In-person events, a staple of regional business aviation groups, may be few and far between during COVID-19, but many organizations have creatively addressed the continuing need for its members to interact.
“I think most of the local and regional groups are trying to find ways to stay engaged with their members and provide value to their membership during the pandemic,” said Marj Rose, chairwoman of NBAA’s Local and Regional Group Committee and founder and past president of the North Texas Business Aviation Association (NTBAA).
“The NTBAA board elected to create a virtual safety speaker series in place of the annual Safety Show-Down that we typically do,” explained Rose. “The first webinar featured Scott Griffin, a well-known expert in performance improvement in aviation. The session was very well-attended and we got great feedback. It’s important to continue to find ways to keep business aviation professionals connected.”
“The NTBAA board elected to create a virtual safety speaker series in place of the annual Safety Show-Down that we typically do.”
Marj Rose Past President, North Texas Business Aviation Association (NTBAA)
Similarly, the Greater Washington Business Aviation Association (GWBAA) had more than 100 registered attendees for its Virtual Safety Spotlight held in late July.
When the Chicago Area Business Aviation Association (CABAA) had to cancel its annual golf outing – the primary source of the group’s scholarship fundraising efforts – the association pivoted to a virtual silent auction, enabling CABAA to stick with its plans to award up to eight scholarships to aviation students.
CABAA also moved forward, virtually, with its inaugural Gary (Ind.) STEM Signing Day to celebrate high school seniors who are committing to continue their education at technical schools, colleges and universities. The event was held in partnership with the Boeing Co. and the Chicago STEM Pathways Cooperative.
In the Sunshine State, more than 70 attendees joined NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen for a Central Florida Business Aviation Association (CFBAA) virtual happy hour in late July. According to NBAA Southeast Region Representative Greg Voos, the event was so successful that the CFBAA will continue to hold virtual happy hours, as well as a new speaker series.
According to Steve Nielsen, president of the Southern California Aviation Association, SCAA also has been using virtual tools to hold events, continue to network with industry people and provide members with pertinent information. SCAA has even found sponsors to help support the virtual efforts.
“Our sponsors have been anxious to stay relevant, offering both financial support and resources to produce ongoing virtual programs, making them win-win for everyone,” said Nielsen.
Review NBAA’s regional group resources at nbaa.org/regional.
Despite COVID-19, New Regional Group Launches
Starting a new regional business aviation group during a pandemic is undoubtedly challenging, but the founders of the Delaware Valley Business Aviation Association (DVBAA) are encouraged by the support they’ve already received and have an ambitious agenda moving forward.
“The three pillars we are focusing on are community outreach, operational factors in our region, and events such as forums and safety days,” said Justin Kinckle, DVBAA co-chair. “There are a lot of flight departments in this area, and we hope to serve as a source of information for them.” DVBAA’s region is all of Delaware, Southern New Jersey and the southeastern part of Pennsylvania.
Kinckle and Lee Rafalko, the other DVBAA co-chair, are both YoPros, as are several other board officers. Through their outreach focus, they are committed to bringing business aviation’s story to high school and college students. “Workforce development is a key effort moving forward, and we hope to have internships and mentorships as well,” said Rafalko.
Since it’s so new, DVBAA is working hard during the pandemic to try and keep up the momentum from its launch. With a communications committee and community outreach committee, the group is trying to stay in close touch with its supporters while adding new members.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.