Job Category: Professionals
Job Type: Full-Time, On-site
Location: Headquarters, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
Posted: May 27, 2025
The Senior Aviation Writer creates and curates a high volume of engaging general aviation content across all organizational media channels. This role focuses on supporting aircraft owners and promoting affordable flying, serving as an authoritative voice within the general aviation community. The Senior Aviation Writer provides crucial context on GA news and advocacy efforts, profiles inspiring individuals within the community, offers ideas to enhance flying fulfillment, shares expertise on aircraft ownership and pilot proficiency, and provides readers with vicarious experiences of diverse general aviation aircraft. Collaborating closely with writers and videographers, this position also plans comprehensive coverage related to owning and maintaining aircraft and aviation products across all media platforms.
Pitches original story concepts aligned with organizational priorities and audience interests. Develops ideas and insights derived from personal flying experiences, extensive aeronautical knowledge, familiarity with general aviation companies and communities, and a deep understanding of major issues impacting the field. Actively participates in and facilitates collaborative brainstorming sessions, communicating thoughts clearly, listening actively, and providing/receiving feedback respectfully. Exercises strong news judgment to evaluate potential stories and determine appropriate focus using available resources.
Cultivates and maintains contacts within the aviation community to stay abreast of news and developments and gain access to new aircraft. Gathers information using standard journalistic methods, including research, interviews, and observation. Conducts flights in general aviation aircraft for travel and evaluation, leveraging personal experience in various aircraft types to communicate performance characteristics relevant to the audience. Coordinates and travels with photographers and videographers, effectively communicating story vision, setting expectations with sources, and outlining content gathering needs. Manages financial resources efficiently, pursuing multiple stories per trip when feasible. Adapts to changing circumstances, maintains composure, and reprioritizes as needed. Anticipates challenges, plans contingencies, and identifies problems, proposing solutions aligned with departmental priorities.
Delivers pitched and assigned stories for print and online platforms daily, weekly, and monthly covering a broad range of subjects, including flying techniques, aircraft ownership, and aircraft reports. Produces compelling, original content using standard journalistic techniques and various story structures, incorporating relevant details for accuracy and engagement. Adapts tone, content, and approach effectively to suit different mediums. Drives organizational thought leadership through well-supported opinion pieces. Verifies factual accuracy rigorously.
Plans, assigns, and edits content specifically focused on aircraft ownership and affordable flying for both print and online media channels. Reviews freelance submissions as required, providing feedback to authors and ensuring timely processing of contracts and payments. Contributes to the production of organizational podcasts, including responding to listener feedback, coordinating recordings, and collaborating on editorial direction. Collaborates with art staff to ensure cohesive alignment between design, photography, and text. Works collaboratively with media staff and other departments on organizational initiatives, identifying stakeholders, resources, and opportunities for cross-functional partnership. Edits content meticulously for accuracy and adherence to style guides.
Executes air-to-air photography shoots in coordination with the Chief CFI, which includes sourcing aircraft, identifying and screening pilots, and determining operational requirements (weather, safety, lighting). May involve formation flying. Collaborates on cross-platform storytelling efforts, including social media and video. Captures photographs and operates action cameras to support content gathering. May assist with digital or print production processes. May oversee sweepstakes promotions involving aircraft management, maintenance coordination, budgeting, public appearances, and media coverage to engage with pilots and generate membership excitement. Represents the organization publicly by presenting seminars or participating in industry media events. Performs other duties as assigned based on business and departmental needs.
This is primarily an office-based position. Typical working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, with a one-hour lunch break. The work environment is generally climate-controlled, though occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions occurs when attending aviation events and reporting in the field. This may include exposure to higher altitudes and confined spaces while operating in general aviation aircraft. The role requires some travel, potentially up to 25% of the time, to aviation or industry-related events, utilizing general aviation aircraft, commercial airlines, and ground transportation.
The role requires the ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings; use hands and fingers for operating office equipment; and communicate effectively (requiring clear speech, hearing, and vision). Operation of general aviation aircraft is required, involving manipulation of controls and physical movement (e.g., stepping up, bending during preflight). Occasionally requires standing, walking, reaching, and lifting/moving items up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
This position is located at the organization's headquarters in Frederick, MD. The salary range is $79,000 - $90,000, commensurate with education and experience.
The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.