NBAA2012 Career Day: Much More Than a Field Trip for Area Kids

In what has become an aviation industry tradition, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) will host its annual Career Day on Nov. 1, during the Association’s 65th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2012) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

Renowned aviator Barrington Irving will be the keynote speaker, addressing hundreds of middle and high school students from throughout central Florida, then hosting a question-and-answer session before taking them on a tour of the many business aviation exhibits at NBAA2012.

Irving has a proven track record when it comes to innovation, dedication and inspiring young people. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America approached him to collaborate and create a program to inspire students to consider aviation as a career in 2007 after he became the first African American and the youngest person to fly solo around the world.

At just 23, Irving raised the money for the flight, then piloted his aircraft, Inspiration, more than 30,000 miles without radar or anti-icing systems, taking off with just $30 in his pocket. Impressed with his efforts, Mitsubishi, maker of the MU-2 twin-turbine engine airplane, began a U.S. campaign to spur the interest of young people in science and math, making Irving its ambassador and speaker for the Mitsubishi/Barrington Irving Dream & Soar: Youth in Aviation program. So far, Irving has reached more than 10,000 students around the U.S. with his motivational message.

• WHAT: NBAA2012 Careers in Business Aviation Day General Session

• WHEN: Nov. 1, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

• WHERE: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL

• SPONSORED BY: The Mitsubishi – Barrington Irving Dream & Soar Program