As you can imagine, there are many different careers within the field of aviation. From pilots, to airplane mechanics, to airport operators and everything in between. A great way to help you decide which career is best for you, would be to join a professional aviation organization.
These organizations will help you in your career search by providing great first-hand knowledge from people who work in the field. And, most of these organizations offer free student memberships, with all the fringe benefits of a paid membership.
Listed below are a variety of organizations that can assist you in your aviation career search.
Advancing Women in Transportation (WTS)
WTS is an international organization dedicated to building the future of transportation through the global advancement of women. Boasting more than 5,000 members- both men and women - WTS is helping women find opportunity and recognition in the transportation industry.
Air Traffic Control Association
The Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) provides students with information about a career in the field of air traffic control. Membership benefits include career advice from current air traffic controllers, scholarship and college information, and factual data on timely issues facing the air traffic control system.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) will introduce you to the exciting field of aviation by offering the support and information needed to get you started in the world of flight.
Airport Minority Advisory Council
The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is the only professional organization dedicated to promoting minority and women-owned businesses in airport contracting and the inclusion of minorities and women in airport employment. Membership benefits include networking opportunities, magazine and newsletter subscriptions focused on real-time airport issues, and college scholarship information.
American Association of Airport Executives
The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) is the largest organization of airport professionals in the world. Member benefits include access to valuable training programs, information on available scholarships, and airport specific job opportunities.
Army Aviation Association of America
The Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) is open to anyone who is interested in U.S. Army Aviation. AAAA explores every aspect of aviation within the Army and provides information on the many opportunities within Army Aviation. Membership benefits include a subscription to Army Aviation Magazine, scholarship information, and great networking opportunities.
Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International
The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of uncrewed systems, autonomy, and robotics. AUVSI represents leaders from more than 60 countries across industry, government, and academia in the defense, civil and commercial sectors. Our strength is in our community, which gathers in-person and online to share new ideas, promote effective policy, advocate for the value of autonomous technology, and spark new partnerships.
Experimental Aviation Association - Young Eagles
The Young Eagles gives young people, ages 8-17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane, free of charge. The Young Eagles also offers students an understanding of what it takes to earn a pilot's license, how to apply for college scholarships, and an awareness of the many careers that aviation has to offer.
National Business Aviation Association
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents more than 9,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention, the world's largest civil aviation trade show.
Native Americans in Aviation
The Native Americans in Aviation develops, supports and promotes Native American Professionals in the aviation industry through a unified network.
The Ninety-Nines, Inc.
The Ninety-Nines is the international organization of women pilots that promotes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight. The Ninety-Nines is the international organization of women pilots that promotes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight.
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) offers students many exciting educational opportunities including field trips to aviation and aerospace facilities. These experiences offer first-hand knowledge about a career in aviation. Membership benefits include newsletters, scholarship and internship information, and much more.
Texas Airports Council
The Texas Airports Council is an organization of airport and aviation professionals striving to promote aeronautics and aviation education, the safety, security, and development of Texas airports, and an understanding of the value of General Aviation among federal, state, and local leaders and elected officials through aggressively marketing and participation in state aviation venues.
University Aviation Association
The University Aviation Association (UAA) is the voice of collegiate aviation to colleges, universities, the aviation industry, government, and the public. The organization works through almost 1,500 members from 131 member colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia to meet the ever-changing needs of the aviation industry and address the challenges of the 21st century.
Women in Aviation, International
Women in Aviation, International is an organization dedicated to providing education, mentoring, and scholarship opportunities for women (and men) who are striving for challenging and fulfilling careers in the aviation and aerospace industries.