It’s hard to believe , but here we are at the end of March, with Spring upon us.

Next week, we will conclude the annual GMAA board of Directors elections. Four out of Twenty seats are up, and the term is 4 years. The caliber of candidates is outstanding and a testimony to how our outreach is growing. Increasingly ,we see corporations and individuals who “get” our message about supporting education and nurturing the new generation of Aviators. As a result, we have more outstanding leaders reaching out and want to be involved weather it is through financial support or as active participants on the board or as committee members. Let’s keep that going!

As is tradition, in April we host our most popular luncheon – “Executive Ladies of Aviation”. This initiative started 6 years ago, and it came out of necessity: it was the beginning of the pandemic, and we could not assemble for a face-to-face luncheon. So we resorted to zoom meetings. We had an outstanding inaugural panel, Including Donna Hrinack, President of Boeing Services, Ana-Maria Robin from Skymart, Lee Kapel, Caroline Vanderdrink from SR Technic., as well as Dr. Vena Symonette. Well, I am happy to say that Vena will be back, just like Arnold Schwartzenager, to be a panelist, and to tell us more about her new role as Dean, School of Business and Aeronautical Sciences at Florida Memorial University. Together with Vena we are proud to announce the following panelists:

Ibis Cruz-Alvarez – COO Landing Gear Technologies

Tobi Lebowitz - Chief Legal Officer, VSE corporation

Vena Symonette-Johnson - Dean School of Business & Aeronautical Sciences - Florida Memorial University

Caroline Stupp – Director of Contracts & Compliance, FEAM

Please join us at the Miami Springs Country Club, Wednesday, April 15 at 12pm. 

I would like to inform you that the GMAA has instituted a new CRM program, to better connect & communicate with over 1100 followers and supporters. I would humbly request that you’ll be patient and understanding if some of the communications and messages are sent in error. Simply, let us know how we can correct it. As a reminder, GMAA is an organization of volunteers not professional non-profit people. This initiative was spearheaded by our board members Sasha Lightbourn, Klemen Ferjan, Rebecca Longo and our board secretary Connie Devine. Again, we are very much dependent on your feedback, and we would also welcome anyone who is familiar with NEON CRM and wants to assist.

It is not too early to start preparing for our gala, titled : “A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS & STRIPES” which will be October 10^th, and our golf tournament is December 4^th. Check our website for more information.

I want to bring to your attention an amazing event that the GMAA is supporting it is the Western hemisphere National Security Summit , at the Lowes hotel, May 22^nd, 8am. Here you will have a chance to meet and listen to senior Government and Military personnel as well as top executives from the local aviation community. This event is FREE for all GMAA members, so when you register, make sure to mention your affiliation to out organization.

Wishing all our members happy Easter & Passover, and may God bless and guard our troops.

Aviv Tzur

President GMAA

Something important is already happening inside your customers’ decision process.

They’re no longer just Googling.

They’re asking AI and AI is answering.

The New First Impression

For years, aviation marketing focused on familiar strategies:

• Trade show visibility
• Website optimization
• Strong referrals
• Industry relationships
• LinkedIn presence

All of those still matter.

But today, a potential customer may ask an AI system:

• “Who is the best MRO for regional jet accessories?”
• “Which FAA 145 repair station has strong turnaround times?”
• “Top avionics upgrade providers in South Florida?”

Instead of reviewing ten websites, they receive a synthesized response. A shortlist. A recommendation.

That response often becomes their first impression of your company, sometimes before your website is ever visited.

AI Is the New Gatekeeper

We are entering an era of agentic AI systems that don’t just search. They research, compare, summarize, and increasingly influence purchasing decisions.

These systems interpret your:

• Certifications
• Capabilities
• Specializations
• Industry authority
• Geographic relevance

If your positioning is unclear, inconsistent, or difficult for machines to interpret, you risk being grouped generically.

In aviation, being generic is expensive.

Clear differentiation has always mattered. Now it determines whether you are even included in the conversation.

This Is Beyond Traditional SEO

Search Engine Optimization gave companies a ranking ladder.

Answer Engine Optimization is different. You are either part of the AI’s reasoning process or you are invisible.

That requires:

• Structured, machine readable information
• Clear and specific positioning language
• Consistent authority signals across platforms
• Updated and accurate digital footprints

AI systems don’t just index your website. They interpret your expertise.

And interpretation shapes recommendation.

Why This Matters to Our Local Aviation Community

South Florida is one of the most competitive and dynamic aviation markets in the country. MROs, FBOs, charter operators, avionics shops, and aviation service providers operate in a highly specialized ecosystem.

As buyer behavior evolves, visibility inside AI systems will increasingly influence who gets shortlisted, who gets called, and who gets considered credible.

The contract between brands and buyers is being rewritten. Some interactions will remain human. Some will be hybrid. Some will be AI-mediated.

But visibility now begins earlier inside systems that form conclusions before introductions are ever made.

If AI can’t see you, you don’t exist.

If you’re part of the South Florida aviation community and want to better understand how AI is influencing buyer decisions, visit www.becksandthejets.com.



Need help refining your message?

Let’s talk: www.becksandthejets.com

We help aviation businesses craft clear, strategic marketing that speaks directly to their audience

Rebekah Knaster

Founder, Becks and the Jets LLC

It is with immense pride that the Hangar 5 Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of the history of aviation in Greater Miami and the Sunshine

State, announces the successful nomination of a Pan Am Historic District at Miami International Airport in the National Register of Historic Places. Hangar 5 Foundation is/was the originating Applicant on the nomination.

Additional details can be found in the following Florida Department of State press release of March 12, 2026.

Florida Dept. of State Press Release on Pan Am Historic District at MIA

Hangar 5 Foundation, Inc. invites our GMAA colleagues to share our enthusiasm and passion for showcasing the extraordinary history of flight in our state. You can connect with us on our website or our daily posts on the Hangar 5 Foundation's Facebook Group page.

For more information please contact:

Deborah Stander

President



Hangar 5 Foundation, Inc.

Hangar 5 Foundation, Inc. – History of Aviation in Greater Miami and the Sunshine State

email: webmaster@hangar5foundation.org

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Miami Int’l Airport 36^th Street will be opening soon near Miami International Airport

Miami, FL — March 16, 2026— A new landmark for travelers, professionals, and aviation enthusiasts has arrived. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) proudly announces the upcoming opening of their brand-new hotel scheduled to open at the beginning of May 2026 The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Miami Int’l Airport 36^th Street in the heart of Miami’s airport and airline training district, just minutes from Miami International Airport (MIA). Designed for both business professionals and leisure travelers, the hotel perfectly blends modern luxury with the pulse of the city’s booming aviation hub.

With state-of-the-art amenities and unbeatable proximity to major airline training and simulation centers, The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Miami Int’l Airport 36^th Street offers an ideal destination for pilots, flight crews, business travelers, and anyone seeking comfort and convenience right where Miami’s skies meet the ground. A 133 room hotel!

A Stay Designed for Today’s Traveler

• Prime Location: Just 10 minutes from MIA and next to leading global airline training facilities.
• Smart, Modern Rooms: Featuring ergonomic workspaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, and modern suites for the busy business traveler.
• Relax & Recharge: Enjoy the complimentary breakfast buffet, 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool and locally inspired dining right next door at CRAFT AMERICAN EATERY our star Restaurant.
• Designed for Connection: Flexible meeting spaces and a contemporary lobby encourage collaboration and community.

“Whether you are training for your next flight, connecting through Miami, or exploring South Florida, The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Miami Intl Airport 36^th Street redefines what it means to stay close to the action,” said Director of Sales, Adriana Simon. “Our team is excited to welcome guests to a space that combines innovation, hospitality, and the vibrant energy of Miami.”

For information please contact: director.sales@hiexmia.com

Phone: +1 305-215-1512   Address: 5911 NW 36^th Street, Unit 2, Miami, FL 33166

www.ihg.com

As the global aviation industry continues its rapid expansion, the demand for highly trained, airline-ready pilots has never been greater. In response to this growing need, Pan Am Flight Academy is proud to introduce its Virtual ATP Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP)—a forward-thinking solution designed to modernize and expand access to one of the most critical steps in a pilot’s career.

A New Era in ATP-CTP Training

The ATP-CTP course is a mandatory requirement established by the FAA for pilots seeking to obtain their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Traditionally delivered in-person, this program has often required significant travel, time, and logistical coordination.

Pan Am’s Virtual ATP-CTP redefines this experience.

By leveraging advanced digital learning platforms and live instructor-led sessions, the program delivers the same rigorous academic foundation while offering pilots the flexibility to complete a substantial portion of the training remotely.

Key Benefits of the Virtual ATP-CTP

1. Increased Accessibility

Pilots from across the U.S., Latin America, and beyond can now begin their ATP journey without the immediate need to travel, removing geographic barriers and reducing upfront costs.

2. Flexible Learning Environment

The virtual format allows pilots to engage with course material from their home base, balancing training with professional and personal commitments.

3. Live, Instructor-Led Training

This is not a passive online course. Pan Am’s program features real-time interaction with experienced instructors, ensuring engagement, accountability, and high-quality knowledge transfer.

4. Seamless Transition to Simulator Training

Following the virtual portion, students complete their required simulator training at Pan Am’s state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring full compliance with FAA standards and maintaining the highest training quality.

Supporting the Global Pilot Pipeline

With the aviation industry facing a well-documented pilot shortage, innovative training solutions are essential. Pan Am Flight Academy’s Virtual ATP-CTP is more than just a convenience—it is a strategic response to a global challenge.

By increasing throughput, reducing barriers to entry, and maintaining rigorous standards, this program supports airlines, operators, and aspiring pilots alike.

Miami as a Gateway for Aviation Innovation

As a key aviation hub, South Florida—and particularly the Greater Miami region—continues to play a pivotal role in connecting talent, training, and opportunity across the Americas.

Pan Am Flight Academy’s initiative reinforces Miami’s position as a leader in aviation training innovation, bringing world-class solutions to a global audience while supporting local industry growth.

Looking Ahead

The future of aviation training is evolving, and digital integration is no longer optional—it is essential. Pan Am Flight Academy remains committed to leading this transformation, ensuring that the next generation of pilots is trained efficiently, effectively, and at the highest standard.

For pilots ready to take the next step toward the flight deck, the journey has never been more accessible.

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT VIVIAN ROBERTS at safeevivian@gmail.com

On behalf of Miami-Dade College, Aviation Workforce Solutions is conducting a research project to help define the next generation of training needed for the aviation and aerospace industries in South Florida.

We are inviting industry professionals across South Florida to share their expertise and help shape the future of workforce training in our region. Your insight can help identify the skills most needed in today’s workforce, highlight current training gaps, share hiring and workforce challenges, and define the technical competencies that will be critical for the next generation of aviation and aerospace talent.

By participating, you can help ensure future training programs are aligned with real industry needs and support the continued growth and competitiveness of South Florida’s aviation and aerospace sectors.

If you are a South Florida aviation or aerospace professional and would like to contribute to this study, please reach out directly to Sean Gallagan, PhD at Sean@AviationWorkforceSolutions.com.

Summit Aerospace is an FAA and EASA-certified MRO based in Medley, Florida. For over two decades, we have supported operators both locally and globally, while staying closely connected to the South Florida aviation community.

Our work covers a range of components, including IDGs, CSDs, generators, VSCFs, landing gear, hydraulics, pneumatics, avionics, and full-capability rewind. Every unit that comes through our shop is inspected, tested, and returned to service with one goal in mind: consistent and reliable performance.

In a market like South Florida, where pace and expectations are high, reliability is something we all depend on. Operators, suppliers, and service providers rely on each other to keep things moving, and we understand the role we play in that.

Inside the shop, our focus is simple. Do the work right, pay attention to detail, and stand behind the results. That same approach carries into our relationships. Over time, trust is built through consistency, communication, and showing up when it matters.

We also believe the strength of this industry comes from its people and their passion for what they do. Curiosity, different ways of thinking, strong focus, and attention to detail all have a place in aviation. Creating an environment where those strengths are recognized and supported is part of our contribution to a stronger workforce and a more connected community.

While our foundation is in repair and overhaul, we also support our customers through an experienced sales team, helping find solutions that go beyond the immediate need.

We appreciate being part of the GMAA community and the opportunity to stay connected with others in the industry. If you are ever in the area, we welcome you to visit our facility and see our operations firsthand.

For inquiries:

Sales: sales@summitmro.com

Repairs: repairs@summitmro.com

Marketing: marketing@summitmro.com

Website: www.summit-aerospace.com

“We welcome you with gratitude for becoming a member of our association. Your Support fuels our mission and we are honored to have you as part of our community"