Good things really do happen to good people.
I few weeks ago, I attended a meeting hosted by Richard Blevins, head of the aviation department at Northeast State Community College (NSCC). He explained the shortage of pilots and aircraft mechanics, and the concurrent opportunities for careers in aviation. He spoke of thousands of jobs available—even hundreds of thousands—for years to come.
Even more recently, I received news that the Appalachian Regional Commission announced a $44.4 million investment package to expand and diversify the economy in Appalachia.
According to The Kingsport (TN) Times-News, $1.5 million goes to NSCC for its Advancing Aviation Technology project. Through a partnership with Tri-Cities Airport, the project seeks to build a reliable workforce pipeline of trained and certified aviation maintenance professionals in support of regional economic development priorities. It will expand NSCC’s Aviation Technology program, relocate the program to a new hangar at the airport, and secure Federal Aviation Administration Airframe and Powerplant program certification. This includes constructing a new hangar in the adjacent airport, acquiring instructional equipment, improving program outreach, revising curriculum, and creating jobs by hiring faculty. Over three years, the project will serve eight businesses while training 72 students. The project is also a prerequisite for the success of Tri-Cities Airport’s Aerospace Park project, which is expected to create up to 2,000 jobs in the aviation maintenance and manufacturing sector.
This is very exciting news for NE Tennessee aviation, Northeast State Community College, Aerospace Park, aviation students, and economic development at Tri-Cities Airport.
Congratulations to all, particularly to Richard Blevins.
About the Author
Ralph HoodRalph Hood
Certified Speaking Professional
Ralph Hood is a Certified Speaking Professional who has addressed aviation groups throughout North America. A pilot since 1969, he's insured and sold airplanes at retail and distributor levels and taught aviation management for Southern Illinois University.
Ralph Hood is also an award-winning columnist (he writes for several publications), a salesman and sales manager (he sold airplanes, for crying out loud!), a teacher (he taught college-level aviation management) and a professional public speaker who has entertained and enlightened audiences from Hawaii to Spain, and from Fairbanks to Puerto Rico.
- Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), National Speakers Association
- Past member, National Ethics Committee, National Speakers Association
- Past president of Alabama Speakers Association
- Member, Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame
- Past National Marketing Mentor, AOPA Project Pilot
