Andrew Broom on supporting pilots and operators of Citation business jets

What attracted you to aviation?

In middle school, my brother took me to an air show in Fort Worth, Texas. This started my dream of becoming a pilot. While in high school, my father showed me Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and I was hooked. I was the first from my school to go to ERAU, and was so excited about learning to fly while completing a Bachelor of Science degree. I had a great experience and give a lot of credit to ERAU for my career success.

What was your first aviation job?

I actually worked at ERAU while completing my MBA. I ran the career services department and was also an adjunct faculty member teaching pilot career planning and interview techniques. We set up all of the co-operative programmes that really helped shape their futures. After ERAU, I moved to Washington DC to work for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association under then president Ed Bolen. He was, and continues to be, a great mentor for various career decisions. I then went to a new start-up jet manufacturer, Eclipse Aviation, to become one of its early salesmen. After a short stint in sales, I was asked to lead public relations that included media relations and events. This is where I cut my teeth in marketing and was able to learn from some of the best and brightest from the technology industry. After Eclipse, I was asked to take on a similar role at the new Hawker Beechcraft, which had become a private company and needed help. I then went to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) as its vice-president of communications and outreach, where I led the General Aviation Serves America campaign and the annual AOPA Aviation Summit, among other activities. After three years, Honda Aircraft recruited me to lead all of its global marketing and corporate communications for the new HondaJet.

How did the Citation Jet Pilots Association find you?

Through ERAU and my general aviation background I was recommended for its open position. My daily duties revolve around our growing membership and working with partners who offer products and services for Citation operators. We have an annual convention, regional events, very active online forums, a large repository of Citation-specific documents, and tremendous partners, including Textron Aviation. Additionally, CJP has a deep commitment to safety by providing tools and enrichment training for our members and the aviation community as a whole. Last year we launched the CJP Safety and Education Foundation. On an annual basis we have a large convention for membership that moves to different locations. We plan well in advance for the event that includes over 100 Citations flying in and three days of programming. We have a great team and an amazing volunteer board that help with the event and make it memorable.

Can work be difficult?

I see every day as a challenge, but in a good way. Challenges help you to learn and grow. Where there are differences of opinion, my approach includes deep analysis of all sides of the issue and then recommending solutions based on all of the data. I am not one to jump to conclusions.

What do you dream of?

I often daydream about how we can enhance the safety and efficiency of our airborne transportation system through smaller jet aircraft having a much bigger role. There is no doubt that a true on-demand, point-to-point system is in our future, but we need to ensure that it has an equivalent level of safety as the major air carriers. Ten years ago that looked like small owner-flown twinjet aircraft. Now it is looking like the longer-term future will incorporate automated technology. I am an aviation geek and love this industry. There have been many diversions or alternative paths, but I have been fortunate to always be working in positions aligned with my passion

What attracted you to aviation?

In middle school, my brother took me to an air show in Fort Worth, Texas. This started my dream of becoming a pilot. While in high school, my father showed me Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and I was hooked. I was the first from my school to go to ERAU, and was so excited about learning to fly while completing a Bachelor of Science degree. I had a great experience and give a lot of credit to ERAU for my career success.

What was your first aviation job?

I actually worked at ERAU while completing my MBA. I ran the career services department and was also an adjunct faculty member teaching pilot career planning and interview techniques. We set up all of the co-operative programmes that really helped shape their futures. After ERAU, I moved to Washington DC to work for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association under then president Ed Bolen. He was, and continues to be, a great mentor for various career decisions. I then went to a new start-up jet manufacturer, Eclipse Aviation, to become one of its early salesmen. After a short stint in sales, I was asked to lead public relations that included media relations and events. This is where I cut my teeth in marketing and was able to learn from some of the best and brightest from the technology industry. After Eclipse, I was asked to take on a similar role at the new Hawker Beechcraft, which had become a private company and needed help. I then went to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) as its vice-president of communications and outreach, where I led the General Aviation Serves America campaign and the annual AOPA Aviation Summit, among other activities. After three years, Honda Aircraft recruited me to lead all of its global marketing and corporate communications for the new HondaJet.

How did the Citation Jet Pilots Association find you?

Through ERAU and my general aviation background I was recommended for its open position. My daily duties revolve around our growing membership and working with partners who offer products and services for Citation operators. We have an annual convention, regional events, very active online forums, a large repository of Citation-specific documents, and tremendous partners, including Textron Aviation. Additionally, CJP has a deep commitment to safety by providing tools and enrichment training for our members and the aviation community as a whole. Last year we launched the CJP Safety and Education Foundation. On an annual basis we have a large convention for membership that moves to different locations. We plan well in advance for the event that includes over 100 Citations flying in and three days of programming. We have a great team and an amazing volunteer board that help with the event and make it memorable.

Can work be difficult?

I see every day as a challenge, but in a good way. Challenges help you to learn and grow. Where there are differences of opinion, my approach includes deep analysis of all sides of the issue and then recommending solutions based on all of the data. I am not one to jump to conclusions.

I often daydream about how we can enhance the safety and efficiency of our airborne transportation system through smaller jet aircraft having a much bigger role. There is no doubt that a true on-demand, point-to-point system is in our future, but we need to ensure that it has an equivalent level of safety as the major air carriers. Ten years ago that looked like small owner-flown twinjet aircraft. Now it is looking like the longer-term future will incorporate automated technology. I am an aviation geek and love this industry. There have been many diversions or alternative paths, but I have been fortunate to always be working in positions aligned with my passion