Aims To Encourage Graduates To Pursue Jobs In Aviation

Some 25 percent of all aviation employees are eligible to retire this year, according to a recent industry study... so there's a world of job opportunities, but potentially not enough young graduates to fill these vital positions.

Twenty-four-year-old Jamail Larkins, Ambassador of Aviation & Space Education for the Federal Aviation Administration, aims to help meet this growing need for trained personnel in the aviation industry by educating America's youth through a nationwide DreamLaunch Tour.

Sponsored by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Larkins' DreamLaunch Tour opens students' eyes to the myriad opportunities available to those who dream big and work hard – whether it's as a future pilot, aerospace engineer, air traffic controller, or other rewarding aviation positions.

"The future of aviation is in the hands of young America," said FAA acting administrator Bobby Sturgell. "Careers in aviation are there by the thousands. Jamail's job is to open the door for students and their teachers."

The DreamLaunch Tour officially launched last week in Dallas-Fort Worth, at the 2008 DFW Airport Aviation & Transportation Career Expo, where more than 4,000 students will gather to explore opportunities available in aviation. Larkins hosted the Expo as Grand Marshal.

"I'm fortunate that my career affords me the opportunity to educate people about careers in the aviation industry and show them that the opportunities are endless," said Larkins. "The DreamLaunch Tour provides me with a platform to inspire people to follow their dreams -- no matter what field they want to pursue -- aeronautics or otherwise."

"Jamail brings his passion for flying and enthusiasm for teaching to each and every tour stop, and it's contagious," said Dr. John P. Johnson, Embry-Riddle's president. "This is our fifth DreamLaunch Tour and the momentum keeps building, the schools keep asking him to come back, and the children are mesmerized by his determination and achievements at such a young age."

Larkins is currently sponsored by Embry-Riddle, AeroShell, Cirrus, Bose, Michelin, and Jeppesen. The Tour will stop in Oakland, CA on December 12 and 18 additional markets in 2009 including: Atlanta, Augusta, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Fairfax County, Newark, Houston, Miami, Newark, Pensacola, Phoenix, Raleigh-Durham, San Diego, and Seattle.

FMI: www.jamaillarkins.com, www.embryriddle.edu