Whether you are just being introduced to General Aviation, are just getting back into it, or are an active member of the industry, we are glad that you have come to our event.
By looking around this event you will see a wide range of aviation businesses, airplanes of all shapes and sizes and most noticeably, lots of smiling. Everyone loves to be around airplanes!
Rochester WINGS has had an 8 year track record of directly impacting aviation safety through safety seminars, recurrent training, flight instruction, and EAA Young Eagles Flights.
We have continued to have great programs for pilots, mechanics, and youth…so, what are we missing? To answer that question, I had the privilege of visiting almost every aviation business, airport and flight school in Western New York this year and found there to be a very resounding question to answer the question: who will be our next generation of pilots, mechanics and aviation business owners?
Every successful industry or business markets to its prospects. But something very unique about General Aviation is that it markets to its certificated pilots and to people who are already involved in the industry. There lies the answer.
Rochester WINGS will work over the next several years to become the premier aviation expo in the Northeast with a focus on introducing people of all ages to General Aviation and having a structure in place to align them with an Instructor, a mentor, educational materials, and the momentum to succeed at achieving a certificate! In short, we will be marketing to the prospects!
We have taken some significant initial steps this year by introducing Discovery Flights through which people can take their first flight lesson with an instructor right at the event, provided by flight schools from all over Western New York. We have also added career path seminars which can be attended by students or adults looking for a new career to better understand the roadmap to become a Corporate or Commercial Pilot, Aircraft Mechanic, or even an Air Traffic Controller. We have also instituted a Friday night social gathering so that the General Aviation community can gather in one place at one time to share stories and ideas.
In 2012, you will see National Sponsors and Exhibitors, more airplanes, more educational opportunities but most importantly you will see marketing reaching out to a larger regional area to pave the way for the future of General Aviation in the Northeast. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm for Rochester WINGS!