Meet Bradley Jung, a Flight Data Engineer with SKYTRAC based in Kelowna, whose passion for finding creative and innovative solutions to problems aids him both at work and in his unique hobbies.
Jung graduated from Carleton University in Ottawa in 2014 with a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Aerodynamics, Propulsion, and Vehicle Performance. While in university, he completed a 16-month co-op with the National Research Council’s Flight Research Lab, which allowed him to expand his coding and aerospace engineering skills.
During his co-op, Jung worked in the Flight Recorder Playback Centre – a Transport Canada-accredited aircraft maintenance facility where black boxes (flight recorder systems) are analyzed. Jung also developed a computer program that allowed the Lab to analyze aviation incidents much quicker by constructing a path estimate using the aircraft’s heading, altitude, and wind data.
His work at the NRC earned him Carleton University’s Undergraduate Co-op Student of the Year award.
“I’ve always been interested in coding. During my co-op with the NRC, we read and analyzed black-box data. Little did I know that such niche knowledge would be very useful at my current job here at SKYTRAC.”
Taking the next step with SKYTRAC
Before joining SKYTRAC, Jung worked for four years in Quebec for TRU Simulation. At TRU Simulation, Jung worked on complex aircraft systems and audio simulation and even flew on ultra-realistic flight simulators. His experience there ignited a long-term passion to work within the aviation industry.
While at TRU Simulation, Jung heard about the opportunity to become a Flight Data Engineer at SKTYRAC through a family friend. The position piqued his interest, and he considered it the perfect next step in his career.
In October 2020, Jung and his wife decided to move cross-country to start working in the Kelowna SKYTRAC office. This exciting change allowed them to live closer to Jung’s family, who also live in BC.
SKYTRAC turned out to be exactly what Jung was looking for, who loves collaborating with customers and helping them process their often-complex flight data.
As part of the Flight Data Monitoring department, Jung ensures his team can access and interpret the data transmitted from an aircraft’s onboard device. Once the data is in the system, he and his team can look for events to alert the client of potential issues related to flight safety and performance.
“SKYTRAC was appealing because I get to work with clients on their flight data to improve flight safety. I get to solve problems and learn new things all the time. I also like decoding flight data; it’s very satisfying to figure out how to turn bits and bytes into readable information.”
Jung builds many tools that SKYTRAC uses both internally and externally. One of the highlights of Jung’s time with SKYTRAC was writing a data application that has contributed to the company’s season of growth. He wrote a file retrieval and pre-processing application that automates the ingestion of various data file types. Since implementing this application, SKYTRAC has onboarded over 150 aircraft, highlighting Jung’s impressive ability to develop creative and innovative solutions to problems.
Expressing his creativity
When he’s not deciphering code and building tools for clients, Jung stretches his creativity outside work through a couple of unique hobbies.
“I like calligraphy and am part of the Kelowna Calligraphy Guild. Calligraphy is a lost and beautiful art. I also like to 3D print. I make everything from signs (like the rotating 3D sign at the front desk) and articulated toys, which I sell at craft fairs, to more practical things like replacement components for broken things around the house.”
The key to working in aviation
The most important aspect of working in the aviation industry is the safety of passengers and crew onboard the aircraft, so when asked what advice he would give young people pursuing aviation and avionics careers, he said the answer is simple: Build relationships within the industry and be flexible.
“Reach out to your colleagues and make connections. The aviation world is complex, and we need each other. I’d also say be open to learning new ways of doing things. It helps us to keep growing and improving.”
Jung is passionate about improving aviation safety and client experience at SKYTRAC. We’re grateful for his contributions to our mission and excited to see what impactful innovations he is a part of in the future.
SKYTRAC’s #YoungTalent Series focuses on bright young minds who are just starting their aerospace careers. For career opportunities, please visit skytrac.ca/careers.
