Small Operators Benefit from Regional Group Engagement

Local and regional business aviation groups play a key role in engaging small flight departments and should make sure to include topics and resources for these operators in their programming and events, in addition to reaching out with offers of support or guidance.

“NBAA is supporting this effort by developing materials specific to the needs of smaller flight departments,” said David Keys, chair of NBAA’s Small Flight Department Subcommittee and president of the Central Florida Business Aviation Association (CFBAA). “But it’s important for larger flight departments to reach out and invite a conversation with smaller ones. Addressing safety and professionalism across all parts of business aviation is essential.”

Keys noted that finding one-aircraft, one- or two-pilot operators can be challenging, especially those that are based at more rural locations. “CFBAA has someone who actually goes airport to airport and knocks on doors, talks to pilots and visits hangars,” said Keys. “We also challenge our members to find possible new members right at their own airport. FBOs and airport managers can also be helpful.”

As chief pilot for a small department himself, Keys understands the constraints many of these operators have. “We already wear many hats,” he noted. “But everybody should take the time if it means being safer and more professional.”
If they don’t already, regional groups might consider holding meetings in various locations around their region, which would encourage more participation by smaller operators at those locales.

Posting event notices in FBOs and hangars at airports is also a way to try and reach smaller operators, according to John Gale, president of the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association (PNBAA).

“We also encourage our members to get involved with their local airport associations,” said Gale, adding that PNBAA makes sure that it has a small flight department representative on its board.

Also, ensuring that fees for group membership are scaled appropriately for smaller operators and having free networking events is helpful.

Having event programming geared toward smaller operators is essential to encouraging their participation, says Homestate Insurance Group Chief Pilot John Foster, who is also a member of the Small Flight Department Subcommittee.

“At a previous safety smackdown that we were invited to, I brought several other small flight department pilots with me,” said Gale. “It was helpful for us to see how bigger flight departments did things, and how we can scale that for best practices in our operation.”

Review NBAA’s regional group resources at nbaa.org/regional.