Exploring Aviation Careers


When: Saturday, September 16th
Where: Padre Martinez Hall, UNM-Taos campus


About the Event


aviation-flyer-small.jpgEver wondered what it takes to soar in the aviation industry? Whether you've dreamed of navigating the vast skies as a pilot or ensuring everything runs smoothly on the ground with airport logistics, the world of aviation has a career path that's right for you.

Join us for a comprehensive workshop that takes you through the multitude of careers available in the aviation sector. This event, brought to you by a partnership between UNM-Taos and "Fly Taos Sky", promises an insightful peek into the diverse world of aviation.


Our Esteemed Organizers

  • Cheryl A. Hanssen: Pilot and flight instructor, Cheryl has developed a long and varied career in aviation. Her unique skills have contributed in various ways. 
  • Michael McCann: With years of expertise under his belt, Michael brings a unique perspective on the aviation industry and its booming potential.



Highlights of the Day


  • Guest Speakers from the Industry: Learn directly from professionals working in various roles, from pilots to air traffic controllers, from flight attendants to aircraft engineers, and beyond.
  • Career Talks: Each guest will share their personal journey in the aviation sector, shedding light on the challenges and rewards of their respective roles.
  • Interactive Q&A Session: After the talks, seize the opportunity to get your burning questions answered directly by the industry's experts.



Who Should Attend?


This workshop is curated for enthusiasts of all ages:

  • Young Explorers: Middle school students eager to explore the skies and understand the plethora of options available to them.
  • Everyone from the community: Don't count yourself out. The range of ages and backgrounds of people in the industry is always expanding. It is never too late to contemplate a promising career in the aviation industry.


From right here in Taos to every corner of New Mexico, the aviation sector presents a wealth of opportunities waiting to be explored.



Join us on this enlightening journey, and chart your own path in the expansive world of aviation. Your future in the skies starts here.

 

 

 

BIOS

Sol Lothe
Sol Lothe is a Commercial Hot Air Balloon Pilot and Owner/Operator of Rio Grande Balloons here in Taos. After years of recreational involvement in skydiving and a general fascination with aviation, he pursued an opportunity to learn to fly hot air balloons and developed the skill set to become a Commercial Pilot. After several years of flying commercially for other companies based in Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Taos, he started Rio Grande Balloons.

Sol Lothe
Owner and Pilot
Rio Grande Balloons
575-208-1888
www.riograndeballoons.com

 

Alex Carothers: A board member of SAMS/Albuquerque Aviation Academy (as I've likely mentioned, we're changing our name.) Alex is a highly esteemed retired United States Air Force C130 pilot and instructor. He’s also the President of our local Tuskegee Airmen chapter. He is a strong leader and huge proponent for aviation education (as well as a skilled public speaker.) 
Gabriel "Chief" Carothers: Alex's son, and former student of SAMS/AAA (he graduated in May.) Chief earned his Private Pilot Certificate at SAMS as soon as he turned 17yo, and became the youngest African American Pilot in NM, and possibly the country. If you Google "Gabriel Carothers Pilot", you'll see him. Although Chief has doors open to him all over the country, he is taking a year off before committing himself.



Lauren Chavez
Lauren Chavez, MD is the Aeronautics Director and Chief Flight Instructor for Albuquerque Aviation Academy (formerly Southwest Aeronautics, Mathematics, and Science Academy,) a FREE PUBLIC CHARTER middle & high school in the Albuquerque & Rio Ranch area, where students can earn their Private Pilot Certificate for FREE. Dr. Chavez earned her Private Pilot's Certificate in 2002, and has been a Certified Flight Instructor for over 15 yrs.  Dr. Chavez is also a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner, performing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class medical exams for pilots and Air Traffic Controllers.

Lauren Chavez
CFI, CFII, AME, MD
Aeronautics Director​
Chief Flight Instructor
Albuquerque Aviation Academy 
https://www.samsacademy.com/
lchavez@samsacademy.com

 

William Fitzpatrick, Lt Col. CAP
William R. Fitzpatrick is an accomplished aviation and safety professional with over two decades of experience in various roles within the aviation industry, both in the public and private sectors. His extensive background includes leadership positions, regulatory compliance, safety management, and education in the field of aviation. In addition to his aviation career, William is an active member of community organizations and has demonstrated his dedication to education and outreach in the aerospace industry. 

William.fitzpatrick@dot.nm.gov
505-417-8368 cell

 

Matthew Murray
Originally from California, I have traveled the world and lived in many places.  My childhood was troubled, and I learned at an early age I wanted more out of life. I went into the military to better myself as a person and set myself on a better path than the one I was raised on. I truly felt a desire to give back to my country that gave so much to me.

I am retired from a distinguished career of 13 years in the US Army. This was a life altering experience for me. After being blown up three times, I was faced with significant challenges. I recovered from life-threatening injuries, requiring me to learn how to do basic things like walk again. I never gave up and was determined to establish myself in the work force with a new career. This defined me as the man I am today. I am a licensed Airframe and Powerplant mechanic and I am employed as an aviation mechanic in Edgewood, NM. I have been turning wrench since I was 9 years old.

I am a very driven person who does everything with integrity and honesty. I am outgoing, blunt, funny, and a true red neck at heart.

Currently I live in Santa Fe, NM. I am the father of three wonderful children. When I am not rebuilding my Volkswagen Beetle or my bus, I am exploring this beautiful state while camping or spending time on the water. 

 

Cheryl (Cher) Hanssen, ATP/Comm, CFII-ME
I was raised by a pilot, so I had a lot of exposure to aviation at an early age, going to the airport, watching the planes, and hearing some flying stories.  However when I started to think about going into flying as a career, my Dad discouraged me since there were few women in the industry in the 1970”s and he was concerned about the increased challenges I might face.  Well, I eventually chose to learn to fly anyway and found an industry with a lot of variety, some setbacks, but also a lot of opportunities.  I am a Certified Flight Instructor and Commercial/Airline Transport pilot with experience teaching, flying cargo, charters and air ambulance.  Along the way I worked for the FAA as a Flight Service Specialist in the Alaska Region doing weather observations, managing flight plans and activating Search and Rescue when needed.  I have flown in the Rocky Mountains and in the Caribbean and have flown land and seaplane operations.  My last job was for Jeppesen, a company in Colorado that has a long history of aviation charting as well as development of training materials.  My work there was as a Navigation Information Analyst, where I interpreted information changes that were received from government aviation departments around the world.  I was part of a team that analyzed the information, entered it into a data base, and verified the accuracy of the data that is extracted to many aircraft GPS systems.