More Than Pilots: 1.5 Million Aviation Jobs Ahead with René Banglesdorf Artwork

College and Career Clarity

If you are overwhelmed with the college-bound journey, confused by how much things have changed, or frustrated by having more questions than answers, then College and Career Clarity is the compass you need, when you need it most. Weekly episodes with Lisa Marker-Robbins and her guests provide families with strategic guidance to resource your student to make informed choices that align with their passions, purpose, and potential future. You’ll be informed to be able to have intentional & productive family conversations grounded in guidance and broken into actionable steps to move from overwhelmed and confused to motivated, clear, and confident about your teen’s future.

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College and Career Clarity

More Than Pilots: 1.5 Million Aviation Jobs Ahead with René Banglesdorf

September 02, 2025 • Lisa Marker Robbins • Season 1 • Episode 190

In this episode, Lisa and René discuss:

The wide range of career opportunities available in aviation, beyond being a pilot
The growing demand for aviation professionals due to industry growth and retirements
Barriers and opportunities for women in aviation careers
Ways for students and families to explore aviation early without costly commitments

Key Takeaways:

Over 1.5 million new jobs are expected to be added to the aviation industry in the next decade, spanning roles from pilots and mechanics to drone specialists and meteorologists, creating opportunities that extend far beyond the cockpit.
With 80% of mechanics and 20% of airline pilots expected to retire in the next 10 years, the industry faces an urgent need for new talent and massive knowledge transfer to keep operations safe and sustainable.
Aviation mechanics, who can enter the field through associate’s degrees or trade programs, often start at $70,000–$80,000 a year and can grow into six-figure salaries, offering a strong career path without requiring a costly four-year college degree.
Early exposure through programs like the EAA Young Eagles, discovery flights at local airports, and virtual career fairs provides teens and young adults with a low-cost, hands-on opportunity to determine if aviation sparks their passion before committing to a training pathway.

“One of the things that I notice about people who are successful in aviation is that they’re passionate about it. So I would say if you’re a person that wants something that you can be all in with… great choice.” – René Banglesdorf

Episode References:

Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
Young Eagles program (EAA – Experimental Aircraft Association): https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/free-ye-flights
#130 Pathway to Becoming a Pilot: Admissions and Career Insights with Penny Linsenmayer
Rene’s podcast and aviation career opportunities are at flourishcoachingco.com/aviation

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).

flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with René:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renebanglesdorf/
Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/renebanglesdorf/
Website: https://renebanglesdorf.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rene-banglesdorf-15bb8527/

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

Lisa Marker Robbins

Host