Membership Services
New post at AOPA to lead effort to boost pilot population
As the pilot population continues to dwindle, AOPA and others in the industry are working together on numerous fronts to help reverse that trend and ensure a vibrant future for general aviation. To support its efforts, AOPA is searching for a leader to head the association’s new center that focuses on advancing the pilot community.
“Very few positions in GA” would allow an individual to have a “profound impact on something they care deeply about,” said AOPA Chief Operating Officer Rob Moran. “This is a chance to have a real impact” on the GA community.
The Vice President of the Center to Advance the Pilot Community would lead efforts to build community among pilots, improve the flight training drop-out rate, encourage nonflying pilots to return to the sky, reach out to youth, and conduct research and education activities.
The passionate, action-oriented leader would develop and execute plans based on AOPA-commissioned research that delves deeply into the flight training industry. In addition, ongoing efforts such as the flight training retention initiative and AOPA Flight Training Excellence Awards would evolve through this position.
AOPA’s research indicates a lack of a sense of community as a factor in why some students do not complete flight training. This leader will develop programs to help foster pilot community, not only to help student pilots feel accepted but to encourage current pilots to continue or get back into flying; one avenue this new position will be charged with is researching flying clubs and ways they can help build community.
“It would be a dream job for someone who wants to make their mark,” Moran said. Whether AOPA is working to help enthusiasts pursue their dream of flight or protect GA’s future, Moran summarized the association’s efforts for the center and this new position: “We’re in the business of converting dreams to reality, and this offers that opportunity.”
AOPA is seeking applicants with a bachelor's degree in a related area or 10-plus years of management experience in an aviation-related position; a proven ability and track record for developing and executing creative approaches and innovative strategies; a solid management experience and track record in motivating and building strong teams comprised of competent and highly capable individuals; and prior success in developing strong internal and external collaborative relationships.
“Come join us,” Moran said. “It’ll be like a job you’ve never had before.”
May 3, 2012
