Aviation Organizations

This is not a comprehensive list, but here are a few of the great organizations that you can join.

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

• The largest general aviation organization, offering legal advocacy, safety education, pilot products, and lobbying on behalf of its members to protect their right to fly. Their resources are comprehensive for private pilots.

• The AOPA Foundation provides over $1 million annually in flight training scholarships for various levels of training, often requiring membership.

• Holds an official Annual Meeting of Members for electing trustees and providing organizational reports.

• Website: AOPA

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)

• Focuses on recreational flying, building/restoring aircraft, and aviation education. It offers technical resources, local chapters, and youth programs like Young Eagles.

• The EAA Aviation Foundation provides various scholarships for both flight training and post-secondary aviation education.

• Hosts an Annual Meeting for its members.

• Holds world-famous, week-long annual fly-in, AirVenture Oshkosh.

• Website: EAA

Women in Aviation International (WAI)

• Supports and encourages women pursuing aviation careers through networking, mentoring, and educational outreach programs. It offers an annual conference for professional development an connections.

• WAI offers hundreds of flight training, academic, and advanced ratings scholarships annually to members.

• Hosts a highly-attended Annual Conference for networking, career development, and job opportunities.

• Website: WAI

The Ninety-Nines (99s)

• The international organization of women pilots, promoting advancement in aviation through fellowship, education, and mutual support. It is known for its strong global network and historical significance.

• The 99s offer different scholarships including the Amelia Earhart Scholarship Fund (AEMSF) for advanced ratings, research, and first flight certificates (First Wings Awards).

• Holds an Annual International Conference, as well as numerous sectional meetings throughout the year.

• Website: 99s

Rotary-Wing to Airline Group (RTAG)

• Began by helping military helicopter pilots transition to the airlines but now helps all Veterans enter the aviation and aerospace industries. It is the largest veteran-focused aviation charity, providing extensive career resources and industry partnerships.

• RTAG is known for offering hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships specifically to aid transitioning veterans in their flight training and aviation career path.

• Hosts the large Annual RTAG Convention, focusing heavily on veteran career transition and hiring.

• Website: RTAG

Professional Pilots of Tomorrow (PPOT)

• Provides free mentorship from professional pilots to aspiring pilots, helping them navigate the complex career path to the airlines with advice and resources. This direct guidance is invaluable for career planning.

• They offer scholarships to individuals in flight training pursuing various certificates and ratings.

• They hold a General Membership Meeting and often host events throughout the year.

• Website: PPOT

Latino Pilots Association (LPA)

• Dedicated to the support and representation of Latino aviation professionals, fostering career development, networking, and outreach to inspire future generations. They provide essential community support and visibility.

• LPA offers scholarships for aerospace degrees, A&P certifications, and specific programs like the United Aviate Academy.

• Hosts an Annual Conference

• Website: LPA

Black Pilots of America (BPA)

• Provides a network for African American pilots and aviation enthusiasts, promoting participation in aviation and aerospace through youth programs, fellowship, and fly-ins. Their focus is on community and representation.

• Holds an Annual General Membership Meeting in August

• Hosts large Memorial Day Fly-in (“Operations Skyhook”)

• Website: BPA

Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA)

• A non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a professional community for Asian aviation professionals and promoting diversity in the industry through mentorship and outreach. They provide a specific cultural and professional network.

• They award scholarships for flight training and ATP-CTP courses, often opening the application window twice per year to active members.

• Hosts the PAPA Aerospace Expo annually, a major event for career networking and industry connections.

• Website: PAPA

National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA)

• The worldwide LGBTQ+ aviation community, promoting diversity and providing a social and professional network for pilots, enthusiasts, and industry professionals. They host major aviation expos and career events.

• They offer multiple scholarships each year for flight training, advanced ratings, and advocacy roles within the community.

• Hosts the NGPA Industry Expo & Winter Warm-Up, which is a major annual career and networking event.

• Website: NGPA

Future & Active Pilot Advisors (FAPA)

• Provides career guidance and advisory services for aspiring and active professional pilots, focusing on pilot hiring data, interview preparation, and financial planning. Their monthly pilot hiring events are a key benefit.

• Hosts the Annual Pilot Retirement Event and organizes regular Pilot Job Fairs/Conferences throughout the year.

• Website: FAPA

Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP)

• Dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of minorities in all aerospace careers, providing educational programs, career expositions, and the impactful Aerospace Career Education (ACE) Academy for youth. They have a significant industry presence.

• OBAP has awarded millions in scholarships to diverse recipients nationwide for flight training and other aviation related careers.

• Holds an Annual Conference & Career Exposition, which is one of the most significant hiring and networking events in the industry.

• Website: OBAP

International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA+21)

• Supports the professional development of women pilots currently flying for the airlines, offering networking, mentorship, and support for those in advanced career stages. It connects women worldwide in a high-level professional capacity.

• They award scholarships for advanced flight training, such as type ratings, to women pursuing airline careers globally.

• Hosts an Annual Conference at international locations, which is the primary gathering for its worldwide membership.

• Website: ISA+21

National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI)

• Dedicated to raising the professional standing and quality of flight instruction through Master Instructor Accreditation, educational programs, and advocacy. It offers resources specifically for CFIs.

• NAFI does promote and offer various awards and sometimes scholarships to further CFI training and professionalism.

• Holds an Annual General Meeting for its members, often coinciding with larger industry events.

• Website: NAFI

Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE)

• A professional organization for all aviation educators, including flight, ground, and maintenance instructors, focused on mentorship and professional development for safety and instructional excellence. They run an Aviation Educator Mentoring Program.

• Hosts an Annual Conference or Industry Expo to bring members and industry partners together.

• Website: SAFE