API In the News

When a proposal for handing control of the public’s aviation system over to a private entity was recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, Sheryl Barden, president and CEO of Aviation Personnel International, recently implored concerned stakeholders to utilize NBAA’s “Contact Congress” resource to oppose handing control of the nation’s airspace over to a private entity. “H.R.2997 proposes to strip control of aviation-system oversight from the public's elected representatives, and essentially hand control of the system over to a group of private parties, largely unaccountable to Congress," Barden wrote in an email she sent to thousands of clients and other contacts. "We want everyone who cares about the future of business aviation in the United States to contact their elected representatives in the U.S. House and Senate and let them know we oppose a privatized ATC system.” Barden, who has also been active on the issue as a member of NBAA’s Associate Member Advisory Council, further encouraged citizens to phone their elected officials, and take to social media with a clear message against ATC privatization: “Our airspace is public, not private.” To add your voice to the opposition, use NBAA’s Contact Congress resource To see the original article, visit NBAA's website.

People in Aviation - April 9, 2017 Jenny Showalter joined Aviation Personnel International as manager, candidate services. Showalter brings two decades of business aviation service to the role, having previously served as executive director for the Florida Aviation Business Association and as customer service manager/director of first impressions for Showalter Flying Service. Showalter succeeds Jennifer Steele, who was named director, client services. See the article on AINonline Save Save Save

Business aviation trailblazer Charles “Chuck” McKinnon, who was the founder and long-time manager of IBM’s flight department, died March 30 in his hometown of Trussville, Alabama. He was 101. “Chuck McKinnon was a trailblazer for business aviation,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “The industry would not be the same without a visionary like him. He worked tirelessly to promote the many benefits and opportunities [of] business aviation, both in the U.S. and abroad.” During his career, he flew four U.S. presidents, two kings and several astronauts. NBAA presented its John P. “Jack” Doswell Award to McKinnon in 2010 in recognition of his lifelong individual achievement in support of business aviation. McKinnon was predeceased by his first wife of 66 years, Mary, in 2004; and his second wife, Janice K. Barden, founder of Aviation Personnel International. In 1954, McKinnon joined IBM to found the flight department. He flew the company’s first business aircraft, a twin-engine piston Aero Commander, which transported engineers to various sites across the country. He led the department until his retirement in 1977. Read the full article at AIN.   Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

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Jo Damato tackles the subject of finding the right mentor in the March/April 2017 issue of WAI's Women for Aviation magazine. In the piece, API's President & CEO Sheryl Barden weighs in on how to set expectations between the mentor and mentee. Here's what to think about when finding the right mentor, according to Barden:

“When entering a mentorship program really think hard about what you want to accomplish. It’s not just about making a friend or networking contact who has more time in the industry than you do, but it’s also about shooting for something that you want to improve on and engaging somebody who can help you make it happen. A good mentor will help you hold a mirror up to your face to see where you are blocking your own success. Sometimes that is going to be very hard, but that is how you break through to the next level. Being a mentee takes strength and fortitude.”

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Are we on the verge of a major skills shortage in the business aviation sector? In the January 2017 issue of Business Airport International magazine, API's President and CEO Sheryl Barden shares her recommendations on best practices to recruit and retain bizav professionals during a talent shortage. Download the PDF here. Save Save Save