The Organization Of Black Aerospace Professionals Launches Aviation Career Academy In Puerto Rico

July 1, 2010 - PRLog -- As part of a nation wide initiative from the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) to expand the existing Aviation Career Education Academies (ACE) in 20 cities internationally, UPS Puerto Rico announced that it has pledged its support to sponsor the launch of the first ever academy in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  

Puerto Rico is one of 30 OBAP Academies being held in 20 cities across the country for youth ages 14-18.  The OBAP San Juan academy is under the direction of Mr. Carl Osborne of United Airlines. The kick off included an orientation and parent reception with UPS Vice President of Human Resources and OBAP Board Member Mr. Charnley Conway.  

The objectives for the ACE Academies are to teach, inspire and provide the opportunity for youth to discover the many careers in the field of aviation/aerospace.

“Plans are for OBAP to expand its summer programs internationally and the launch in Puerto Rico is the first step in that direction,” said OBAP Executive Director Cheryl Chew.

“This is a very special year for UPS in Puerto Rico because we are celebrating our 25th anniversary of operations in Puerto Rico since first opening our doors in 1985, “said Charnley Conway, Vice President Human Resources-UPS Americas.

“Since 1951, the UPS Foundation has maintained a tradition of providing support through grant programs and initiatives that help improve the quality of life in communities where UPS employees live and work. For Puerto Rico, UPS has been coordinating community based activities and donations since 1988 - to date, we have helped out almost 30 organizations throughout the island, he added.
   
The summer programs which include the ACE Aviation Career Education Academies, Solo Flight Academies and Private Pilot Academies are open to youth interested in careers in aviation/aerospace and will be held in the following cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Cleveland, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Dover, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, Louisville, Manassas, Memphis, Pensacola, Phoenix, San Antonio and Seattle.

OBAP, formerly known as the Organization of Black Airline Pilots has been delivering summer youth programs since 1989 in partnership  with the National Black Coalition of Aviation Employees(NBCFAE) as well as other local organization in the various cities. More than 2,500 youth have been provided with comprehensive training in various aviation disciplines.

The students are provided lessons in aviation history, aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, flight training and simulator orientation with FAA qualified flight instructors, and much more.

The programs are run by a dedicated volunteer staff with the core members being aviation professionals who forego personal and vacation time to work with the students.

About OBAP

OBAP is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization and was founded in 1976 to increase the number of African-American pilots and women employed by major U.S. airlines. The mission of OBAP focuses on preparing young people to realize a successful future in aviation through educational opportunities, mentoring, and aviation projects. For more information visit www.obap.org.

About UPS

Founded in 1907 as a messenger company in the United States, UPS has grown into a $49.7 billion corporation by clearly focusing on the goal of enabling commerce around the globe. Today, UPS is a global company with one of the most recognized and admired brands in the world that has become the world's largest package delivery company and a leading global provider of specialized transportation and logistics services. The company daily manages the flow of goods, funds, and information in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.