October 11, 2012

Media Advisory -- Aviation Career Day

With its state-of-the-art Transportation Education Center center now open, Southern Illinois University Carbondale's will showcase its nationally recognized aviation program in style this weekend.

The University's Aviation Management and Flight and Aviation Technologies programs will do that on Saturday, Oct. 13, with the annual American Airlines-SIU Carbondale Career Day. This is also Homecoming weekend at SIU Carbondale.

Approximately 124 high school students will arrive at Southern Illinois Airport aboard an MD-80 jet from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to learn more about the University's aviation programs, and also have an opportunity to talk with American Airlines personnel.

Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to attend the event and interview students, faculty and American Airlines personnel. An optimum time for video and photos will be when the plane lands at Southern Illinois Airport at approximately 8:50 a.m.

This is the eighth consecutive year Chicago-area students are flying American Airlines to visit the University's aviation programs. Aviation career days also take place each spring and summer.  SIU Carbondale is the only aviation program that works with major airlines to fly students to campus for aviation career day events.

"This will help us showcase a brand new, wonderful facility and show it off to potential students and their counselors," said David A. NewMyer, chair of the Department of Aviation Management and Flight. "This will start the word-of-mouth about the next phase of SIU aviation."

As always, a critical component is the American Airline personnel who volunteer their time for the event. A majority are SIU aviation program graduates. NewMyer anticipates 15 alumni volunteers will make the trip, including virtually all the flight and cabin crew.

"This will also be an exciting time for the alumni, most of whom have not see the Transportation Education Center," NewMyer said.

The itinerary for the day incudes:

  • 9 a.m. -- Group photo at base of plane, Main terminal, Southern Illinois Airport, 655 N. Airport Road.
  • 9:15 to 11:45 a.m. -- Airport and SIU Aviation facility tours, introductory flights.
  • 12:45 to 2 p.m. -- Aviation careers briefing featuring American Airlines personnel; TEC multi-purpose room A, 545 N. Airport Road, south end of TEC Education Building.
  • 2 to 3:15 p.m. -- Walking tour of SIU Carbondale campus, including the Student Recreation Center, Student Center and Saluki Stadium.

For more information on the event, contact Lori Robertson at 618/453-8898 or by email at lrobertson@aviation.siu.edu.