Generations of flight: UWO aviation management student finds his future at AirVenture

Nicholas Schlabach, a student in the Aviation Management program at UW-Oshkosh, has been busy this week at EAA AirVenture, working for an aircraft detailing company and networking with aviation industry experts.

Before Nicholas Schlabach ever imagined working on aircraft for NASA, he was a kid standing in a hangar beside his father.

His father spent about 45 years as an aircraft mechanic. His grandfather commanded a P-38 squadron during World War II and continued flying after returning home. Aviation surrounded Schlabach.

"A lot more seeds were planted than I really realized," he said.

After graduating from high school in 2017, Schlabach did not see college or a career in aviation as realistic possibilities. He needed time to find his footing and understand what he wanted.

"I had poor grades in school, so I thought college wasn't an option," he said. "I thought I was never going to fly or be able to do any of that."

But aviation kept calling him back.

Finding his path

Schlabach joined the Air Force, an experience that immersed him in aviation and gave him the confidence to begin imagining a different future. He later earned his private pilot license and enrolled in full time flight training at Fox Valley Technical College.

Then he found the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh aviation management program.

The fully online bachelor's degree allowed Schlabach to build upon his military experience and technical aviation training while continuing flight school and working. He began the UWO program this spring and expects to complete his degree in the fall.

Britney Deruchowski, program development and student support coordinator for UWO's online programs, said students enter the program through many different paths, including FAA certifications, military service, technical training and aviation related associate degrees.

"What makes our online aviation management program unique is its focus on working aviation professionals," Deruchowski said. "The program helps them leverage their existing experience while developing the leadership and management skills necessary to take the next step in their careers."

At the same time, many are balancing their education with careers, families and other responsibilities.

Because the courses are asynchronous, Schlabach can complete his work when it fits his schedule. Seven-week terms also allow students to focus on one or two courses at a time, helping them continue working toward a degree without putting the rest of their lives on hold.

"The hours are very flexible," he said. "It's easy to be a full time student with UWO while working and going to Fox Valley (for flight school) at the same time."

Where the aviation world comes home

For aviation management students at UWO, the industry they are preparing to lead does not feel far away.

"One week a year, the global aviation community comes home to Oshkosh," said Mike Garvin, an instructor in UWO's aviation management program. "Pilots make the pilgrimage from all over the world to see aircraft, friends and colleagues. There is nothing else like this in the world."

Last year's gathering welcomed more than 600,000 attendees and 10,000 aircraft.

Garvin describes the atmosphere as electric.

"It is where the history, present and future of aviation all come together for one magical week," he said.

For students, that energy comes with direct access to experts in aircraft construction, repair, operations and design. A presentation or conversation can introduce them to a part of aviation they had never considered.

"It's a really cool networking opportunity," Schlabach said. "You get to meet so many people within the industry, shake hands and build those connections."

"The connection from students to industry experts is part of the magic that makes EAA AirVenture so special," Garvin said.

Turning access into experience

For Schlabach, that connection has already become tangible.

During AirVenture, he is working with JetGlow, an aircraft detailing and restoration company. In only a few days, he worked on a NASA F 5 aircraft, a MiG 29 and the interior of an aircraft from Austria's Flying Bulls fleet.

"A month ago, I wouldn't have thought I would be where I am right now," he said.

Looking toward what comes next

After completing his programs, Schlabach plans to begin flying professionally and work toward a career with an airline. His goals also extend beyond the cockpit.

"The degree is carrying and propelling that forward so I can potentially move into the management role the program is built for," he said.

He is not the only member of the Schlabach family looking toward the sky.

His son, who is 2, wakes up asking to see airplanes. During AirVenture week, Schlabach brought him into the hangar to stand beneath the aircraft and stare up in wonder.

Just like Schlabach once did beside his own father.

Years ago, Schlabach believed college and flying were beyond his reach. Now, he is finishing two programs, preparing to fly professionally and building connections at the center of the aviation world.

With a flexible degree program behind him and the aviation industry gathering in his backyard, Schlabach is not waiting to discover where his education can take him.

He is already there.

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