Organization Matches Planes With Pilots

When ANN first heard of the Aircraft Partnership Association (APA) earlier this year, the airplane "matchmaking" service struck us as one of the more truly innovative ideas to come to general aviation. As it turns out, at least 1,499 other people agree.

APA recently signed up its 1,500th new member, posting a profile on the Association's website to help achieve their dream of aircraft ownership by using technology to facilitate forming private partnerships.

As ANN reported in April, the APA encourages pilots to post their profiles on-line for free in an endeavor to match like-minded aviators who want to share the cost of owning/operating an aircraft through private partnerships. APA uses web-based programs to facilitate partnerships that include the type of aircraft desired, airport of choice, flying experience and more.

Similar in concept to online dating sites like eHarmony.com, the entire matching/selection process occurs on-line before potential partners ever meet.

"We've seen our membership grow at an increasing rate since we launched the Aircraft Partnership Association in April," said David A. Kruger, President of APA. "Our recent participation at industry events, on-line advertsing, word of mouth among pilots and mentions on blogs, e-newsletters and magazines is getting the word out."

Listen To ANN's Recent Chat With David Kruger, CEO of the Aircraft Partnership Association

APA allows members to post their partnership profile for free on a secure searchable database called the Virtual Pilot Lounge. From there, members may search a secure on-line profile database for partners based on location, type of aircraft, and cost. This feature also includes optional email alerts when new members join APA in your area. The site also provides a mechanism for members to post Request for Quotes (RFQ's) for goods and services from select APA Vendors.

Other tools slated to be launched soon include Aircraft Flight Scheduling, Maintenance Scheduling, Aircraft Logbook and Partnership Bookkeeping.

"We believe that the key to success is to quickly build the membership database," Kruger added. "Consequently, we're offering a free limited APA membership as a launch promotion to every pilot who is interested in sharing the total cost of ownership."

APA charges a $29 fee for members to join... though for a limited time, the organization allows "early adopters" to sign up for free, and use APA's current range of services for no charge.

FMI: www.theapa.com