Exciting advancements in the field of autonomous vehicles will have the public at large doing a double take as the reality of unmanned vehicles—both in the air and on the ground—gains momentum. And many skilled pilots, technicians and engineers will be needed to support these future endeavors.
Here, we’ll highlight some of the latest events happening in the New York area surrounding autonomous vehicles and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) which are intended to provide air taxi service in the not-so-distant future. Get ready to learn all about how the future of this phenomenon is carving a bright future for Vaughn College students.
Platooning demonstration at John F. Kennedy Airport
This June, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) and Ohmio—a leading New Zealand-based autonomous mobility company—will host the country’s first three-vehicle platooning demonstration at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport. This exciting event involves eight-passenger driverless shuttles that will travel closely together—without connection—on a closed area at the airport’s long-term parking lot. This demonstration is highly anticipated as it showcases how advancements in autonomous vehicle technology will someday transport passengers safely and efficiently to airport rental car facilities, nearby commuter rail stations, long-term parking lots and other short-term connections—without a driver and within a single movement. Last fall, the PANYNJ was highly successful in its demonstration of two eight-passenger electric autonomous shuttles. The second demonstration is planned to test a larger platoon at faster speeds.
New York City sees first test flight of piloted eVTOL
Earlier this year, skygazing New Yorkers had the opportunity to see the first test flight of a piloted eVTOL at the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York. BLADE Air Mobility and BETA Technologies tested a six-passenger ALIA-250 eVTOL—powered by an all-electric propulsion system—to test the noise profile of the aircraft. This milestone demonstration highlighted the transition of helicopters to eVTOLs and proved to be successful: The sound decibel was reduced to one-tenth of that of a helicopter.
Airbus and Boeing on board for autonomous eVTOL air taxi services
Aviation giants Boeing and Airbus are working toward making autonomous air taxi service—specifically pilotless eVTOLs—a high-flying reality in the near future.
Airbus has its sights set on certifying its City Airbus NextGen four-seat eVTOL by 2025, starting with piloted service and transitioning to an uncrewed air taxi service once regulations allow.
Boeing revealed that it invested $450 million in Wisk Aero—a California-based advanced air mobility company—which is developing the world’s first self-flying, all-electric four-seat air taxi that will transport people in dense urban areas. One of the key factors, however, is to build the air taxis to be as light as possible. Wisk Aero plans on leveraging Boeing’s experience with lightweight composite material that was used on the 787 fleet. The company intends to focus on uncrewed urban air mobility—with eVTOLs piloted by a multi-vehicle supervisor on the ground. There’s still some work to be done before you’ll actually see air taxis fly over your city. Regulatory agencies—such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), NASA and even international regulators—will play a major role in approving unmanned air taxis. Wisk Aero hopes to gain certification from the FAA by 2030.
Autonomous bus travel through the Lincoln Tunnel
If you’re loving the thought of zipping around in an autonomous shuttle at the airport, can you imagine what riding in an autonomous bus through the Lincoln Tunnel would be like? This idea is not too far from becoming a reality. In fact, the PANYNJ is working toward using autonomous vehicle technology in public transit. In October of 2022, the PANYNJ partnered with Navya, a leading French autonomous mobility company, to hold a demonstration of two-vehicle shuttle platooning at the JFK Aqueduct Parking Lot, the first-of-its-kind at a North American airport. The demonstration featured two eight-passenger electric autonomous vehicle (AV) shuttles in a platoon to simulate how AV technology could serve passengers in the future and increase capacity of the bus lane.
How eVTOL aircraft reduce impact on the environment
eVTOL aircraft will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency compared to traditional planes and helicopters. This is because eVTOLs are powered by electric motors, which produce zero emissions and are much more efficient than traditional gas engines.
In addition, as noted, eVTOL aircraft are being made to operate predominantly in urban environments, which reduces the need for long commutes and decreases traffic congestion. This can lead to a reduction in overall energy consumption as well as an increase in individual productivity and well-being.
How Vaughn is providing skilled engineers to move autonomous vehicle development forward
As you can imagine, there are many moving parts to autonomous vehicles. With that being said, the industry needs skilled mechanical, electrical, mechatronic and aerospace engineers to design, build, test and ensure the safety of these efficient, high performing vehicles. In addition to associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in these areas, Vaughn offers a certificate program in unmanned aerial system (UAS) design, application and operation, so you can become the next engineer to help design and build eVTOL vehicles. Vaughn’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) club is a community of students and faculty who put their heads together to build, program and fly drones, and compete in top contests around the nation. They are also ambassadors of drone safety and help to mentor young drone enthusiasts.
Vaughn offers a certificate in safety management systems which will give you a competitive edge in managing aviation safety. The sky is—literally—the limit in where your degree can take you. Discover the possibilities to create a brighter future not only for yourself, but for the world too. Apply today!
In recognition of Earth Day, Vaughn College is celebrating with some exciting news where sustainability in the aviation and engineering industries is concerned. Learn how these industries that employ engineers, technicians and managers are taking important strides toward becoming more environmentally friendly and sustainable, thanks to a variety of innovative technologies that are already beginning to revolutionize the way we fly.
Sustainable Fuel
One of the biggest and most promising developments is the move towards sustainable aviation fuel (or SAF). So, what is SAF? SAF is a biofuel that’s produced from sustainable feedstocks that has similar properties as traditional fossil jet fuel—but with a smaller carbon footprint. American Airlines was the first airline to use SAF in its regular operations. Since then, other airlines have begun experimenting with these biofuels in their commercial flights. (American Airlines, it should be noted, is hoping to reach its goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2050.)
The commitment for net-zero GHG emissions is also being seen at NASA and at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Bolstering this commitment, the U.S. Department of Energy is working with federal agencies—which include the US Department of Agriculture and the US Department of Transportation—to making aviation cleaner, quieter and more sustainable by 2050.
Electric planes
The reality of electric planes may be closer than you think, as the technology behind these futuristic aircraft is rapidly evolving. As you would surmise, electric planes run on electricity instead of jet fuel—which significantly reduces their emissions and lowers the industry’s environmental impact. This promising development could be a real gamechanger. Although electric planes are not capable of keeping up with traditional planes when it comes to distance and speed, they could be a viable option for many commercial flights in the future.
On the other hand, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and advancements in urban air mobility may not only be a high-flying reality but an employment booster as well, since it has the potential to create new job opportunities. The need for skilled engineers, designers and maintenance technicians are only a few of the jobs that are necessary for the development and manufacture of eVTOL vehicles. And when it comes to flying these amazing aircraft, the need for pilots will increase even more. Additionally, eVTOL vehicles will require maintenance and repair opening doors for a range of career opportunities that can potentially stimulate economic growth in many communities.
Advancing technology
Thanks to advanced technology such as data analysis, artificial intelligence and blockchain solutions, airplanes now run far more efficiently and safely. These latest innovations are not only helping to reduce energy consumption, emissions and waste, but they are saving airlines money, improving reliability and boosting passenger satisfaction.
Beyond the aviation industry, wind and solar power are also creating new opportunities for engineers and those holding airframe and powerplant certificates. Many engineers are working to develop and improve wind turbines and solar panels. These technologies not only help provide clean energy for homes and businesses, but they also create new jobs for people looking to build, design and maintain the structures. See how Samia Oishi ’21 is using her mechatronic engineering degree from Vaughn to drive energy equity and create a more sustainable future.
How a Vaughn degree can lead to a futureproof—and sustainable—career
Earning a Vaughn degree can meet today’s industry needs where they are. Innovations in SAF, electric planes and technology are helping to reduce the environmental impact while creating new opportunities for engineers and professionals in related fields.
Are you looking for a futureproof career that can make an environmental difference? Vaughn offers degrees in engineering and technology, management and aviation. Discover the possibilities of a Vaughn College degree. Apply today!
Vaughn College is excited to announce its 2023 Computer Engineering Summer Boot Camp, happening in July and August. Students will be introduced to some of the hottest topics in the industry, including cybersecurity, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, computer scripting, operating systems, ethical hacking and so much more! And best of all—it’s completely free!
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, our summer boot camp can be your first big step to becoming a highly sought-after candidate in one of the fastest growing career sectors in the country.
Why the field is red hot
Today, nearly all financial transactions are conducted online, which have given rise to cyberattacks. If you’ve ever been hacked, you know firsthand experience how disruptive it is. Because of the serious nature of cyberattacks, the U.S. government is now requiring companies to protect data. There are approximately 1.8 million cybersecurity-related positions worldwide that will go unfilled this year. The urgency to fill these positions is making computer engineering and information technology among the hottest career sectors today.
Vaughn’s Computer Engineering Summer Boot Camp Details
Where and when it’s happening
The computer engineering boot camp will be held on Vaughn’s main campus. Here is what you need to know:
Program runs from July 17 – August 24.
Each week, classes will be held Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
(One hour lunch break between 12-1 p.m.)
Who is eligible to participate?
This free, in-person, program is open to:
- High school students, particularly seniors
- Community college students
- College students with an interest in computer engineering, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence
What will be taught?
Students will receive an introduction and hands-on training in some of today’s most influential topics in the industry, including:
- Blockchain technology
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Principles of ethical hacking
- Computer scripting
- Operating systems
- Plus, so much more!
Through project implementations in hardware and software, students will engage in hands-on learning practices to help them understand the top-down processes that focus on application results. Here are some other exciting features:
- Each class focuses on the hottest topics in the industry.
- Each week, a new topic will be explored.
- Students will be fully engaged with theory and hands-on training.
Why Vaughn?
Vaughn has the faculty, resources and industry experts to help you engineer a bright future in cybersecurity and information technology. Need more proof? Check out our proven results:
- Vaughn was ranked #1 in upward mobility nationwide.*
- Vaughn was ranked a 2022 Best Regional College by U.S. News & World Report.
- 88 percent of Vaughn graduates―75 percent in their chosen field―are employed or continue their education within one year.**
- Vaughn was ranked in the top four percent of colleges with the highest ROI for low income students.***
- Vaughn’s well-connected, experienced faculty and staff will keep you on a path of success throughout your college career.
- Vaughn’s curriculum is based on the latest trends in the industry and is updated as trends shift with new technological advancements.
- We guarantee you’ll graduate with the skills you need for a successful career.†
Ready to register for boot camp?
Make the most of your future this summer. It’s easy to register. Complete a simple form and we will confirm your acceptance.
Sign Up Here
Booting up for success
Are you interested in pursuing cybersecurity as a career? Check out Vaughn’s new Computer Engineering Bachelor of Science degree program, now enrolling for fall 2023!
Learn More
*The Upshot, January 18, 2017, “Some Colleges Have More Students From the Top 1 Percent Than the Bottom 60.”
**Outcomes include data within one year of graduation for graduates who reported via survey. There were a total of 237 graduates in 2020. 178 reported an outcome for an 75% response rate. The 2020 graduate class includes September 2019, December 2019 and May 2020 graduates.
***Data from a study completed by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, “The Colleges Where Low-Income Students Get the Highest ROI”
†For eligible full-time students. See full details here.
Vaughn’s 2023 STEM summer camp programs are now open for registration. They focus on hands-on, experiential, project-based learning covering a range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) topics including computer engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, engineering, drone development/operation and more. They are designed to pave the way to today’s in-demand and futureproof careers in engineering, technology, management and aviation. High school students can earn college credit, prepare for college life and get a jump-start on their future—all while having fun, making friends and building memories that will last a lifetime. Are you a high school student interested in these career fields? Find out how Vaughn can make your summer one of the best yet!
Air travel is rebounding
According to Forbes Advisor, air travel and tourism are rebounding as global air traffic climbed to about 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 2022. This post-pandemic travel surge has put the aviation industry in hiring mode. Since 2021, approximately 96,000 aviation-related jobs have been added, and this figure continues to climb.
Filling the need for cybersecurity in aviation and other areas
Heightened cyber threats have opened new doors of employment opportunities for cyber-ready individuals in helping combat this threat everywhere—including aviation. From ransomware attacks to systems outages—among other forms of cyber-attacks—the aviation industry has become the latest target for hackers to wreak havoc on.
The Computer Engineering Summer Academy Program at Vaughn gives students a head start in learning the basic and intermediate skills of computer engineering, which includes cybersecurity as it applies to aviation and many other industries. Pursuing a computer engineering degree at Vaughn will bring students one step closer to filling the need in this emerging field.
STEM is among most lucrative and fastest-growing career fields in the US
Jobs in the fields of (STEM) are not only the fastest-growing careers in the US, but they are the highest-paying ones as well. With growth expected to reach 15 percent between 2021 and 2034, STEM jobs are taking the top spot due to the growth of the digital economy—with information security jobs topping the list as among the fastest-growing in STEM-related fields.
Vaughn is offering two STEM-focused summer programs for high school students who wish to explore a career in engineering and technology.
The first is the TryEngineering Summer Institute is a hands-on camp sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), where students will gain real-life experience by working alongside industry professionals and engaging in hands-on projects within Vaughn’s engineering and technology labs.
The second is the Summer Engineering Experience Program which gives students the best of both worlds, as they learn how to prepare for college life both academically and socially. Students will not only explore what it’s like to major in engineering, but they will also have the opportunity to enroll in IBM courses which can then lead to earning artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity certificates.
Turn your passion for drones into a high-flying career
Were you aware that some of today’s hottest industries are paying six-figure salaries for experienced drone pilots? The demand for commercial drone pilots is soaring, as industries rely on drones—or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)—now more than ever before. In fact, according to Research and Markets, the demand for drone pilots is expected to grow by 51.1 percent over the next five years—with sales projected to reach over $16 billion by 2030. And that’s just from select markets!
The Propel Forward: UAS Certificate Program is a cutting-edge course of study which provides students the opportunity to earn 11 Vaughn College credits while still in high school. Students will receive the foundation—and hands-on experience—they need to earn their remote pilot certificates for operating an unmanned aircraft system (UAS).
What are your plans this summer? Enrolling in one of Vaughn’s Summer 2023 Programs can bring you one step closer to a futureproof career. Check them out and register today!
