From the Flight Deck

The Massachusetts aviation community is a cozy one. That’s at least partly because to the Massachusetts Business Aviation Association, it’s all about community. And whether they’re corporations that own, lease or charter aircraft, or support manufacturers, fixed base operators, maintenance services, flight training schools or individual owners, MBAA’s membership community speaks a particular common language: aviation.

MBAA’s mission is to inform, educate, and advocate on topics that impact the state’s business and general aviation industry. It’s a certain person who is a member of this unique organization. And more than 300 of them, including a Shoreline Aviation team, came together on March 7 to mingle, share insight, and foster endearing and enduring relationships during the organization’s 12th annual Aviation Day.

Keith Douglass and Erin Mulcahy shmooze with Aviation Day attendees.

Shoreline’s contingent was led by President Keith Douglass and included team members Pilot Evan Cadavieco, Pilot Manny Escobar, Aircraft Management, Sales & Acquisitions Manager and MBAA Board Secretary Erin Mulcahy, Charter Operations Manager Patrick Olson, and Flight Logistician Logan Timpany.

Handshakes, backslaps, and hugs filled fixed base operator Jet Aviation’s Hangar 17 at Hanscom Field in Bedford. Buoyant conversation bounced off high ceilings and wide walls. Passed platters of divine hors d’oeuvres, tables topped with delectable dishes, and a couple of well stocked open bars fueled the festivities. So did the jets that attendees got to traipse on, ooh and ah at, and maybe even dream a little dream, such as the splashy Dassault Falcon 8X, the pristine Cessna Citation Longitude, and the two-fisted Pilatus PC-24.

Patrick Olson discusses business with an Aviation Day attendee.

“It’s really a special night for the aviation community in Bedford,” said MBAA President Dave Richter. “We’ve been doing this for 12 years, and this year is the highest attendance we’ve ever had. We’re very grateful to all of our attendees as well as all of our sponsors to make the event happen.”

Erin said the event scored a record attendance.

“The day brings the aviation community together,” she added. “Whether you are a recurring attendant, interested in aviation as a career, or just passionate about the industry, we welcome everyone to our events.

“It is also a great place to network for potential job opportunities and gain knowledge from experts in the various fields across the industry.”

MBAA President Dave Richter and Board Secretary Erin Mulcahy take a moment at the Shoreline Aviation booth.

And MBAA is well known for its advocacy of the statewide aviation industry. It’s also doing its part to ensure its future.

“One thing that many people don’t know about MBAA is that we have a scholarship program, and annually we give out between $15,000 and $20,000 to students who are from Massachusetts and studying aviation at their respective colleges around the country,” Dave said. “Over the course of our program we’ve given out over $125,000 to those students, some of the students actually getting scholarships multiple times. It’s something great that I feel that we can do to support the community and make sure we have a new generation of people coming into business aviation.”

Judging by the boisterous gathering – one of a number of annual scholarship fundraisers – MBAA members agree.

Up next, MBAA’s Scholarship Golf Tournament on August 28th.

This Cessna Citation Longitude is one of many attractions at the 12th annual Aviation Day.

Cover photo: Logan Timpany, left, Patrick Olson, Erin Mulcahy, Keith Douglass, Evan Cadavieco, and Manny Escobar pose at Shoreline Aviation’s MBAA Aviation Day booth.