With Shukiar and Trost Graduated, New Blood Must Rise to the Occasion

Piper Aircraft announced the addition of 2 new brand ambassadors chosen from among University of North Dakota students. 

The new ambassadors replace the former pair after their graduation from the school's commercial flight program, marking what should be the first handover for the role at the area since the program was begun. The brand ambassador setup is a collaboration between Piper and its flight school customers, designed to increase awareness of the variety of aviation degree pathways offered by the schools while advertising the glamorous life of a college student pursuing a flight education. 

The University of North Dakota coordinated the selection process, which resulted in a field of 34 students that the school felt best exemplified the lifestyle of UND. Freshman Carson Calhou and junior Piper Hechtl have been chosen for the roles, soon to be joined by additional Piper ambassadors from Purdue and Minnesota State Universities. 

Piper says the students will “share their personal training journey story using social media channels like Instagram as well as speak about the aerospace program and campus life experience." Whether it will succeed in drumming up interest in the world of social media remains to be seen - but anyone in on the ground level of flight training has noticed the influx of those students who seem to believe a career in aviation is the best way to experience the best food, hotels, and travel the world has to offer. How correct that impression is, well, the industry still needs pilots regardless. 

Piper's director of marketing said the students chosen are a great selection, having proven their flight capabilities by earning their PPLs, while maintaining sterling academic performance outside of their flight training. “Piper and Carson both hold FAA Private Pilot Certificates and are currently working on their instrument rating. Additionally, they are pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics with a major in Commercial Aviation. We look forward to both Piper and Carson sharing their training experience and providing a glimpse into the exciting life of a pilot in training”, said Jackie Carlon, Senior Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications. “Their high energy and passion for aviation make them ideal Brand Ambassadors for Piper Aircraft and UND. We look forward to following their aviation journey.”

FMI: www.piper.com