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Show Utah Press Association Arinda Guttierez 1521 E3900SSte 100 Salt Lake City UT 84124-1550 ^ Look inside for our SF Baseball Special Section, "TITLE TOWN" T H E O N E T H A T ' S R E A D Hie Spanish Fork News X L O C A L L Y VOL. 4 / NO. 22 O W N E D A N D O P WEDNESDAY, E R A JUNE T E 3,D2009 50^ SPANISH FORK,UTAH Jen Allen / Spanish Fork News FREQUENT FLYER: Captain Aaron Kennington has been flying for the airlines for nine years. Job outlook for pilots Jen Allen STAFF WRITER Diamond Flight Center hosted an event to discuss the potential for careers in the airline industry Wednesday, May 27. Captain Aaron Kennington spoke about several different subjects, including the history of the airline industry, what he sees to be the future of the airline industry, as well as how to get a job as a pilot once the economy turns around. Kennington has been flying for airlines for nine years and currently flies the Bombardier Regional Jet series for the largest independently owned regional airline in the world. In addition to his experience flying, he has many years teaching young enthusiasts so that they too could become pilots. Kennington addressed reasons why the airline industry has seen lags in business in previous decades citing such events as wars, deregulation, hijackings, widespread diseases (such as the SARS epidemic) and other cataclysmic events like Chernobyl. In all, Kennington pointed out that the airline industry boomed after such events and grew even greater than before. He predicts that the coming months and years will also bring a great need for pilots the world over. But major world events and a current bad economy aren't the only reasons that the airlines will be in need of more pilots. It is estimated that as soon as 2011 the mandatory retirement age will cause the loss of close to 35,000 pilots with as many as 45,000 being lost by the i. These are drasin the airline industry and will create a great need will be created. Kennington advises people to be ready to take advantage of opportunities when they are presented. You can slip ahead, or "butt in line," by being prepared. Kennington notes that at times it's hard to stay on top of your game. It's easy to let things slip and get a little lazy, but by always being prepared, you'll be ready to take advantage of whatever opportunity may come your way. One way to get opportunities is to network. Kennington strongly endorses knowing people in the kinds of circles you want to be a part of. These people will know you and be able to recommend you, which is key. "Stop just shy of being a nuisance," Kennington said. He cited that nearly 80 percent of pilots hired are recommended by other pilots. Kennington also stressed the importance of the little things. Speeding tickets and credit scores can all affect being hired or not. "It matters what you do" Kennington said. He continued to say that being proficient is vastly more important than the hours a pilot may have. Pilots can do many things to stay proficient. He cited Diamond Flight Center's monthly safety meetings. He also suggested organizing a study group to stay on top of regulations. Finally Kennington talked about the three things that an interviewer is looking for. 1. Can you pass the class/training you're going to need to take? 2. Are you the right fit for the company? and 3. Can I stand you? Flights are long and hard; if the crew is miserable, the job will be miserable. Kennington's advice, while aimed at pilots looking to fly commercially, is a good reminder to anyone seeking a career or job. Of being a pilot, he said, "This is a good career ... the number one thing I hear when I say I'm a pilot is 'Wow! I've always wanted to do that.'" For Kennington, having a career as a pilot may be difficult but it's worth all the work. Kate Jarman / Spanish Fork News NEWLY CROWNED: The new Salem royalty, left to right, are First Attendant Stephanie Griffiths, Miss Salem 2009 Sarah Alanis and Second Attendant Minuet Anderson. Salem royalty chosen at pageant May 30 Amy Connelly STAFF W R I T E R The Miss Salem Pageant was held at Salem Hills High School on Saturday, May 30, and Sarah Alanis was chosen as the new Miss Salem for 2009. Her first attendant is Stephanie Griffiths, and her second attendant is Minuet Anderson. Alanis said she felt "phenomenal" after winning. Her platform was Getting To Know Our Special Needs and Disabled Neighbors, and she remarked, "I want to get people involved with Special Needs in Salem... I want to change the world, starting with Salem City." Miss Salem Sarah Alanis will receive a $1500 scholarship, official crown, official pin and flowers. The first attendant, Stephanie Griffiths, will receive a $750 scholarship, tiara, official pin See PAGEANT • A7 Steve Hardman / Spanish Fork News HONOREE: Major Robert Parsons is pictured above with his wife, Christy, and their four children. Parsons honored for service Christy Hardman STAFF W R I T E R Major Robert Parsons of Spanish Fork was among the soldiers who were honored at Thanksgiving Point on Saturday, May 30 for their recent service in Kosovo. The Yellow Ribbon Staff of the 300th Military Intelligence Brigade (MIB) presented the soldiers with a Freedom Salute package as a token of appreciation for their service. Major Robert Parsons was deployed on June 5, See SERVICE • A7 |