October 8, 2010
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen told members of the Citation Jet Pilots Association (CJP) last month that combining aircraft type club resources with NBAA advocacy and information is a win-win for all concerned. Bolen spoke at the CJP’s annual convention in Colorado Springs, CO.
“NBAA and CJP have mutual goals,” said CJP President John Hayes, “including advocacy for the freedom to fly….and bring value to the economy of our country. “
Bolen’s presentation for CJP included information and answers on changes in airspace, NBAA’s advocacy role in support of business aviation, and the status of the Federal Aviation Administration’s “NextGen” aviation system modernization planning.
The Association’s work with the CJP is part of a broader effort to encourage type clubs for business aircraft to take advantage of NBAA’s national advocacy presence and its myriad technical resources. In return, NBAA benefits by having a strong understanding of how best to serve the aircraft type’s operators. So far this year, Bolen and other NBAA staff members have spoken before members of Citation, Mitsubishi MU2, Mustang, TBM and Pilatus airplane type clubs.
“It gives us an opportunity to hear directly from those using general aviation for business about their specific needs and priorities, and how we can help support their business operations,” said Bolen.
The NBAA President listed benefits for type club members, including:
- Staying current on safety and regulatory requirements;
- Obtaining tax information for saving money and maximizing an airplane investment;
- Taking advantage of NBAA’s Small Aircraft Exemption for economic and operational options, saving time and money;
- Accessing technical assistance, training and industry experts, and;
- Use of NBAA’s Member Directory to find vendors and suppliers.
Bolen also noted that Membership with NBAA ensures that that the industry’s voice is heard on issues that matter on Capitol Hill, and among other policymakers and opinion leaders in Washington and at the local level. With that in mind, Bolen provided CJP members with an update on the progress of the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, jointly sponsored by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
Specifically, Bolen reiterated the campaign’s core messaging, and outlined its various advocacy initiatives, including communications through the print and television advertising, the studies and surveys commissioned, the online presence established and other program elements. “The business aviation community includes the use of any general aviation aircraft for a business purpose, and in order for our advocacy campaign to succeed, we need to make sure everyone’s voice in our industry is heard,” Bolen said.
To encourage type club member involvement, NBAA is offering a discounted one-year membership to any type club member who is not already an NBAA member. The full membership is an incentive to explore NBAA resources available and foster two-way communication.
“We consider our partnership with NBAA very important, in both directions,” said Tom Evernham, marketing director for CJP.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.