Sponsored Student Spotlight: Kyle Bruce

The aviation bug bit Kyle Bruce early. He began flight training at the age of 15 and started working at Peterborough Airport around a year later. Kyle knew that he wanted to pursue a career in aviation ─ a commercial pilot, perhaps? ─ but he discovered all the diverse opportunities in airport operations as he became more familiar with activities at his local airport. This early exposure to the aviation ecosystem set Kyle on his professional journey which ultimately led him to cross paths with the Airport Management Council of Ontario in 2006 at the 21st Annual Convention and Annual General Meeting in North Bay.

Let us check in with Kyle as he recalls his time as a 2006 Sponsored Student and shares pertinent advice for aviation management students today!

A Solid Foundation and Lasting Memories

While working at Peterborough Airport, the airport manager at the time advised Kyle that Georgian College offered a diploma program in Aviation Management. This educational opportunity greatly attracted Kyle as he considered such instruction and programming as a solid foundation for a career in his preferred field. Certainly, the decision to pursue an aviation-centric post-secondary education coincided with his passions and has since served him well.

Kyle warmly recalls his time as an AMCO Sponsored Student as part of his post-secondary experience. He remembers the social activities at the 21st Annual Convention well, including a boat cruise on Lake Nipissing as well as a visit to the old North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) facility. Nonetheless, it was the ability to make connections with seasoned airport professionals and learning from timely presentations from knowledgeable speakers from all sectors of the industry that left lasting memories. The opportunity to ask questions about operations and discuss potential career paths within the airport environment left an indelible mark on the young man about to enter his own aviation career journey.

A Contemporary Voice and Advice for Future Students

Many of the people that Kyle met as a Sponsored Student remain in leadership roles at airports across the province today. And now, Kyle is part of this cohort. He currently serves as the Manger of Airport Administration with the City of Peterborough. Several of the relationships made as a student endured through his time as an early professional and even continue in Kyle’s current role.

Kyle shares that it is very rewarding to still engage with the same association that offered its support and networking opportunities as a student. He recognizes that he can assist in supporting the next generation of aviation professionals ─ a return of the opportunity offered to him all those years ago. As well, Kyle hopes that students are aware of the diversity of careers in the aviation industry, and that there is a role for everyone interested in this sector.

For instance, he notes that he has worked with individuals who have gone on to successful careers as corporate pilots, airline pilots, air traffic controllers, flight services specialists, auditing and compliance experts, aviation safety specialists, civil aviation inspectors, airport planning and engineering consultants as well as airport management and operations specialists. Some of these former colleagues found careers across the globe! This is a certainly an industry with a potential for career growth and exploration.

Kyle offers this insightful advice to current students and those who may be attracted to a career in the aviation sphere. He notes, “Be humble, ask questions and take every opportunity to learn and invest in yourself. Opportunities are wide ranging. Don’t be afraid to look outside of your comfort zone to keep challenging yourself. Reach out to the connections you make.”

With this sound insight, one can easily see why Kyle Bruce is a fine example of an AMCO Sponsored Student alumnus. He followed his enthusiasm for aviation and combined it with a curiosity for learning that consequently led him to a rewarding career in his chosen field. This yet another success story with a link to the AMCO Sponsored Students Program!