Aviation Organizations

It is extremely important for those in the aviation community to engage in other organizations and associations. The importance exists for many reasons, to include the networking opportunities, increased knowledge and understanding, current events, perspective, and an endless number of other reasons associated with them. Beneficial associations would include Women In Aviation International (WAI), Helicopter Association International (HAI), Airport Council International (ACI), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), National Aeronautic Association (NAA), and General Aviation Manufacturer Association (GAMA), depending on your individual interests.

            I feel like the two most important associations I mentioned that will assist me along my own personal career path are WAI and HAI. Women In Aviation International, believe it or not, is for both men and women. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement, support, and encouragement of women seeking opportunities within the field of aviation. Their mission incorporates a myriad of benefits, to include various programs, resources, and the promotion of women’s accomplishment and contributions in aviation (Women In Aviation International, 2016). As a female aviator in a predominantly male career field, I am inspired and motivated by so many of the stories and people I meet along the way that are associated with WAI. That organization sets a level playing field for both men and women, and they support genders, companies, opinions, and careers both stateside and overseas. They have collaborated with a small and large airline companies, such as GoJet, Delta, and Boeing, and continue to support, motivate, and expand their chapter’s daily, to include a new and first time established chapter in the Middle East (Sultan, 2016).

            The second organization that would be beneficial to engage with throughout my career path, and even following the military, is Helicopter Association International. The HAI is one of the biggest and greatest helicopter associations in the world, benefiting the entire aviation industry to include pilots, operators, manufacturers, mechanics, and more. Their mission statement is “To provide its members with services that directly benefit their operations, and to advance the international helicopter community by providing programs that enhance safety, encourage professionalism and economic viability while promoting the unique contributions vertical flight offers society” (Helicopter Association International, 2017). HAI constantly advocates for its members on Capitol Hill to increase the economic viability of the aviation industry and to improve safety, among other things (Helicopter Association International, 2017). The association is notorious for its support and response to worldwide disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, the events that occurred on September 11^th, 2001, valiantly fulfilling roles in offshore oil exploration, EMS, Law Enforcement services, firefighting, air tours, power line work and more (Helicopter Association International, 2017).

            It is vital for me (and everyone) to be apart of something bigger than myself, because it is within those potential opportunities presented that one typically finds him or herself. Organizations and associations foster an atmosphere of learning and understanding. Additionally, the networking capabilities are endless and will only further benefit a person’s career for being apart of it. WAI is an incredible platform for a woman in aviation. With my rotary-wing intent path, Helicopter Association International will provide an unparalleled outlook and podium for related networking options, benefits, programs, and job opportunities, just as similar to what Women In Aviation International will present. Both of these organizations hold conferences and endless opportunities that will benefit me personally along my path in the future. The same can be said for the few I mentioned, in addition to the numerous others I did not. The idea is to find something you’re interested and want to be part of… and run toward it!!

References:

Helicopter Association International (2017). About HAI. Retrieved from https://www.rotor.org/AboutHAI.aspx

Sultan, M. (2016, June 20). Guest Column By WAI. Retrieved from http://www.aertec solutions.com 
                   /2016/06/20/guest-column-by-wia-women-in-aviation/?lang=en

Women In Aviation International (2016). About Women In Aviation. Retrieved from https://www.wai.org/about-                     wai