Air Transport Territory Continues to Strengthen Community Outreach Through Aviation High School Partnership

IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen and Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser recently addressed a group of high school seniors looking toward futures in the aviation industry.

The three-day annual program at the IAM’s Winpisinger Center brought together 27 high school seniors from Aviation High School in Queens, N.Y. The IAM has a long-standing partnership with the school to provide students with insights into future aviation careers through training, visits to transportation agencies, and scholarships. 

“As the largest and most powerful airline union, the IAM plays a vital role in the past, present and future of the aviation industry,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnson. “Our partnership with Aviation High School gives students an inside look at how our union can benefit them as they begin their careers.”

Classroom studies also play an important role hearing from many speakers. 

“We give the students a lot of information about our union, as it is imperative to educate students on the importance of having a union contract,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser. “The IAM has enjoyed a long partnership with Aviation High School, with an ongoing relationship since 2002.”

“The students were very busy with classroom studies,” said IAM District 142 Flight Safety Director Bud Brown. “We showed the students how the IAM handles and investigates an aircraft crash and how we assist work with the NTSB.”

On Tuesday, students traveled to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum in Virginia to see firsthand some of the world’s most historic aircraft. On Wednesday, the group visited the IAM’s International Headquarters to hear from departments and staff. The students will be graduating in June and then will take a final course to become fully licensed aircraft maintenance technicians.