Page 32 - JA21MMOPAv2

Safety & Education Foundation
A few weeks ago, I packed up my
car and embarked on the 29-hour, 2,200-mile journey from Grand Forks to Vero Beach to start working in my dream job.
My official title is Marketing
and Sales Intern, and so far, I have truly experienced how diverse general aviation opportunities can be. I primarily focus on digital
and social media marketing and research, running Piper’s social media channels. I also helped to coordinate a digital database of flight schools in the area. When I’m not in the marketing office, I am putting my Commercial Single and Multi-Engine certificates to use on the flight line! I spend multiple days per week performing exercise and acceptance flights for customers of brand-new trainer-class aircraft. I also conduct repositioning flights for company passengers and aircraft and
deliver factory-new trainers to flight schools in the area.
One of my favorite parts of this incredible internship has been getting to know the Piper lineup of aircraft in greater detail. This includes
the incredible M-Class group of aircraft. I’ve been able to follow
their construction from fabrication
to assembly to flight line, and have gained an entirely new appreciation for these amazing builds. The company even lets me sit right-seat in these aircraft, so I can see firsthand their capability and versatility. After being here for only a few weeks, I’ve decided I definitely need an M600/ SLS one day... Maybe soon I’ll
join MMOPA as an owner and not just a student!
Once my time in Florida is up,
I’ll be returning to Grand Forks to finish my last semester of college. Additionally, I’ll be putting my newly
earned CFI and CFII certificates to use at UND’s flight training program. Flight instruction has been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember, and I am excited to help shape the next generation of aviators by helping them earn their certificates. After graduating, I plan to flight instruct for a brief period of time, before pursuing my dream of working in aircraft sales. My path in general aviation is cemented, and most of that is due to the wonderful folks
at MMOPA serving as mentors and supports to help me achieve my goals. The financial aid is appreciated, but
I am even more grateful to be part of this inspiring community of aircraft owners. I hope to meet many of you at EAA AirVenture, or the MMOPA Convention this year, so I can say thank you to you in person. Without your support, I would never have found the path I was meant to follow in general aviation.
32 MMOPA MAGAZINE JULY / AUGUST 2021
Flightline