API In the News

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

Sheryl Barden, president and CEO of San Francisco-based Aviation Personnel International (API), is proud to be celebrating 45 years of her company’s history at NBAA 2016. Barden, daughter of company founder Janice Barden, presented a leadership-focused panel in the Innovation Zone on the convention floor yesterday. Read the full article at AIN Online here.