NSU’s Aviation Club takes flight

Students in NSU’s Human Factors in Aviation Concentration, offered within the Bachelors of Science in Human Services Administration program, are creating an Aviation Club to address the increasing popularity of aviation at the university.

According to the club’s initiator and executive dean of the Institute for the Study of Human Service, Health and Justice, Kimberly Durham, it will combine opportunities to build knowledge and experiences in aviation with leadership experience for all students and faculty.

The club’s first meeting will be held on April 10 at 6 p.m. in room 218 of the Rosenthal Student Center. Interested participants must RSVP by emailing aviation@nova.edu with their full name, program affiliation and phone number. The meeting will also be open for virtual participation via webcam; anyone who RSVPs will receive further details about the online location.

Ian Dasho, a liaison for American Flyers Inc., is also eager to share his aviation experience with NSU students and faculty.

“We hope to share our passion for aviation with the members looking to be involved in the industry we love,” said Dasho. “Whether students are looking for a career or a hobby, we look forward to supporting them in this endeavor.

American Flyers Inc., the oldest flight training school in the U.S., currently provides live flight trainings as part of NSU’s Aviation Program.

A club president has not yet been selected, but several students have been asked to participate in leadership roles until an official executive board is elected. Marcela Denis-Perez, graduate leadership student and business and properties assistant manager for the Broward County Aviation Department at Fort-Lauderdale International Airport, said that she dreams of establishing an opportunity for students to begin aviation careers at NSU.

“Currently, I do not have a role in the club, only the passion for aviation and the enthusiasm to see others with the same interest,” said Denis-Perez.

Regis Burdier, a sophomore in the Human Factors in Aviation Concentration within the Bachelor of Science in Human Services Administration program, hopes that the club will interest students who are not studying aviation.

“We want current student aviators to come together and share their experiences with other students who might be interested in aviation or becoming a pilot,” said Burdier.

Burdier is also an Air Force veteran, and attributes his involvement in the club to his longtime passion for flying.

“[Flying] is something I knew I wanted to do since I was a kid,” he said. “My position in the club is yet to be determined, but I was asked if I was interested in a leadership role, and I accepted.”

The club plans to introduce students to aviation by holding career workshops with guest speakers and flight simulator trainings with a certified flight instructor. According to Dasho, the club is also discussing potential trips to the Miami Air Traffic Control Center, Fort Lauderdale International Airport and Pompano Beach Airpark Tower.

“As a Certified Flight Instructor and pilot for the past 11 years, I love sharing my life’s passion with others,” said Dasho. “Aviation has changed my life and hopefully this club will do the same for its members.”

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