Aviation Organizations

     A pilots career path would determine what association is most important to commit to and become a member.  Airline Industry, Corporate/Business Aviation, and Cargo/Freight are all great examples of different industries that are available in Aviation.  Regardless of what career path a pilot would venture, the Wings Pilot Proficiency Program through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), would be an excellent choice to maintain throughout any of these aviation career paths.  It's based on the premise that pilots who maintain currency and proficency in the basics of flight will enjoy a safer and more stress-free flying experience (FAA, 2015).  The pilot that will be taking the Business Aviation career path would most likely be interested in National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) to assist and use as a tool in becoming more efficient, productive, and successful in the Business Aviation community.  The Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) would benefit a pilot that would be taking that airline path since it is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 51,000 pilots at 30 U.S. and Canadian airlines (ALPA, 2015).  Airforwarders Association (AfA) serves as the voice for the cargo/freight industry, varying from domestic to worldwide freight forwarding operations that represents nearly 400 member companies dedicated to moving cargo throughout the supply chain.

     The objective of the FAA Wings program is to address the primary accident causal factors that continue to plaque the general aviation community.  By focusing on this objective, the goal is to reduce the number of accidents we see each year for the same causes.  The award program is a true proficiency program that is designed to help improve skills and knowledge as pilots.  A selection of an Airman profile with the category and class of aircraft in which you wish to receive training and what you will demonstrate flight proficiency.  Requirements for each aircraft category and class include specific subjects and flight maneuvers.  Master pilot award recognizes pilots who have demonstrated professionalism, skill and aviation expertise by maintaining safe operations for 50 or more years.  Recipients are awarded a certificate and a lapel pin and are recognized in the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award (FAA, 2015).  The completion of any Phase of Wings satisfies the requirement for a flight review.  Not only will you complete a review of the most common weak areas that have led others to an accident, you end up with a flight review as well.

     Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, D.C., the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization and represents more than 10,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community.  NBAA's mission is to foster an environment that allows business aviation to thrive in the United States and around the world (NBAA, 2015).  The leadership of NBAA is organized with an 18-member Board of Directors, a team of experienced senior executives and the continuing guidance provided by a network of Standing Committees and Strategic Focus Teams that is focused solely on supporting the business aviation industry's diverse interests.  NBAA offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, services and products that give Member Companies of all types and sizes the tools they need to make the best use of their business aircraft.  Some member benefits include; representation, networking, access to industry experts, and flight department administration resources.

     Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) is considered the strong voice for Airline Pilots.  Founded in 1931, the Association is chartered by the AFL-CIO and the Candian Labour Congress.  Internationally it is known as US-ALPA, it is a member of the International Federation of ALPA.  ALPA provides three critical services to it's members; Airline Safety and Security, representation, and advocacy.  At all levels of ALPA, pilots make decisions through the democratic process. All decisions start with our pilot groups. Each pilot group consists of all the pilots at a given airline. Pilot groups exercise considerable autonomy in governing their own internal affairs, such as negotiating contracts, enforcing those contracts, and discussing issues of concern with their companies.  Members of each ALPA carrier are represented by their Local Council Status Representatives, who make up each pilot group’s Master Executive Council (MEC).  ALPA’s National Officers, the President, the First-Vice President, the Vice-President-Administration/Secretary, the Vice-President-Finance/Treasurer, guide the Association’s work from its Washington D.C. headquarters and nearby Herndon, Va. offices (ALPA, 2015).
     
     Airforwarders Association (AfA) are the travel agents for freight shipments, moving cargo in the timeliest and most cost efficient manner.  Most of it's platinum members are pilots flying with Delta Airlines Cargo, Southwest Airlines Cargo, US Airways, Jetblue Airways, Etc.  The association's members range from small businesses with fewer than 20 employees to large companies employing more than 1,000 people and business models varying from domestic to worldwide freight forwarding operations.  Members benefit from the AfA’s expertise and experience in the air forwarding business, from legislative updates to frequent meetings with regulators to the latest information on the air cargo markets worldwide. AfA membership provides your business with access to top-quality training programs, up to date information about new regulations affecting the industry and news you can use to stay ahead of your competitors (AfA, 2015).  AfA offers their members key programs which include; affinity programs, training programs, industry advocacy on key legislation, industry news service, and media representation.

     Associations are the life-line of any industry, aviation included.  Picking the right association will save you time, money and frustration.  Many aviation associations represent the individual pilot, mechanic or enthusiast, while others represent your business and offer guidance, advice, forms, manuals, and checklists to assist you and your business in meeting the regulatory requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Joining a professional organization is a great way to learn about different aviation careers from people who actually work in aviation. The knowledge, experiences, and friendships gained from joining such an organization can truly help launch your career.

References

Airforwarders Association (AfA).  (2015).  Retrieved from http://www.airforwarders.org/cpages/about-us-2014

Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).  (2015).  Retrieved from http://www.alpa.org/AboutALPA/WhoWeAre/tabid/2030/Default.aspx

Aviation Entrepreneur.  (2015).  Aviation associations.  Retrieved from http://morethanflight.com/library/aviationassociations.html

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  (2015).  The wings pilot proficiency program.  Retrieved from http://www.faasafety.gov/WINGS/pub/learn_more.aspx

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).  (2015).  Retrieved from http://www.nbaa.org/about/

North Central Texas Council of Governments.  (2015).  Professional organizations.  Aviation careers.  Retrieved from http://www.nctaviationcareers.com/content/professional-organizations-0