A new coalition of owner pilot associations has launched, becoming a “force multiplier” for all aviators, according to officials with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
The new NBAA Owner Pilot Association Coalition (NBAA OPAC) brings together leaders of business aircraft owner-pilot organizations “in a collaborative effort to tackle top concerns for business aviators and explore opportunities to grow the owner operator community,” NBAA officials said.
“NBAA is about serving all entrepreneurs and companies using an aircraft for business, including owner pilots,” said Andrew Broom, NBAA senior vice president of strategy, marketing and innovation. “This new, grassroots coalition will connect the best thinking to concrete action to address owner-operators’ unique challenges, and also optimize the many ways aviation can support their business needs.”
Representatives from several owner-pilot groups are advising the association, including leaders from Cirrus Vision Pilots and Owners, Citation Jet Pilots Association (CJP), Embraer Jet Operators Association (EJOA), Malibu M-Class Owner and Pilot Association, and TBM Owner Pilot Association (TBMOPA), Broom reported.
He added the coalition’s initial priorities include:
- New ideas for further enhancing operator safety
- Innovative ways to address insurance coverage and costs
- Initiatives to drive owner-pilot associations’ member acquisition and retention
- Redoubling NBAA’s focus on the value of its events for owner-operators
“The needs of owner-operators are continually evolving, and the formation of this coalition is an important step in bringing us together to address mutually shared challenges,” said TBMOPA Executive Director Misty Stanistreet. “NBAA’s coalition will leverage the association’s proven ability to harness the collective expertise that will benefit all owner-aviators.”
CJP CEO Trent Corcia agreed, adding: “Owner-pilot associations create tremendous value for their members, and by coming together under this coalition tent, we’ll create a force multiplier that can address changing needs and create opportunities in a way that hasn’t been possible until now.”