On February 14, 2025, fifteen students from Atherton High School's Aerospace Engineering pathway embarked on an exhilarating journey into the world of aviation, visiting UPS's state-of-the-art flight simulators. This hands-on experience not only exposed them to cutting-edge technology but also provided invaluable insights into potential aviation careers.

A Glimpse into the Future of Aviation

The UPS visit provided Atherton students with a multifaceted opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of aviation at this global logistics giant. Students gained insights into UPS's vast global operations and had the unique chance to explore the company's cutting-edge training facility. Adding another layer of depth, the students connected directly with UPS pilots and interns, gleaning firsthand knowledge about aviation careers and the diverse paths available within the industry.

The highlight of the visit was undoubtedly the chance to operate UPS's advanced flight simulators, offering students a taste of the pilot's seat. These simulators, known as Level D full-flight simulators, are incredibly realistic and used for training professional pilots. They offer a fully immersive experience, replicating the exact cockpit layout, controls, and flight characteristics of specific aircraft models, including the Boeing 747 and MD-11.

Austin Wilburn, an Atherton senior who already holds a pilot's license, was particularly impressed. "These are nothing like the cockpits I'm used to," Austin remarked, emphasizing the leap from his current experience to the professional-grade equipment.

“This is as real as it gets. This gives me a good idea of what it would look like to work here.”

— Austin Wilburn

Insights from Captain Dan: A Veteran Pilot's Perspective

Captain Dan Sherlock, Louisville Chief Pilot for UPS Airlines, warmly welcomed the students. With 20 years of experience at UPS and a wealth of knowledge from three other airlines, Captain Dan provided a comprehensive overview of the aviation industry and UPS's global operations.

During his presentation, Captain Dan highlighted the vast opportunities available within UPS, emphasizing the company's strong presence in Louisville. He noted that UPS has approximately 500,000 employees and touches over 200 countries and territories worldwide. While the company has a global reach, Louisville serves as a major hub, employing 2,450 of the approximately 3,500 UPS pilots.

Whether starting in Louisville or elsewhere, Captain Dan suggested that a career at UPS could lead to worldwide opportunities. He spoke about the company's diverse aircraft and highlighted that UPS has a flight that goes directly to Dubai. Speaking on package volume, he added that during the peak season from mid-November to the first week of January, UPS moves approximately 24 million packages per day.

Captain Dan Sherlock with aspiring UPS Pilot Austin Wilburn

Captain Dan also imparted valuable life advice to the aspiring aviators:

"Find a mentor. Connect with them."
"Get good grades."
"Be a master of your craft."

"Build a network of people, and be adaptable to change."
"Be flexible."

He emphasized the importance of being part of something bigger than oneself, noting, "I am looking for people willing to give back and make the world a better place." Captain Dan also stressed, "There is one key: a love and desire for what you do."

State-of-the-Art Flight Simulators

The UPS flight simulators left a lasting impression on the students. These simulators are at the forefront of aviation technology, offering an ultra-realistic training environment. They feature:

Exact replicas of actual aircraft cockpits
Advanced visual systems for realistic scenery and weather conditions
Motion platforms that simulate the feel of flight
Sophisticated computer systems that replicate various flight scenarios and emergencies

The simulators are so advanced that they allow pilots to accumulate flight hours and maintain their certifications without leaving the ground. For the Atherton students, this experience provided a tangible glimpse into the professional world of aviation.

A Glimpse into Future Careers

The visit to UPS's training center offered students a vivid picture of potential future careers in aviation. From experiencing the flight simulators to learning about various internship opportunities, the students gained valuable insights into the pathways available in the industry.

Laura, one of the participating students, expressed her excitement about learning the different internships and career paths available. As an aspiring pilot, she found the information particularly relevant to her future goals.

For Austin Wilburn, who dreams of becoming a UPS pilot, the experience was particularly impactful. "This is as real as it gets," he said. "This gives me a good idea of what it would look like to work here."

As these young aviators continue to pursue their dreams, the experience at UPS will undoubtedly serve as a guiding beacon, illuminating the path to successful careers in the skies. The combination of hands-on simulator experience, industry insights, and career advice has provided them with a solid foundation for their future in aviation.