About the MPPA
Professional aviation in service of the story.
The Motion Picture Pilots Association was founded in 1997 by a group of concerned motion picture aviators at the urging of industry and government.
Our mission
Safety, standards, and a responsible voice for our profession.
MPPA brings entertainment aviation professionals together around a clear purpose: protect people, elevate the work, and strengthen cooperation between aviators, productions, industry organizations, and government.
“Safety does not occur by chance. It is a responsibility each of us accepts to protect ourselves and our fellow workers.”
- 01
Promote aviation safety within the motion picture, television, and entertainment industries.
- 02
Promote the interests of aviators working throughout the entertainment aviation profession.
- 03
Establish and maintain activities that advance aviation standards and sound business methods.
- 04
Cooperate with government agencies and industry organizations working to advance entertainment aviation.
- 05
Support the mutual benefit, general safety, and welfare of entertainment aviation professionals.
Our history
Built by aviators. Shaped with industry.
The association has long supported higher aviation standards, shared safety knowledge, and productive relationships across motion picture and television production.
Association founded
Motion picture aviators formalized the MPPA with a focus on safety, standards, and professional cooperation.
Cross-sector cooperation
MPPA works between aviation, government, studios, production teams, labor organizations, and industry.
Experience carried forward
Members bring specialized judgment and production experience to complex aviation work on location.
In memoriam
James W. Gavin
Founder of the MPPA
The association remembers James W. Gavin and the leadership that helped establish a professional voice for motion picture pilots. His commitment to aviation safety remains central to the MPPA mission.
Visit the association archive