On June 8, the Houston Airport System celebrated its 40th Anniversary. With longevity and growth comes succession planning for its retiring and expanding workforce collectively. To help meet the increasing demand for airport management positions, Lone Star College-North Harris–in collaboration with HAS–launched its aviation management program in fall 2008.
The associate of applied science (AAS) degree gives graduates the skills they need for entry-level management jobs within the aviation industry, including the municipal and private airports, and commercial and private airlines. Starting salaries range from $35,000 to $65,000, depending on the hiring entity.
The program will provide a needed applicant pool for the Houston Airport System, one North America’s largest public airport systems. HAS includes George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby Airport and Ellington Airport. The three-airport system served more than 50 million passengers in 2008.
“While the degree title says aviation management, this degree is about managing airports–a professional career with a multitude of opportunities, both here and throughout the country,” said Clark, LSC-North Harris dean of business, social, and behavioral sciences. “George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is among the busiest airports in the world, and LSC-North Harris is located on its doorstep, which makes the program a natural marriage between the industries’ need for a qualified workforce and the college’s mission to provide education and training for local residents.” says Dean Clark.
According to Dean Clark, the college worked with an advisory board comprised of commercial and private pilots within the industry and city aviation managers at all levels in order to make the curriculum relevant.
The program’s faculty consists of professionals already working in aviation management. Through these instructors, students will plug into an international and specialized network within the aviation industry. Other networking opportunities will include internships and externships within the industry.
The curriculum focuses on the knowledge and skills needed for running a successful airport, Including: budget planning, facilities and employee management, security, customer relations, meteorology, FFA rules, to name a few. More information is available by calling the LSC-North Harris department chair, David Smith at 281.765.7929 or e-mailing David.I.Smith@LoneStar.edu.
Lone Star College System consists of five colleges, including CyFair, Kingwood, Montgomery, North Harris, and Tomball, six centers and Lone Star College-University Center. It is one of the largest institutions of higher education in the Houston area, and third largest community college
system in Texas.
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June 11, 2009