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WHY JOIN?

In November of 2007, Aero Club President Paula Hochstetler asked the membership to reflect on their image of the Aero Club and the various ways the Club has inspired them or helped them in their professional life.  Here are some of the responses…

What is the image today of the Aero Club of Washington in the broader aviation industry and in your particular discipline?

•  The Aero Club's lunches provide a major aviation platform in the Nation's Capital and the breadth of attendance enables useful business to be done in the preceding reception. ( Leo Schefer )

•  The Aero Club is a forum that brings all facets of the industry together to discuss a wide range of aviation issues and build professional relationships.(Lisa Piccione)

•  I find ACW's appeal is quite local with respect to its month-to-month activities but becomes more national with the Wright dinner.  I think this is natural and acceptable: we should position ACW in accordance with its primary relevance and not try to make it what it isn't. (Oakley Brooks)

•  I think the Aero Club is held in high esteem by those in the industry who know that it's the keeper of aviation lore.  It is such a multi-faceted industry and yet we manage to bring together everyone with a passion for flight, whether you're an engineer, manufacturer, politician, lobbyist, pilot or historian.  Neat! (Susan Sheets)

•  The Aero Club is important to the Washington aviation community as each month the luncheon speaker provides the most up-to-date information from the aviation industry's key decision makers. This information is always helpful in ACI-NA's formulation of airport industry positions on policy and regulatory issues. (Debby McElroy)

•  The monthly Aero Club meetings serve as an effective ‘one-stop shop' to conduct needed discussions with colleagues and decision-makers.  The relevancy of the Aero Club and its programs serves to make Club functions worthwhile investments of time and money. (Joe Bogosian, SAFRAN USA )

•  The image of The Aero Club of Washington in our industry is one of a traditional and respected trade organization with vast industry savvy and influence. (Tony Quintana, BAE Systems)

•  In my particular discipline the Club has proven a “must belong”. No respectable sales person in our industry can claim to be "in" without membership. (Tony Quintana)

•  The only big names in aviation that I haven't seen speak at the Aero Club are Wilbur and Orville.  (Bill Connors, NTBA)

•  With some irony, the ACW is literally unknown in the Washington military community. It was from experimental flights made by aeroplanes such as the 1909 Wright Military Flyer at Fort Myer that the Aero Club gained renown. Many early members were military men, perhaps as high as twenty-five percent, but today it is less than one percent. This speaks volumes to the changes in the aviation industry and the role of the military in that industry. (Dik Daso)

Please provide specific examples of when the Aero Club inspired you, led you to new opportunities, or helped you to see things in a new way.

  •  A stepping stone to the creation of the National Air and Space Museum 's Dulles Center was the Aero Club's desire to create a meaningful event to celebrate the 200 th anniversary of the Montgolfier Brothers' first balloon ascent. ( Leo Schefer )

•  Despite whatever issues or challenges may be facing the industry at any given time, I've always been impressed with the broad camaraderie and unity that we all feel as aviation professionals at Aero Club events. (Lisa Piccione)

•  The breadth of facets of the aerospace industry represented by monthly speakers achieves ACW's goal of bringing current industry issues to the attention of its members.  This adds to the on-going effort by Club members to be aware of differing views on those issues. (Oakley Brooks)

•  The forums we provide every month for networking and speakers are invaluable.  Sometimes I walk away better informed, or richer for having met someone worth knowing, or just pleased to spend more time with colleagues I already know. (Susan Sheets)

•  I have been inspired by the one of the most important activities of the Aero Club, but the one that is least known- the work of the Aero Club Foundation.  The Foundation works with District of Columbia middle and high school students to educate them not only about aerospace but also about careers in this dynamic industry.  This is critically important given the challenges the aviation industry faces in meeting our personnel needs in the future. (Debby McElroy)

•  One of the most inspirational moments I've witnessed was provided by the Aero Club Foundation. About three dozen students from Cardozo High School were able to meet the USAF Thunderbird Aerial Demonstration Team at the National Air and Space Museum . To see the awe that the Thunderbirds inspired in these starry-eyed students and the thrill they experienced while eagerly seeking autographs and talking about the possibilities for their future made it clear that the Aero Club and the Foundation can and does make a difference in the DC area. (Dik Daso)

•  The Aero Club inspires me every day of every week. First it reminds me there are many knowledgeable individuals in industry, from which to take guidance from. Second the club makes those networks available with a simple structure that is easy to access. Finally on many projects when advice is required, I've tapped onto the abovementioned with ease. (Tony Quintana)

GENERAL

I joined the Aero Club in the 80s when I was a Schedule C at FAA.  I had no prior aviation experience except in naval aviation while in the service, but involvement in aviation was something I thought I would like.  After Ronald Regan won his election and I was offered an opportunity to join the administration because I had worked on his campaign on loan by my boss in the U.S. Senate, I specifically sought out FAA.  My instincts were right.  Aviation was a great industry and aviation people terrific.  Less then a year on the job I decided that I liked the people in aviation and wanted to stay involved when my Schedule C appointment was up.  One of the things I did to start that process was to join the Aero Club and get involved by offering to help on the Program Committee.  For me involvement with the Aero Club was the right choice.  Networking opportunities provided inside the organization as well as at the lunches was immensely helpful in launching my civilian aviation career.  I credit the Aero Club of Washington for helping me meet a lot of people and open a lot of doors after my time at FAA was up. (Ed Pinto)

Being a Member of the AERO CLUB of Washington has provided unique opportunities for me. I have attended several AERO CLUB luncheons and had discussions with numerous individuals from the aviation industry many of whom I would not have met if I were not a member of the AERO CLUB. The luncheon speakers have always been outstanding and it is an opportunity to hear the latest news and trends in the industry and to network with a variety of aviation leaders. (Susan Chernenko)

As an AERO CLUB Member, I have had the privilege to attend the Wright Memorial Dinner on several occasions. It is truly the most spectacular and prestigious aviation event of the year. This event affords an opportunity to meet and hear from dignitaries, industry representatives and aviation heroes. I have been honored to meet Senator John Glenn and have had discussions with Secretary Norman Mineta, Congressman Jim Oberstar and numerous leaders in aviation. (Susan Chernenko)

As State Aviation Director for West Virginia , I value my membership in the AERO CLUB, and I am grateful for the endless opportunities to meet and talk with aviation industry leaders and officials from all facets of transportation. Thank you for continuing to provide stimulating speakers, educational forums and unique opportunities. Best wishes for continued success in 2008. (Susan Chernenko)

As the President of the International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA), our Board specifically elected to benchmark with the Aero Club of Washington because of the Aero Club's broad outreach across the industry and its support of programs to advance aviation to young people. Our Association seeks to expose our members to the breadth of issues in this industry though our Annual Conferences which bring together in excess of 100-150 executive women  in the aviation and aerospace industry from across the globe, just as you do through your excellent monthly luncheons which showcase global leaders. IAWA also provides scholarships to women pursuing careers in aviation and we proudly support the Aero Club Foundation' as an additional commitment to showcasing our industry to younger students. ( Julie Ellis )

IAWA is extremely proud to participate in the Wright Memorial Dinner as our members represent over 200 executive and professional women in the aerospace and aviation industry. (Julie Ellis)