11 Aviation Organizations for Pilots

Aviation organizations play a variety of roles in the aviation industry, and you benefit from aviation organizations every time you fly. 

They make sure planes are in good shape and pilots know what they’re doing. Some groups focus on big airlines, while others help small plane owners.

There are many kinds of aviation groups. Some work with the government to make laws. Others teach new pilots or study ways to make planes safer. All of them want to make sure you have a good trip when you fly.

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is your go-to group for all things flying. Founded in 1939, AOPA works to keep general aviation strong and safe.

As a member, you get lots of perks. These include flight training resources, legal services, and discounts on aviation products. The AOPA also gives you a voice in Washington, fighting for your freedom to fly.

The AOPA offers many ways to improve your skills. You can take online courses, attend safety seminars, or read their magazines. They even have a flight planner to help you map out your trips.

The group’s mission is simple: protect your right to fly and make it more affordable. They work hard to grow the pilot community and keep small airports open.

Your membership helps fund important initiatives. The AOPA advocates for fair fuel prices and sensible regulations. They also run programs to get more young people interested in aviation careers.

Whether you’re a student pilot or a seasoned flyer, the AOPA has something for you. With over 300,000 members, you’ll be part of a big aviation family.

Experimental Aircraft Association

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is a group for people who love planes. It’s a fun community where you can learn about flying and share your passion for aviation.

Have you ever dreamed of soaring through the sky? The EAA can help make that dream come true. They offer programs to teach you how to fly and support your aviation journey.

You can join the EAA to meet other plane enthusiasts. They host events where you can see cool aircraft up close. You might even get to ride in one!

The EAA isn’t just for pilots. It’s for anyone who finds planes exciting. You can learn about building and fixing aircraft too.

Want to give back to aviation? The EAA accepts donations to support their programs. Your gift can help others discover the joy of flight.

Professional Pilots Association

Have you ever wondered about the groups that support pilots? The Professional Pilots Association (PPA) is one such organization. It brings together pilots from all over the world.

The PPA helps pilots in many ways. It offers training programs to keep your skills sharp. You can also find job listings and career advice through the group.

As a member, you’ll get chances to network with other pilots. This can be great for your career growth.

The PPA also works to improve safety in aviation. They share best practices and new ideas. This helps make air travel safer for everyone.

The group often hosts events where you can learn and chat with other pilots. These gatherings are perfect for swapping stories about your adventures in the sky.

Remember, being part of the PPA means you’re never alone in your career. You’ve got a whole community of fellow pilots to support you!

Flight Safety Foundation

The Flight Safety Foundation works to protect you and make flying safer. This group does research on aviation safety issues. They share what they learn openly with everyone.

You might see their publications if you work in aviation. They cover topics like air navigation, engineering, and runway safety. The foundation looks at how planes are built and repaired too.

They care about making the whole aviation system better. This includes things like NextGen and the national airspace system. They also look at how pilots get medical certificates.

The Flight Safety Foundation works with groups that make FAA regulations and advisory circulars. Their goal is to find solutions to safety problems.

Women in Aviation

Women have made amazing contributions to aviation over the years. You might be surprised to learn about their pioneering roles as pilots, engineers, and leaders in the field.

In the early days of flight, women faced many barriers to entering aviation. But female pilots like Amelia Earhart and Bessie Coleman paved the way for future generations.

Today, you’ll find women working in all areas of aviation. They fly commercial airliners, design new aircraft, and manage busy airports. Women are also joining the military as fighter pilots and astronauts.

Organizations like Women in Aviation International help support and connect women in the industry. They offer mentoring, scholarships, and networking events to help women grow their aviation careers.

The number of female pilots is slowly increasing. But there’s still room for more women to join this incredible field. Airlines and aviation companies are working to recruit more women and create welcoming work environments.

The Ninety-Nines

The Ninety-Nines is another organization for women pilots. It was started in 1929 by 99 female pilots. Amelia Earhart was their first president.

The group’s goal is to support women in flying. They give out scholarships to help women learn to fly. They also have fun events where pilots can meet and share stories.

You might see Ninety-Nines members at air shows or airports. They wear special pins to show they’re part of the group. These women love planes and want to inspire others to fly too.

The Ninety-Nines have many local chapters which make it easy for pilots in the same area to get to know each other through regular chapter meetings. 

Visit their website to find your local chapter.

Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals

The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) is a group that supports the advancement of minorities in all aviation and aerospace careers. It started in 1976 and helps students, pilots, and other aviation workers.

OBAP offers scholarships to help you future pilots as well as programs for young people to learn about flying and aerospace jobs.

You can join OBAP if you work in aviation or are looking to a career in the aerospace industry. Members get help finding jobs and moving up in their careers. They also meet other professionals in the field.

National Gay Pilots Association

The National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) is an organization that supports LGBTQ+ aviators. It was founded in 1990 to promote equality and safety in the skies.

NGPA offers networking events where you can meet other LGBTQ+ pilots. They host an annual conference called NGPA Cape Cod Classic. You can learn about industry trends and make new connections there.

The group works to make air traffic control and airlines more inclusive. They partner with major carriers to improve hiring practices for LGBTQ+ pilots.

NGPA provides scholarships to help aspiring pilots get their wings. They’ve given out over $500,000 in funding so far.

You can join NGPA as a pilot or aviation enthusiast. Membership gives you access to job postings and mentoring programs.

Latino Pilots Association

The Latino Pilots Association supports Hispanic pilots in aviation careers. They offer mentoring and networking to help you succeed in the field.

Are you interested in flying? The group can connect you with training programs and scholarships. They want to see more Latino representation in cockpits.

The group celebrates Latino culture in aviation. You’ll meet others who share your background and passion for flying. It’s a great way to find role models and make friends in the industry.

National Business Aircraft Association

The National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) is a key group for companies that use planes. They help businesses fly safely and well.

NBAA started in 1947. Today, they speak for over 11,000 members. These include big companies, small firms, and people who love flying.

The NBAA works to make business flying better. They talk to the government about rules and share pertinent news with their members.

NBAA holds big events too. The biggest is their yearly meeting. It’s a place where people learn and see new planes.

They also put out a magazine. It’s called “Business Aviation Insider.” They cover a variety of aviation news that relates to business travel.

Seaplane Pilots Association

The Seaplane Pilots Association (SPA) is a group for people who love flying seaplanes. They help pilots learn about seaplanes and stay safe when flying them.

SPA offers many benefits to its members:

• Training courses on seaplane flying
• A magazine with seaplane news and tips
• Discounts on seaplane gear and services
• Meetups to connect with other seaplane fans

You can join SPA even if you don’t have your seaplane rating yet. They welcome anyone interested in water flying.

SPA works to protect seaplane access to lakes and waterways. They talk to lawmakers about seaplane rules and safety.

The group started in 1972 and now has over 7,000 members. SPA members are all across the US and other countries.

SPA hosts fun events like seaplane fly-ins. You can meet other pilots and see cool seaplanes up close.