Hear first-hand aviation tales from a professional pilot.

This is an in-person program. Wearing a face covering is optional at all library events.

Hear what it's like to have a career as a Coast Guard Helicopter Pilot and how Karl Baldessari, Program Director of the COCC Aviation School, transitioned from the Coast Guard to commercial aviation, and ultimately to aviation education. He'll also discuss the Central Oregon Community College Aviation Program, including its evolution into the program as it exists today.

Karl Baldessari is the Program Director of the COCC School of Aviation. He has over 35 years' experience in the field of aviation, including extensive experience as a US Coast Guard helicopter pilot, aviation manufacturing manager, and aviation educator & trainer. He is a graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy, Naval Aviation Flight Training, and Command Staff College and he has additional post-graduate education & training in Aviation Safety, Human Factors, Risk Management, and Safety Management Systems. As a life-long learner, Karl is able to use broad industry knowledge, and decades of lessons learned to help develop the next generation of professional pilots.