Expert: David A. NewMyer - 5/27/2007

Question
I graduated in December of 2006 from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Aviation Management.  I am trying to get into aircraft sales or FBO management.  The trouble is every place I apply wants at least 5 years of aircraft sales experience.  Where can I get this experience, I feel that I have exhausted all of my network connections I have.  Thanks for any help.

Answer
Hi,

I hear that there are Management Training or Management in Training (MIT) programs at the larger aviation companies such as Millionaire, TACAir and Landmark, to name a few.  So, I would focus your attention on the larger conglomerate, multi-site national FBO chains and see if you can find something that way.

Also, aircraft sales are going VERY well at Cessna in both Independence and in Wichita.  I know that they have hired college grads in the past and, since 2006 was such a good year, they might be looking for some new blood there, too.

Those are just a couple of suggestions for you.

Best wishes to you,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale