Careers in Business Aviation

What Is Business Aviation? Business aviation is a business tool that: Offers a competitive advantage to businesses all around the world Involves many different types of aircraft Is supported by a variety of people and jobs Often considered “aviation’s best kept secret” Business aviation, also known as corporate aviation, is a unique, competitive tool used by companies all around the world. Business aviation provides companies, both big and small, a competitive advantage by increasing efficiencies of time, costs and employee productivity. Business aviation utilizes aircraft of all types to support its mission. Business aviation is supported by a diverse group of people working challenging, yet rewarding jobs together.

Who Uses Business Aviation? Companies that use business aviation are both large and small, public and private. S&P 500 companies using business aviation are listed among: Business Week’s “50 Most Innovative Companies” Fortune’s “100 Best Places to Work” Fortune’s “50 Most Admired Companies” “S&P 500 companies” are U.S. companies publicly traded on the American stock exchanges – some of the largest and best known brands in the country. Many of the most well known, successful companies run their own flight departments. These are companies people dream of working for, and you can get a unique opportunity to get your foot in the door through business aviation. However, there are many other well-regarded companies of all sizes you might never have heard of that also use business aviation as a tool to succeed. Business aviation is a lifeline that connects companies in rural areas to major markets and gives them business opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.

Many Business Aviation Career Paths Management (operations, administrative, strategic planning) Pilots Mechanics, Maintenance Flight Attendants Schedulers, Licensed Dispatchers Service Providers [Discussion about the different careers. Can expand on each during presentation to include specific jobs: Director of Operations, Logistics, Finance/Budgeting, Sales, Customer Service, Training Organizations, etc.]

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Benefits of Working in Business Aviation Numerous opportunities to apply your own diverse skill set Opportunities to perform cross-functional work Close personal interaction with colleagues and customers Rewarding and engaging environment Compensation that grows with your experience Do you want a job that offer you the opportunity to make a difference? Business aviation not only allows you to do rewarding work within your chosen specialization, it also enables you to apply your skills to a variety of different disciplines. For people who like smaller, team-oriented atmospheres, business aviation is an area where you will thrive. [Differentiate business aviation careers vs. airline careers.]

How to Get Started in Business Aviation Learn about what it takes to learn to fly, take an introductory flight at your local airport AOPA – www.aopa.org/learntofly Search for college/university aviation program University Aviation Association – www.uaa.aero Apply for scholarships and internships Inquire at your school, and explore offerings by NBAA and other aviation groups Your opportunity starts today! Take an introductory flight. Connect with a career coach, mentor, or guidance counselor. Apply for internships for hands-on learning. Most aviation organizations at the national, regional and local levels will offer scholarship programs. Do your research and take note of deadlines so you don’t miss opportunities for funding. Many regional business aviation groups partner with nearby schools to offer internships and mentorship opportunities. Check with your guidance counselor or see if you have a regional aviation group near you.

Get Involved, Stay Involved! Attend NBAA conferences and career day events offered year-round Attend local and regional business aviation group events Register for FAA “Wings” programs Read aviation publications and news sites like Business Aviation Insider, Business & Commercial Aviation, ProPilot, AviNation, etc. Connect on social media – Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn There are many educational and networking events offered by NBAA, including the annual NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), NBAA Regional Forums, NBAA Business Aviation Career Day, and NBAA professional conferences for flight department managers, pilots, maintenance professionals, schedulers and dispatchers, flight attendants and flight technicians, etc. Check out regional business aviation groups near you! They exist in most states and regions across the U.S., including well-established groups in Ohio, Chicago, Georgia, Southern California, Texas, etc. Engage with the FAA wings programs, or youth programs for student pilots like EAA Young Eagles.

Take the First Step: Connect With NBAA! The National Business Aviation Association connects you with: Industry Leaders Young Professionals Regional Representatives Near You The NBAA Jobs Board is a member benefit that NBAA is offering to students age 18 or older for free. They just have to sign up using the link above. Sign up for free student access to the NBAA Jobs Board: www.nbaa.org/password/student (must be 18 or older)

Learn More www.nbaa.org/students