One year ago, this month, we established the Central Florida Business Aviation Association (CFBAA). Every year I have to pleasure of doing my recurrent training at this time of year, which consists of a mixture of classroom review and simulator flying. The idea is to go over aircraft systems and limitations and be tested on air maneuvers that we typically do not use in our normal day-to-day flying. It is a good chance to crack open the books to refresh our knowledge and evaluate our flying skills. Fortunately, this year’s training went well and it’s helpful when my copilot teaches on the plane we operate.

Similarly, the one-year anniversary for CFBAA is a great opportunity to look back at some of our accomplishments, reorient ourselves to our mission, and make plans for the upcoming year. Needless to say, a year ago we would have never conceived what this year has thrown at our country and industry. Even with those trials we have far surpassed our expectations. With your help our membership rolls are just under 100, we have some wonderful corporate sponsors, and one of the best Board of Directors (BOD) possible. We are financially secure, thanks to you, and have filed the appropriate paperwork with the state, and soon the IRS, for establishment. With our mission of networking business aviation professionals in the central Florida area we have hosted several Zoom “Happy Hours,” and a Town Hall with Ed Bolen, president of NBAA.

Looking forward we will continue gathering virtually, including an upcoming speakers’ series with highly respected industry insiders.

We will be reaching out to our associates in Jacksonville, St Augustine, and Daytona Beach over the next couple of months inviting them to join CFBAA in order to expand our networking. We will be growing our committee membership inviting you to become involved sharing your talents with our community.

The safety team has planned a standdown September 24 inaugurating our ongoing focus on safety while providing an opportunity for further networking. With so many aviation focused universities in our region we hope to establish an active young professionals community and will be seeking volunteers for that effort.

As you can see, we have come a long way in one year, we are in a good place given all the challenges and have exciting plans for the future, all because you said yes to joining. While the BOD has carried most of the work it is time to involve even more in the association.

We are also looking for volunteers for the membership, safety, education and communication committees.  Please consider joining one of our committees or let us know of an initiative that may interest you that we could support. Send your interest to info@cfbaa.org

When we work together, we build relationships, share experiences, and accomplish great things, just as my sim partner and I did recently. By the way, we passed our check ride, learned a few new things, and had a lot of fun together.

Until next time,

Dave