Growing Pilots; Yakima Airport Planning Career Day For Students

As officials at the Yakima airport work to restore an early morning flight to SEATAC Airport there's a problem Yakima can't control. A shortage of pilots and other important airline personal like the folks who work on the planes.

YAKIMA WORKING WITH AIRLINES TO GET MORE FLIGHTS

Yakima Air Terminal McAllister Field Director Robert Hodgman says that's one of the biggest problems smaller airports around the country are facing. Hodgman says the Yakima City Council recently passed a resolution which authorizes an air service agreement with Alaska Airlines for a Minimum Revenue Guarantee not to exceed $500,000 for a one-year term to provide additional air service for the Yakima Air Terminal-McAllister Field.

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MAYBE AN EARLY MORNING FLIGHT IS POSSIBLE IN THE NEAR FUTURE

The goal is to restore an early morning flight to Seattle by November 17. If you're interested in helping financially with the flight contact the Yakima Air Terminal McAllister Field. https://flyykm.com/

IT'S AN AIR FAIR BUT NOT THE KIND YOU WERE SEEING IN THE 1990'S

Over the next year Hodgman says they're planning an air fair at the airport. But it's different than the air fairs that were popular in the 1990's at the airport. Hodgman says this fair would be focused on careers in aviation for young people. The day is for those 7 to 17-years-old who may be interested in a career in aviation.

THE AIM WILL BE TO GET KIDS INTERESTED IN AVIATION CAREERS

The tentative date is set for May 18, 2024. Hodgman says they'll have lots of static displays of airplanes and chances to learn all about being an airline pilot or crew member or even airline maintenance. Students will also be able to learn about working as a medical crew member for medical flights. Hodgman says they're working to put together the day next year that could eventually help the entire industry in the future.

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