Former American airman shares his passion with Aussie students
Published on 11 November, 2008
Former US Air Force aviator Ron Bishop has achieved some amazing things in his career, but none more satisfying than imparting his passion for aviation to his students at CQUniversity.
Ron said he has been in love with aviation since he was a boy.
Senior Lecturer Ron Bishop has a wealth of experience in the aviation field."I love aviation because it is the ultimate experience. It just amazes me how far we have come in just over 100 years," Ron said.
Joining the Air Force as a young man laid the foundations for an exciting career. He started in Rescue and Recovery and later as a flight engineer and loadmaster.
His first assignment was with the 55th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron in North Florida and he was later deployed to Operation Just Cause (Panama) and Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Then followed 9 years in Japan flying special operations and later back to Florida where he was later deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
His last position in the Air Force was the Operations Superintendent of the 550th Special Operation Squadron which is the school for Special Operations and Rescue. Here he managed over 100 personnel (57 of them instructors) and 11 aircraft at the only aviation school of its kind in the US Air Force.
"Aviation has enabled me to work and do great things with some outstanding people. Some of my achievements in aviation have enabled me to meet George Bush Senior and Junior and even eat dinner at the Whitehouse for a mission my crew and I achieved in Afghanistan."
Today, as Senior Lecturer for CQUniversity's Bachelor of Aviation program, Ron is enjoying handing on his knowledge of the industry to some inspiring young Australians.
"I love imparting my experience and helping students learn from my knowledge and mistakes that I've learned from. It's my passion.
Ron Bishop shows some students what life could look like working in the aviation industry."I'm living the dream by helping students achieve theirs."
CQUniversity's Bachelor of Aviation Technology program combines courses in business and informatics with aviation theory to provide a degree that targets current and future aviation and aeronautical personnel.
The program provides courses in meteorology, navigation, aircraft performance and planning, while courses in business management and information technology provide an understanding of management skills used in the aviation industry.
On completion of the aviation theory courses, students are equipped to pass the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) private and commercial pilot licence examinations. The business and IT courses equip students in programming, application development and network/systems services, skills crucial for the technological demands of the industry.
With this well-rounded knowledge base, recent graduates have been employed with Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue, Tiger Airlines, Australian Defence Force, Brisbane Airport and Boeing.
Recent Bachelor of Aviation graduate Nasir Abdul is now employed as an aircraft manufacturing analyst with Jabiru Aircraft Pty Ltd.The program is offered through distance education, enabling students to study anywhere they can access the Internet, and also on-campus in Bundaberg in South East Queensland.
For more details contact CQUniversity on 1300 360 444 or via Ron Bishop at r.bishop@cqu.edu.au .