Stories and Updates

Out of this Earth: Margo Vriesinga reaches for the stars with Virgin Galactic

“Space: the final frontier.” For many, these famous words echoed out of television and movie screens, providing viewers the opportunity to passively engage in outer space exploits. For some, the words acted as a magnet, drawing the individuals towards the human quest to explore and colonize the space immediately beyond Earth’s atmosphere. For Margo Vriesinga, the call of the final frontier would come after a journey that took her from cars to complex jet engines to Virgin Galactic!

Take Off With Margo By Clicking Here

Torqued off, and loving every minute of it!  Meet American Airlines aircraft mechanic Simi Razvi

Applying pressure – whether in life or on the job – is an art form. Apply too much pressure and cracks will develop; not enough and things can unravel. The trick is using the right tools, knowing what needs to be torqued, and, most importantly, realizing the appropriate time and place to execute. Simi Razvi epitomizes the contemporary aircraft-maintenance tech in the world of high-skilled, modern-day aviation. She has leveraged her time in education, pushing and applying pressure when needed, advancing her career to American Airlines at warp-like speed.

The Rest of Simi's Story Can Be Read Here

 

Mott just another typical pilot – Nicole’s journey to the Left Seat

The thrill of piloting is to be in command -- to be the one behind the controls, calling out directives, the one people look to for advice and guidance. This is so important to pilots that they track their time as “pilot in command.” But the command aspect goes beyond being the authoritarian behind the yoke. For some, being in command begins when individuals take control of their lives and begin charting their own destinies.

Captain Nicole Mott is one of these people.

Grayson’s Anatomy – the Parts and Pieces of a Professional Pilot

“I've never known an industry that can get into people's blood the way aviation does,” stated Robert Six, founder of Continental Airlines. For Monique Grayson, her first infusion occurred at the age of 12, when she took her first flight to San Francisco with her family. Little did the young girl from Kalamazoo, Michigan realize how this initial aviation experience would direct and change her life.

Monique's story can be found here

Captain Dave Powell, Dean of the college of Aviation, issues his annual state of the college address

"Happy New Year to our aviation family and friends! Now is the time of year when I like to reach out to our partners, alumni, advisory board members, and friends to share with you updates from the institution, as well as invite feedback you may have."

Read the full State of the College Address here

WMU Alumnus, Phil McCain, writes about The Benefits of being a flight instructor at WMU.

"My background is flight instructing CFI, CFII, MEI at WMU while completing my bachelor degree. WMU even helped pay for my education through the aviation associate position saving me upwards of $10,000 in education expenses while also having full health benefits. During my time at WMU I signed off 23 students for checkrides, and served as a check instructor for many more."

Click here to read the Full article

Climbing Higher - Mark Brady's Aviation Journey from WMU to IFL

"Growing up in Clarkston, MI, Brady was surrounded by influential relatives who had chosen to pursue careers in aviation. Not only was his grandfather a corporate pilot, his father was in corporate aviation while his mother was in air traffic control.   Adding icing to the cake, his uncle originally worked as a pilot for Northwest and is now at Delta."

Mark's story can be found here