As summer in Washington is just starting to heat up, I have begun working 24/7 (at least it feels like it). I recently started my internship with the Port of Seattle at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. I am the Aviation Operations Intern for the summer! I was so surprised to find out I received the internship, since I had only just finished my freshman year of college.
Starting out, I wasn’t really sure what to expect of this internship. All I knew was it was at Sea-Tac and that I would be working for Airport Operations. After working at the Port for two weeks now, I can say day-to-day, you never really know what to expect. Working in Ops at an airport is unpredictable. One day’s tasks are completely different from the next day’s. This is what I have come to love about Airport Ops. It is part of my job to go and walk around the terminal and the airfield (and who wouldn’t love that?!). Through this internship, I am getting a hands-on approach to aviation.
My office!
In my short time on the job, I have toured almost every inch of the terminal and airfield. What is especially interesting about interning at Sea-Tac right now is all of the expansions and growth. The center runway is currently under construction because it is being repaved, Sea-Tac is experiencing record high growth rates and passenger loads, and it is during peak travel season. So, there is a lot going on.
I was able to complete wildlife training the other day. It consists of learning how to capture, harass, and transport wildlife on airport property. I was able to practice shooting off pyrotechnics, shoot a net gun, and do shotgun training. I never imagined myself doing shotgun training when I received this internship. It just goes to show you, airport operations can never be predicted day-to-day!
Getting ready to do shotgun training
The link below is a video of my first shot in the shotgun training!
I also have been able to tour the entire airfield, bag well, fire station, terminal, music and art programs, security center, and dispatch centers. Before I started this internship, I had no idea the huge amount of components there are in daily airport operations. As passengers, we have the slightest idea of what really goes on behind the scenes in an airport!
One day, one of the Ops employees and myself drove out under the approach lights for the runway, and stood there as planes flew right over our heads. It was crazy to watch 737’s, 757’s, and even a few 747’s fly right over where I was standing. I never realized how big of machines they were until I was standing, head tilted back, ears ringing, underneath a Boeing aircraft flying over me.It is simply amazing the power, precision, and efficiency of modern day aircraft.
South Satellite (AKA International Terminal)
I am so thankful for this internship opportunity. I have learned more in two weeks than I ever thought I would, and I will continue to learn throughout the rest of the summer. At this job, everyday I am reminded why aviation is my passion and why it is so important in the world today.
In closing, I’ll leave a few photos of aircraft!
Until next time,
Lindsey
