Agatha Basisper, Hidee Fujishige, Laura Kohan, Maria Potyrala and Era Miguel. (Photo: Northern Lights College, Alaska Highway News)

— By Tom Summer, Local Journalism Initiative, Alaska Highway News

Aircraft Maintenance Technician students gathered at the Dawson Creek, BC, aerospace hangar during the week of March 8-14 to mark Women of Aviation Worldwide Week, which celebrates female pilots and women in the industry.

The Northern Lights College (NLC) program is home to many international students, with a cohort of young women enjoying their first semester of the program.

In a March 11 press release, the college noted Phillipines-born students Agatha Basisper and Hidee Fujishige, who came to the college with backgrounds in the industry. Fujishige was an engineer who interned with Lufthansa, while Basisper worked on commercial aircraft.

“Northern Lights College, especially the hangar and the shop, is paradise for us aircraft technicians because everything, from the hand tools to the machinery is perfect,” said Basisper in the release.

“I was really inspired,” added Fujishige. “I got to meet all the inspectors, everyone seemed to love their job, so I thought why not try it?”

Fellow student Laura Kohan, noted her father was a pilot and her uncle was also a technician, sparking her interest in aviation.

“I actually got my automotive ticket first, and I decided it wasn’t for me,” she said. “Working on helicopters is pretty cool, and I love to do it.

Students Maria Potyrala and Era Miguel also expressed their satisfaction with the program.

“I love helicopters; they’re the coolest piece of machinery out there,” said Potyrala. “I would love to get on with a company that does heli-skiing or heli-fishing — just something adventurous.”

“After this, I want to join the Royal Canadian Air Force; I’m currently in the process [of applying] for it,” said Miguel.