NBAA 'Pay it Foward' Tour visits Long Beach Airport

On February 6, Long Beach Poly High School students took part in the NBAA "Pay It Forward" Tour at Long Beach Airport (LGB). 

Students arrived outside the Signature Flight Support LGB where they were greeted by airport staff along with business aviation tenants and special guest Shaesta Waiz, who currently holds the record for the youngest woman to fly solo in a single-engine plane around the world at the age of 30. Waiz spoke with the students and encouraged them to keep an open mind when considering careers in aviation.

"I challenge you go out there, you may not know anything about aviation but so much of the world is connected to airplanes,” Waiz said. “As you go around and talk to people that are here to support you guys and share their careers, listen closely because I never thought I would be a pilot so anything is possible.”

LGB Director Jess Romo highlighted the importance of business aviation as it makes up 88 percent of the airport’s total operations. Romo hoped that this event would inspire some of the students to choose a career in aviation.

“It makes me very happy to see all of you here today,” said LGB Director Jess Romo. “Business Aviation is an important part of what Long Beach Airport is about and with dedication and hard work, you too can be a part of this great aviation industry.”

The students were split up into groups and attended six different stations with representatives from Long Beach Airport, SoCal Jet Services, Island Express, Signature Flight Support, Pacific Air and Skechers where they learned more about LGB and business aviation. 

Shaesta Waiz taking a selfie with the students as they arrived