In the early 1950s, my mother, Janice K. Barden, stepped into the niche field of aviation recruitment. The industry was still in its early stages and there was no shortage of seasoned pilots. Over her six decades, she witnessed an influx of pilots in business aviation. They came to us after the Korean and Vietnam wars, in the early 1980s, post 9/11, and during the Great Recession in 2008.
The business aviation industry offered a great opportunity for pilots looking to make a career change. They sought more stable career opportunities and perceived corporate flying as financially secure during a period of stalled advancement, when retirements were extended by five years as the retirement age went to 65. Moreover, their extensive flight hours and experience were welcomed in our sector.
Sheryl Barden, CAM, is CEO of Aviation Personnel International, the longest-running recruiting and HR consulting firm dedicated to business aviation. A recognized thought leader on workforce and leadership issues, she is an NBAA CAM Fellow, past member of NBAA’s board of directors and advisory council, and recipient of NBAA’s John P. “Jack” Doswell Award for lifetime achievement and service to business aviation.
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