American Association of Airport Executives
Taking Students Behind the Scenes and Keep Them Ahead of the Game

The series of exceptional events for Embry-Riddle's Prescott Campus AAAE members started on March 27, when the chapter welcomed a presentation from Balram Bheodari, General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest for passenger traffic.

That was followed on April 2 by a session with Alex Gertsen, Airports Director for the National Business Aviation Association, and capped off in mid-April with the visit to Chicago.

What is it like to have exclusive access to crucial aviation executives and iconic sites such as the O’Hare tarmac and United’s HQ? Check out this recap showcasing the unique opportunities only Embry-Riddle’s AAAE chapter could provide.

How Do You Manage the World’s Busiest Airport?

In his presentation, Mr. Bheodari discussed the logistics behind running such a complex enterprise, the importance of the airport to the global transportation system and his own career journey. He also took time to tour the campus, the simulator center and flight line with AAAE members serving as guides.

Some members attended the session to learn about Mr. Bheodari’s career adventure. He told them that the aviation business offers many paths to success and gave a firsthand account of the journey that led to his current leadership role.

His presentation also showcased the economic impact of the airport on the rest of the U.S. So many flights pass through Atlanta every day that a delay there could cause delays at other airports around the world. Members heard about the systems and innovations the airport has in place, including the current expansion of a terminal that is taking place even as flight operations continue.

Other top takeaways from the session included hearing that Atlanta is expecting to receive a billion passengers in the next 10 years, or an equivalent of 1/8^th of the world’s population, and getting direct advice from Mr. Bheodari that included urging students to “stay humble and hungry so you can reach the stars,” and  “take every chance you get because the worst they can say is no and you lose nothing, or they say yes, and you gain everything.”

How is NBAA Helping Save Smaller Airports?

NBAA Airports Director Alex Gertsen spent time on the Prescott Campus in early April, visiting the Robertson Safety Institute and Aircraft Accident Investigation Laboratory and enjoying a ride in one of Embry-Riddle’s training aircraft.

In his presentation, Mr. Gertsen discussed NBAA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of smaller airports and explored the emerging technology that is reshaping business aviation.

From him, members heard about different aspects of business aviation, such as eVOTLS and other groundbreaking innovations, getting an expert’s eye view of an industry with more facets than many realize.

Members also learned how much time and energy goes into the business side of the aviation industry and how many companies own and operate aircraft. Lowes, the home improvement store, was used as one example of a corporation that flies several aircraft so it doesn’t have to rely solely on commercial aviation.

Mr. Gertsen also discussed how the NBAA is helping save smaller airports by advocating for them at the national and local levels, which helps protect jobs and ensures smaller cities will continue to have airports in their communities.

On a more personal note, Mr. Gertsen related the inspiring story of how he got into business aviation, including immigrating to the U.S. as a high school student and later working for the White House Travel Office during the Clinton Administration.

Today, as he uses his aviation passion to help airports stay in business, Mr. Gertsen offered other vital points for AAAE members:

• Business aviation is an integral part of the aviation industry.
• Business aviation does many things for local communities, which includes serving smaller airports.
• You shouldn’t limit yourself to only what you learned in school or what you began your career doing.

At United Airlines headquarters in Chicago, AAAE members are all smiles as they get ready to embark on their private tour. (Photo: AAAE Prescott Chapter)

Behind the Scenes at the Crossroads of Aviation

The trip to O’Hare Airport came from connections the AAAE chapter has developed. Several years ago, the chapter hosted a visit from Jamie Rhee, Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Aviation, which oversees both O’Hare and Midway airports. She became part of the industry advisory board for the Prescott Campus College of Aviation and helped arrange the exclusive visit.

It turned out to be a memorable trip, and many members said they enjoyed the club bonding activities that went along with seeing O’Hare, the headquarters for United Airlines and the company’s Network Operations Center.

For everyone on the trip, going behind the scenes at O’Hare was “amazing.” It was “a crazy place” with so much action happening at once, and it was impressive to be in a vehicle that was able to drive on the taxiways along with massive aircraft such as Boeing 777s.

Another high point was arriving at United Airlines’ Willis Tower headquarters, where Prescott alumnus and Aviation Business Administration grad Gleb Shenov (’19) escorted the group.

AAAE members with Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Aviation Jamie Rhee (center) during the group’s recent behind-the-scenes visit to O’Hare Airport. (Photo: AAAE Prescott Chapter)

Members first went to the office and conference area, where recruiters and recent alums spoke about their jobs and current opportunities at United. The group got various United goodies and then toured the work areas, including the United Cafe, which featured a balcony with a great view of Chicago.

The office also had various spaces with memorabilia and other cool features like old plane seats, windows made from old plane materials, aircraft landing gear, and engine cowlings incorporated as art around the building.

AAAE members then went to the 66^th floor and saw an even better view that extended all the way to Michigan. The United personnel accompanying them handed out business cards, and Gleb joined the group for a deep-dish pizza dinner.

For members, among the top highlights were all the networking opportunities, the chance to see the entire Network Operations Center and to learn how many diverse positions were available there.

Why Join the AAAE Chapter at the Prescott Campus?

Exclusive tours, extensive networking opportunities, and the chance to build critical skills and practical knowledge are just some of the attractions that draw aspiring aviation industry professionals to the AAAE.

The club helps open doors in aviation by giving members a glimpse of different career paths and connecting them directly with top industry employers, offering many opportunities to experience things not usually covered in a classroom.

Learn more about how AAAE can help you get a head start on your journey into the aviation business.