Aviation associations offer a slew of opportunities to put your business in position to receive positive recognition and increase sales. In addition to the members of the aviation technology group who work within the industry in some capacity, you will have opportunities to meet and get to know other business aviation association members, including those in businesses like yourself that support the national business aviation association.

Affiliation with an aircraft owners association provides lobbying and networking opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests while you support the industry. Membership in a business aviation association often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. Regional aviation organizations offer even more opportunities to network with local business leaders in your community. Approach your membership in an aviation association from a variety of perspectives.

1. Expand your network through aviation groups

2. Support the industry by participating in aviation associations

3. Land a better job through business aviation association connections

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Develop business contacts in an aviation technology group

Aviation organizations hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. At aircraft owners association events, as well as through various committees in which you can participate, you will have many occasions to socialize and network with other business people who support and work within the business aviation association. The business leaders you meet could offer a number of trade opportunities for you and your company.

I recommend: At the Air Care Alliance, you’ll network with aviators who fly for charitable causes. I Fly America provides services and benefits for aviators and enthusiasts alike.

Demonstrate your interest by joining an aviation association

If you want to do business with aviation companies, you will want to show your support while building relationships with national and local leaders in the industry. You often can do this best by participating in aviation associations with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: The Aircraft Electronics Association is a niche aviation association that represents more than 1,300 aviation businesses. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association provides training, advocacy and networking opportunities for members of the aviation industry.

Show off your skills at a national business aviation association

Whether you are just breaking into the aviation business or you are looking to further your career through a move to another company, you can make some great contacts at an aviation industry group. While working with the group and building relationships, you can utilize the educational portions of most aviation associations as well as prove yourself as a stable volunteer.

I recommend: The Civil Air Patrol is an organization that covers a lot of industry arenas and could provide a gold mine of job opportunities within a variety of aviation sectors. You’ll meet a number of business leaders involved in aviation at the Airline Consultants Association.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join fundraising or membership committees in a business aviation association to develop closer relationships with others who could be helpful to your career or who can send additional business your way.