Aviation Organizations

     There are many associations that are available to those who are pursuing aviation as a career. Each individual organization serves its own purpose and has a mission to help people in some way. As an individual who plans to go into aviation management, it is important to belong to associations that can help enhance my knowledge and ability to be a better manager. Two organizations that I plan on belonging to when I am employed and engaged in my career path are American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and the Women in Aviation, International (WAI).  

     In September 1928, the American Association of Airport Executives was founded at what is now Los Angeles International Airport. “AAAE is the world's largest professional organization for airport executives, representing thousands of airport management personnel at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C. and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities including training, meetings and conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program” (About AAAE, n.d.). There are different chapters within the United States and even internationally. “AAAE has succeeded over the years, creating a suite of products and services that address airport industry needs, and generate the revenue required to support core association services, such as the Airport Legislative Alliance, Regulatory Affairs, and the Transportation Security Policy departments” (AAAE HISTORY, n.d.). The AAAE has been trying to help airports by providing them the help and resources they need to succeed. The mission of the AAAE is to help aviation professionals learn and gain experience and knowledge about the industry. Since I am currently living in Michigan, I would be a part of the Great Lakes Chapter in the AAAE and part of their mission is “to determine, implement and promote a Code of Ethics for the members of the airport management profession, to promote airport safety and operational efficiency by encouraging the airport management profession to develop and apply modern techniques to airport management, and to establish and develop a systematic interchange of information and experience in the development, maintenance and operation of airports” (Mission and Values, 2015).

     Another organization that I would want to belong to would be the Women in Aviation, International (WAI). Women in Aviation, International was founded in 1990, but became established in 1994. The first conference took place in 1990 in Prescott, Arizona. “Women in Aviation, International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests” (About WAI, 2015). This organization is not just for women and has a wide range of members who are part of the organization. There are members who are teachers, astronauts, students, and business owners. The Women in Aviation, International tries to help out women and help them understand what women have accomplished in the aviation industry. Part of the goals is to help women of various ages to think about aviation as a career and see the opportunities it provides. “We provide year-round resources to assist women in aviation and to encourage young women to consider aviation as a career. WAI also offers educational outreach programs to educators, aviation industry members and young people nationally and internationally” (About WAI, 2015). Some of the benefits of being part of the Women in Aviation, International is being up to date on things going on in the industry, having discounts for many different things ranging from merchandise to conferences. There are many different chapters around the world and it helps provide networking with other professionals.

     It would be important for me to be a part of the American Association of Airport Executives because this can help me gain knowledge on how to be a better manager and make sure that I am getting all the resources I may need. It would be very important for me to become part of the Women in Aviation, International association because this can help me get help with networking in my career and see the opportunities that I have. I can learn more about other women and how they have impacted the aviation industry. It is important to be part of organizations that could help one out with the career. They can provide information that people may not know about that can help them with their career. It is also important because these can help with networking and with a small industry like aviation, who you know can really help you out.

References

AAAE HISTORY. (n.d.). Retrieved from American Association Of Airport Executives : https://www.aaae.org/aaae/AAAEMBR/About_AAAE/History/AAAEMemberResponsive/About_AAAE/History.aspx?hkey=9d0f3525-8a20-417e-b0be-66c7f68a5fab

About AAAE. (n.d.). Retrieved from American Association of Airport Executives : https://www.aaae.org/aaae/AAAEMBR/About_AAAE/AAAEMemberResponsive/About_AAAE/About_AAAE.aspx?hkey=17fa23bc-bfe6-4589-9c8b-c362c1e7c303

About WAI. (2015). Retrieved from Women In Aviation International : https://www.wai.org/about.cfm

Mission and Values. (2015). Retrieved from Great Lakes Chapter American Association of Airport Executives: http://glcaaae.org/about/mission-values/