&P certificate to prepare for a high-paying career. In fact, the latest forecast from Boeing revealed the industry will need as many as 635,000 new technicians by 2037―and that’s just on the commercial aviation side.
Vaughn offers many degree programs in this exciting, high-paying field that can open many doors for students interested in aviation careers:
Aviation Maintenance Certificate Program
Looking to start your career sooner than later? This certificate program will give you the skills to install, build, diagnose and maintain multimillion-dollar equipment and systems in today’s aviation industry. Students who have a passion for hands-on learning in mechanical skills that involve airframe and powerplant maintenance operations are instructed on servicing, repair and maintenance of airframe structures and powerplants. This program can be completed in as little as 16 months, equaling four semesters, getting you out of the classroom and working on the ground sooner than you could have imagined.
Once you complete a Part 147 FAA-approved aviation maintenance technical program―such as the one offered at the ATI at Vaughn―you’ll be qualified to take the required Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) exams. To earn your A&P certificate, you must pass the written, oral and practical exams. If you hold a GED or high school diploma, you can also obtain an associate in occupational studies as part of this FAA-approved program. Students who complete their A&P certification―and who decide to pursue a more advanced degree at Vaughn―will be awarded 30 credits toward a bachelor’s or associate degree in aviation maintenance.
Aviation Maintenance Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
This two-year college degree incorporates a balanced combination of theoretical study and practical hands-on laboratory experience, along with an emphasis on computer applications and manufacturing practices. Graduates with an aviation maintenance associate in applied science degree will have the expertise to work in entry-level aviation maintenance positions. Additionally, they will be qualified to work in aircraft manufacturing or related fields within the general, corporate or airline maintenance industries. Other career opportunities include positions at any airline or flight operations department, component manufacturers or repair shops. Graduates who earn an AAS then have the option pursue a bachelor of science degree in aviation maintenance.
Aviation Maintenance―Bachelor of Science (BS)
Looking to take your skills to the next level? The aviation maintenance bachelor of science degree will prepare you with a keen ability to communicate and provide a high level of critical and analytical skills to land supervisory positions in the aviation maintenance field. Graduates will have a well-rounded understanding of theoretical study, complemented by practical hands-on laboratory experience. Additionally, graduates will become thoroughly knowledgeable in computer applications and a receive a sound background in manufacturing practices. Career opportunities related to this degree include maintenance line manager, specialized shop manager and maintenance quality auditor.
Don’t miss out on capitalizing on this exciting aviation career opportunity. You have what it takes to be a part of this growing industry―and Vaughn has what it takes to get you there!
Check out all that’s possible with Vaughn’s maintenance degree programs and certificates through the Aviation Training Institute.
Have you ever dreamed of turning your hobby of flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, into a full-blown career? Well, we at Vaughn College are here to say that dream is possible. The UAV industry is soaring to new heights as enthusiasts are turning their aviation hobby into one of today’s most unique and sought-after careers.
Wondering what kind of UAV careers are out there? We’re here to help you figure that out. Vaughn College is one of the select colleges in the country that offers classes in UAV technology, usage, and drone law―all of which will help fully prepare you in every aspect of the field. We also have communities for like-minded UAV hobbyists, such as the UAV club, where students and faculty put their heads together to build, program and compete in top contests around the nation.
Below, we have listed various industries that are seeking UAV pilots to give them a bird’s-eye view to enhance their specific niche or field.
Real estate
The booming real estate industry is capitalizing on the talents of UAV pilots to provide aerial stills, videos and 3D maps of properties for sale. This technology is taking virtual tours up a notch with their capability to showcase aerial and ground footage.
Filmmaking
Have you ever watched a movie or television show and wondered how they shoot those amazing aerial shots? These sequences can be filmed quickly and efficiently using a UAV.
Public Safety
Last year, over 900 public safety agencies used drones. That’s more than double the number that was only two years earlier. Our country’s fire and police departments are using them to create specific maps of local schools and buildings, determine exit points in the case of a fire or police emergency, and to locate victims after a natural disaster.
Insurance
In the past, insurance inspectors or adjusters would physically evaluate the damage done to a home by severe weather. Today, drone insurance inspections are being done by drone pilots who can fly a set pattern over a damaged roof or other area and retrieve the necessary images to evaluate the claim.
Journalism
Drones capture the drama of breaking news stories that range from flooded disaster areas to raging wild fires, using documentary-type footage, as well as stills for an artistically written piece.
Agriculture
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) maps help farmers assess the condition and location of their crops, eliminating the need for farmers to walk their fields. New software can process the raw data collected by drone pilots, which in turn can help increase crop yields.
Transportation
UAV pilots can assist cities in reducing the time and money it takes for inspections of critical infrastructure in transportation, while increasing the accuracy of the collected data. Thirty-five states are already using UAVs for their regular transportation activities.
Energy
Inspections are a big part of the energy industry, so it comes as no surprise that UAVs are providing faster, less expensive ways to inspect power lines and solar panels, among other tasks.
Telecommunications
UAV pilots are playing a key role in this industry and they’ve changed the landscape of necessary operations, such as tower surveys and inspections, making the process safer and more cost-effective for telecommunications giants like AT&T and Verizon, as examples. In fact, Verizon was so impressed with this potential, they purchased the drone company Skyward in 2017.
Education
From elementary schools to colleges and universities, educators are weaving this powerful technology into their classroom activities, sparking interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), geography, and collaborative work.
Have questions about a UAV career? Our drone law professor, Loretta Alkalay, brings years of experience as an aviation attorney and former regional counsel for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA.)
Vaughn’s UAV Club has been instrumental in getting the word out in the past by hosting the highly anticipated festivities surrounding International Drone Day (IDD). This year, IDD will be celebrated on Saturday, May 4, marking this aviation phenomenon’s fifth anniversary. Stay tuned for this year’s event!
Image Source: NASA
As a finish to Vaughn College’s celebration of Women’s History Month, we present this blog about Expedition 57―the first space mission where the only two astronauts representing the United States were both female.
Setting the pace
Launched on June 6, 2018, Expedition 57 began a 197-day mission where it circled the globe 3,152 times, covering 83.3 million miles. The crew consisted of expedition Commander Alexander Gerst of ESA (European Space Agency), Soyuz Commander Sergey Prokopyev, Oleg Kononenko (RSA), and David Saint-Jacques (CSA). Completing―and distinguishing―this crew were NASA flight engineer Serena Auñón-Chancellor and NASA astronaut Anne McClain. Together, they formed a highly successful―and fun―space-traveling team.
Science in the making
Fondly referred to as a “world-class orbiting laboratory,” the Expedition 57 crew worked aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where they contributed to hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, and physical and Earth science. Some exciting discoveries on this space mission included investigations into new cancer treatment methods, algae growth in space, and the installation of a new Life Sciences Glovebox, which is a sealed work area for life science and technology investigations that can accommodate two astronauts. And look at which two crew members were diligently at work in the ISS robotics workstation! The two United States female astronauts made history for women in space.
Image Source: NASA
Timeless activities
The Expedition 57 space mission was all about science―but not without some fun thrown in for good measure. To lighten the mood, the crew had no problem showing off their personalities by dressing up in costumes on Halloween. They might have missed out on trick-or-treating, but they wasted no time relaying photos back to Earth to give everyone a good laugh.
Image Source: Space.com
The crew returned to Earth on December 20, 2018, closing out a groundbreaking trip which conducted many successful experiments.
The momentum of women empowering other women―along with recognition of their achievements and successes―motivates them to reach for their dreams. Many of us might not make it to the stars as Serena Auñón-Chancellor and Anne McClain did, but our confidence can lead us to our own happy place.
Visit Our Open House on Saturday, April 13
Are you a woman interested in a career in aviation? Register for our Open House on April 13 at 10 a.m. to learn how you can take your future to the skies.
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