Perspectives NATA’s Path Forward: Value, Unity and Growth By Timothy Obitts W e, at NATA, have been running hard and fast. The energy has been intense, to say the least, and the opportunities the association sees for helping its members are growing. Having repre- sented trade associations and other nonprofits in private legal practice for over 18 years, it is exciting for me to see this transformation occur and be part of it. NATA is taking full advantage of this opportunity to provide its members with products and services to contribute to their success, including effective repre- sentation of aviation businesses at the local, state, and federal levels. The fruits of these efforts are paying dividends. Last year, NATA membership grew by more than 10 percent. This is an important accom- plishment in an era when overall membership in trade associations has been in decline. When NATA asked new members why they joined, responses included: approval of the direction NATA is taking under the leadership of Marty Hiller; support of the association’s advocacy efforts; participation in Safety 1st training and seminars; meeting NATA staff at various events; signing up for the new NATA Workers Compensation Insurance Program with Allianz; and, being recruited by a current member. Aviation Business Journal | 1st Quarter 2017 The overarching theme in all these responses is that NATA members find value in being a member and feel like they are being heard. It is exciting to see this trend continue in 2017. As of March 1, 2017, I am pleased to report NATA membership has grown an additional six percent. This trend in membership growth is especially meaningful to the NATA staff as it represents a validation of our efforts and a vote of confidence in our work. We would like to continue to see current members referring new mem- bers to the association. In a recent CEO Update article, a publication for trade associations, executives of several large associations discussed the importance of growing member- ship through members. In line with this rationale, in the coming months NATA will reach out to its member- ship to assist those who desire to help the association grow its membership base. As Bill notes in his column, general aviation businesses are in for a real political fight in 2017 with the airlines once again pushing forward their agenda of controlling the air traffic control system. This is the time for general aviation businesses to unite. An increase in membership helps NATA in its advocacy efforts on behalf of general aviation busi- nesses. Together we are stronger. If the opportunity arises, we hope that you will recruit others to join NATA as it advocates for all of you. Recently, NATA unveiled several new products in con- sultation with the NATA Air Charter Committee, including: ■ ■ NATA Part 135/91 Training Center: standardized, easy- to-use and economical online training for charter, corpo- rate, and fractional opera- tors (see Safety and Training Update column on page 73) ■■ NATA-Med, powered by AirDocs: a 24/7 emergency inflight support program, pro- viding assistance and training pre, during, and post flight ■■ NATA Loss of Medical License Disability Insurance Program: providing benefits to Part 135, Part 125, Part 91k, and Part 91 operators and their pilots ■■ LifeLine Response Platform: a global safety platform for aircraft operators and their pilots and passengers ■■ NATA Safety 1st Digital Emergency Response System that enhances and makes viable an operator’s Emergency Response Plan. Continued on page 10 9
