Connections are valuable in any industry. Knowing the right people can create new opportunities, open more doors, and anyone whose been in aviation for a while can tell you:
"It's all about who you know."
Not only is building your network valuable for your career, it's also a very enjoyable task! Aviation has so many different opportunities for you to get out and meet the community. There are so many pilots and industry professionals that are willing to give you advice and propel your career forward. Let's go over some of my favorites:
Start with Flight Schools and Local Aviation Groups
If you’re just starting out, flight schools and local aviation clubs are excellent places to build your network. Many flight schools host events, meet-ups, and open houses, providing a great
chance to meet both industry professionals and other aspiring pilots.
Join a Club: Organizations like the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) or Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) have local chapters that host events for members to connect. These clubs are rich with resources and opportunities to network with like-minded aviation enthusiasts.
Attend Events and Seminars: Many flight schools and aviation clubs host guest speakers, safety seminars, and networking events. Participating actively in these gatherings can help you connect with more experienced pilots and industry insiders.
Exploring at Air Shows
Air Shows are wonderful opportunities to make new connections and see some VERY cool airplanes. Everybody that has a booth at an airshow is there to talk to you! You can go inside exceptionally cool aircraft, meet famous pilots, and see all the latest innovations.
One thing I love about airshows is the opportunity for education. Many air shows host free seminars that can go over important topics likes:
The state of the aviation industry
How to handle emergencies
The role of drones in aviation
These can give you valuable knowledge, and sometimes you can ask questions and engage with the speakers. This is a great opportunity to meet people with a wealth of knowledge in the aviation industry.
A great way to network at air shows is by talking to vendors. You can ask them questions about their company mission, what the exhibitors themselves have experienced, and get some cool swag. Aviation is smaller than you might think, you'll end up running into the same people throughout your career so make sure you make a good impression.
Don't be afraid to go up and introduce yourself, you will meet some very cool people if you are willing to initiate the conversation.
A great way to engage with people at an air show is to volunteer. Air shows almost always have a way that you can spend a day volunteering and this usually will waive your entrance fee. This means you not only get a view into the "behind-the-scenes," you also have the opportunity to attend when you may not be able to afford the entrance fee. You will get to interact with many cool people that work for the airshow or are also volunteering. I highly recommend this!
Below is a link to my favorite air show so far: Sun N' Fun. This is an excellent option if you live in Florida like I do. Even if not, it's worth the travel.
Explore Your Local Aviation Businesses
Something I did when I started my business that led to many
valuable networking opportunities was I visited every business at the airport. I mean every. single. one. I learned so much from that day. I got to explore a aerospace manufacturing company and talk to the engineers there. I got to speak to aviation business owners. And I got to sit in a T-28 which was such a fantastic experience.
I won't lie, this was the most nerve-racking networking tactic I've done. It can be really difficult to walk into a business just to ask questions. However, this ended up being the most fruitful day. I have connections that I see often, mentors, friends, clients. All because I just walked in and introduced myself. You can bring cookies or snacks to give the employees there if you really want to make a good impression.
Conclusion
Networking is an essential part of succeeding in aviation. Building relationships within the industry can provide job leads, career guidance, and lifelong friendships. By starting with your local aviation community, attending air shows, and getting involved in industry events, you can make valuable connections that will help you advance in your aviation career.
Remember, aviation is a community that values passion, commitment, and camaraderie. Approach networking with a genuine desire to connect, learn, and grow, and you’ll find that your efforts will pay off over time.
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