The NBAA News Bureau web site contains highlights from the Association's 60th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2007), held from Tuesday, September 25, to Thursday, September 27, 2007, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, with a Static Display of Aircraft at Fulton County Airport-Brown Field (FTY). Convention-related activities, including NBAA's 60th anniversary observations, were held throughout the week from September 22 to 29.
Review this page to access articles, podcasts, photos, videos and NBAA Member snapshots from the world's largest civil aviation trade show. The articles below are listed in this order:
- Postings from Thursday, September 27
- Postings from Wednesday, September 26
- Postings from Tuesday, September 25
- Postings from Monday, September 24
- Postings from Sunday, September 23
- Postings from Saturday, September 22
Thursday Postings
NBAA2007 Is Enormously Successful Show
Updated October 3, 2007
NBAA announced a record total of 1,152 Exhibitors at its 60th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2007), a sold-out Static Display of Aircraft and a final attendance total of more than 32,000 people. "This was an enormously successful Convention, and NBAA's 60th anniversary has been an enormously successful year," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. Review this News Bureau web page for Convention-week highlights, including podcasts, photos, videos, articles and Member snapshots. To read additional comments by Bolen about this year's Convention, click here.
NBAA Announces New Board Officers; Jeffrey W. Lee Is Chairman
September 27, 2007
NBAA implemented its Board officer succession plan today, when Jeffrey W. Lee of IBM Corporation succeeded Kenneth E. Emerick of GM Worldwide Travel Services as Board chairman. Pat Cunningham of PepsiCo, Inc. is NBAA’s new vice chairman and treasurer, filling the role vacated by Lee. More.
Five Directors Elected to NBAA Board
September 27, 2007
The NBAA Voting Membership yesterday elected five Directors during the Association's 60th Annual Meeting at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. More.
Many Awards Presented During NBAA Convention
September 27, 2007
NBAA recognized several individuals this week with awards, including Bryan T. Moss, recipient of the 2007 Meritorious Service to Aviation Award; Pat Epps, recipient of the 2007 Doswell Award; and Veterans Airlift Command, recipient of the 2007 Al Ueltschi Humanitarian Award. More.
Meet NBAA’s Membership Team
September 27, 2007
Attendees of the NBAA 60th Annual Meeting & Convention had many opportunities to meet the Association’s Membership team this week, whether at the NBAA Booth in Hall C, the Membership Discussion session on Wednesday or the 11th Annual Chairman’s Charity Classic. The entire Membership team was on-site in Atlanta to provide face-to-face service to Members throughout the week. More.
Meet the Regulators Session Features Top Officials
September 27, 2007
At one of the most well-attended sessions at NBAA2007, and what one panelist called “a time-honored event,” today’s Meet the Regulators session featured three of the Federal Aviation Administration’s top officials. The panel stressed the importance of Safety Management Systems (SMS). More.
Security Experts Address Aviation Security and Company Preparedness
September 27, 2007
NBAA’s Wednesday panel discussion on security protocols and considerations in general aviation featured guests from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), security consultants and former members of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The panelists examined how the aviation environment has changed since 9/11, both in terms of regulatory changes and the increased responsibility of flight departments for security. Although general aviation is not currently considered a threat to national security, panelists agreed that security for the industry continues to be a focus in Washington policymaking circles. More.
Experts Discuss Unique Considerations Involving VLJ Operations
September 27, 2007
Discussions about the emergence of very light jets (VLJs) continued this morning at NBAA2007, when a session presenter discussed special considerations for operating the aircraft. More.
Regional Groups Show There Is Strength in Numbers
September 27, 2007
The theme of the NBAA2007 regional group session was that local business aviation advocates don’t have to go it alone. Leaders reminded Attendees that they have numerous resources they can call upon when dealing with local political and operational challenges. More.
IS-BAO Marks Five Years of Operational Excellence
September 27, 2007
It has been five years since the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) was unveiled. During NBAA2007, Kathy Perfetti, the former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) official who was named standards manager for the International Business Aviation Council earlier this year, led a panel discussion on IS-BAO for operators who are interested in operating to IS-BAO’s high levels of safety and professionalism. More.
NASA, FAA Experts Discuss Synthetic Vision for Pilots
September 27, 2007
Representatives from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Federal Aviation Administration met this morning to discuss technology expected to revolutionize visibility from the cockpit. Panelists joined the NBAA2007 session as members of an RTCA committee tasked with developing performance and use standards for enhanced vision systems and synthetic vision systems. More.
Social Support Key to Implementing Health Lifestyle Changes
September 27, 2007
Pilots are keenly aware that staying fit and healthy is not just desirable; it can be critical to their ability to earn a living. After all, pilots who lose their medical certificate often find themselves on the unemployment line. During NBAA’s Flight Health Considerations session, the featured speaker shared the latest research on the topic and provided some unique insights on how to implement a successful diet and exercise program. More.
At Close of Second Day, Attendance Total Is Second Largest
September 27, 2007
At the close of the second day of the NBAA 60th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2007) in Atlanta, GA, 31,343 people have registered for the show, which makes this Convention the second largest in terms of total Attendees so far, with the third-day registrations yet to be counted. This week, a record-breaking 1,152 Exhibiting Companies at the Georgia World Congress Center are providing side-by-side comparisons of their products and services, compared to 1,140 Exhibitors in 2006. Also, approximately 115 state-of-the-art business aircraft are being featured at the Static Display of Aircraft on nearby Fulton County Airport, and more than 100 Information Sessions are being held on a wide range of topics of interest to the business aviation community. Review the program schedule.
Wednesday Postings
AOPA’s Boyer Says General Aviation Won’t Be Divided in User Fee Fight
September 26, 2007
Phil Boyer, president and CEO of the 412,000-strong Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), said he was making his third appearance today in 18 years as head of AOPA at a National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting & Convention to reinforce the two organizations' shared opposition to user fees as a dire threat to the future of general aviation. More.
Like Today, Access Was a Hot Topic of the Original NBAA Meeting
September 26, 2007
The continuing battle to ensure business aviation’s access to airspace actually began some 60 years ago, and the threat was so imminent that it galvanized the business community and led a handful of forward-thinking activists to form an organization to protect and promote the interests of all business aircraft operators. Today, NBAA is celebrating the anniversary of the first Annual Meeting of the Association, which was held 60 years ago in New York City. More.
Safety Town Hall Meeting Focuses On Threat and Error Management
September 26, 2007
Today, Rick Longlot of the NBAA Safety Committee welcomed Dr. Durwood Heinrich, chief pilot for PetSmart Aviation, and Peter Stein, chief pilot for Johnson Controls, at the NBAA Safety Town Hall Meeting. The one-hour session was led by Heinrich, who gave a PowerPoint presentation on threat and error management (TEM) for business aviation. Being that the primary cause of aircraft accidents is flightcrew mistakes, the objective of TEM is to reduce human error in daily operations by identifying hazards, assessing risks, avoiding threat and containing end results. More.
Industry Experts Lead Panel Discussion on PJs and VLJs
September 26, 2007
If there was any doubt that personal jets (PJs) and very light jets (VLJs) have taken center stage among general aviation topics, the packed house at NBAA’s “Panel Discussion on Personal Jets and Very Light Jets,” which featured 14 industry experts from around the world, confirmed it. More.
Technology, Customization Driving Aircrew Training Evolution
September 26, 2007
The operators, training providers and regulators who participated in NBAA’s Aircrew Training panel discussion agreed on one point: pilot training standards and programs need to continually evolve to address a variety of industry concerns. More.
NBAA Staff Answers Member Questions During Convention
September 26, 2007
Members were able to have their most pressing questions answered by NBAA representatives at today’s NBAA Membership Meeting. More.
GA Educators Present Opportunities for Professional Development
September 26, 2007
Educators from the general aviation (GA) community joined this morning to discuss courses offered by NBAA’s Professional Development Program (PDP), which was developed by the Association to help prepare aviation professional for management roles within flight departments. The courses also award participants with credits that can be used to qualify for NBAA’s Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Examination, or to renew that certification through continuing education. More.
NBAA On-Demand Education: Almost Like Being Here
September 26, 2007
In years past, those unable to attend the Convention or other important NBAA meetings, such as the Tax, Regulatory & Risk Management Conference, missed out on educational opportunities. But thanks to NBAA’s On-Demand Education Program, they now can watch entire seminars using distance-learning technologies, such as an Internet-based streaming video on-demand service or video CD-ROM. Additionally, audio for other Convention sessions is scheduled to be available. More.
Session Covers Federal Excise Tax, Special Considerations
September 26, 2007
NBAA this morning facilitated a session covering business aircraft federal excise taxes (FET). The panel provided aircraft operators in attendance with IRS filing guidelines and special considerations. More.
FBOs, Clients Reach Consensus About Best Practices During Session
September 26, 2007
Fixed base operators (FBOs), pilots and dispatchers participated in a Convention panel discussion titled FBO Products, Services and Facilities for Business Aviation, which was aimed at finding common ground between what aviation clients want, and what capabilities FBOs provide. More.
NBAA Journal of Business Aviation Released at Convention
September 26, 2007
The fall issue of NBAA's Journal of Business Aviation offers an interesting lineup of articles for business aviation managers, including features about the complexities of leasing business aircraft, tips for flight departments undergoing a merger, use of VLJs in support of business, storm strategies, flight attendant training, work/life balance issues and electronic flight bags. With a new, shorter title, the NBAA Journal of Business Aviation has widened its focus to include not only management and safety topics but also operations, maintenance and career development articles. Members should watch for this publication to arrive in October; in the meantime, those attending the NBAA 60th Annual Meeting & Convention in Atlanta may pick up advance copies of this publication on-site at the publications bins in Hall C, or share feedback at editor@nbaa.org.
NBAA Provides CAM Program Update
September 26, 2007
NBAA yesterday held a Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Program Update in Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center as one of numerous sessions offered to educate Attendees on NBAA services and programs. Three members of the Association’s CAM Governing Board gave the presentation, covering the CAM Exam and related NBAA education programs, such as the Professional Development Program (PDP). More.
Meet Ops Service Group at NBAA Booth
September 26, 2007
Remember how helpful the Operations Service Group (OSG) was when you needed a quick, authoritative answer to a question about flying or managing your aircraft? If you would like to thank them for sharing their expertise, ask them additional questions or just finally meet Mark Larsen, Scott O’Brien and Jim McClay face-to-face, the three men will be stationed at the NBAA Booth in Hall C during the NBAA 60th Annual Meeting & Convention all week long. Even if you have never used the OSG before, NBAA Convention Attendees are encouraged to stop by and learn more about the services the group provides. More.
Tuesday Postings
NBAA Opening Session Celebrates Past, Present, Future of General Aviation
September 25, 2007
“We’re here not only to recognize the past, but also to pay tribute to the present and build for the future,” Bolen said to a full house at a Georgia World Congress Center auditorium filled with some of the 27,000-plus opening day Attendees at the NBAA 60th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2007). Review the press release.
DOT Secretary, Georgia Governor, Local Leader Address NBAA Convention Attendees
September 25, 2007
Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue and Cox Enterprises President and COO Jimmy W. Hayes underscored how important business aviation is to Georgia during the Opening General Session of the 60th NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention Tuesday morning. More.
NBAA’s Media Kickoff Breakfast Focuses on Future of General Aviation
September 25, 2007
NBAA2007 opening-day activities began with a Media Kickoff Breakfast at the Georgia World Congress Center. In front of a crowded room of media representatives and select Association Members, leaders of the general aviation (GA) community described a promising future for the industry, but focused on the need to address challenges, such as the threat of a user fee mechanism for funding the FAA. More.
NBAA Awards Honor Outstanding Achievement in Business Aviation
September 25, 2007
NBAA honored outstanding achievements in business aviation at the NBAA Awards Luncheon on the opening day of its 60th Annual Meeting & Convention at the Georgia World Congress Center. “We want to honor the remarkable work done by individuals and organizations across the business aviation community, and from which the industry as a whole benefits,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, who hosted the luncheon. More.
New Conklin Business Aviation Management Scholarship Announced
September 25, 2007
NBAA, in coordination with Conklin & de Decker, today announced the establishment of the Alan H. Conklin Business Aviation Management Scholarship. Created in honor of the late Al Conklin, a U.S. Air Force veteran and business aviation leader for more than 60 years, the scholarship will be awarded to an aviation student attending a University Aviation Association-affiliated college aviation management program. More.
NBAA Presents Ewald Journalism Scholarship to First Recipients
September 25, 2007
NBAA today announced the first recipients of the David W. Ewald Journalism Scholarship. The Association, in coordination with the family of the late Dave Ewald, established the scholarship earlier this year to honor the long-time Business & Commercial Aviation publisher, who spent nearly 50 years serving the business aviation community. It recognizes a high school student planning to study journalism or a college or university student already in an accredited journalism program. More.
NBAA Announces Recipients of Five Scholarships Promoting Collegiate Business Aviation Instruction
September 25, 2007
NBAA has announced the 2007 recipients of five scholarships that promote the pursuit of learning in the aviation industry. The scholarships awarded are: Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship, United States Aircraft Insurance Group (USAIG)/Professional Development Program (PDP) Scholarship, NORDAM Dee Howard/Etienne Fage Scholarship, William M. Fanning Maintenance Scholarship and AvFuel Michigan Business Aviation Scholarship. More.
New Speaker: DHS’s Rottman to Discuss U.S. Security Priorities
September 25, 2007
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’s) increased focus on general aviation security, as outlined recently by DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff, will be discussed by DHS Deputy Director of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Rottman at Wednesday’s NBAA2007 Security Session. Rottman will discuss the recent proposed rulemaking on private international flights into the United States, and possible additional rulemakings for larger business jets. More.
Aviation Legends Present First-Time Author With Combs Gates Award During NBAA Convention
September 25, 2007
During the NBAA2007 Opening General Session, Amanda Wright Lane and aviation legends Eugene Cernan and Bob Hoover presented historian an d first-time author Jane Gardner Birch with the National Aviation Hall of Fame's 2007 Combs Gates Award. Birch received a $20,000 cash award for her soon-to-be-published book They Flew Proud, inspired by the World War II experience of her father, Gardner Birch, a flight instructor in the Civilian Pilot Training Program. More.
2007 Journalism Award Recipients Announced
September 25, 2007
NBAA presented its journalism awards this morning during its Media Kickoff Breakfast on the opening day of NBAA2007. Paul Lowe of Aviation International News was presented with the NBAA Gold Wing Award, and the Association posthumously recognized the late David W. Ewald with the NBAA Platinum Wing Award, which was renamed in his honor. More.
NBAA2007 Opens Today With Record-Breaking Numbers
September 25, 2007
The NBAA 60th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2007) opens today at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, where 27,326 Attendees have already registered by the start of the three-day show, an increase of more than 10 percent in comparison to the same period last year, when 24,844 were registered. This week, a record-breaking 1,152 Exhibiting Companies will provide side-by-side comparisons of their products and services, compared to 1,140 Exhibitors in 2006. Also, approximately 115 state-of-the-art business aircraft will be featured at the Static Display of Aircraft on nearby Fulton County Airport, and more than 100 Information Sessions are being held on a wide range of topics of interest to the business aviation community. Review the program schedule.
Monday Postings
NBAA Convention Just One Benefit of Membership
September 24, 2007
This week’s NBAA 60th Annual Meeting & Convention, the world’s biggest civil aviation trade show, is a unique opportunity for business aircraft operators to make side-by-side comparisons of aircraft and services and to network with their peers. However, the ability to participate in the show is just one of many benefits that NBAA Members enjoy. “NBAA literally provides something for everyone in business aviation – from single-aircraft operators to the largest flight departments and industry suppliers,” says NBAA Vice President for Membership Connie Penne. “In short, NBAA helps business aviation succeed.” More.
Golf Classic Raises More Than $40,000 for NBAA Charities
September 24, 2007
NBAA 11th Annual Chairman's Charity Classic Golf Tournament yesterday raised more than $40,000 for NBAA Charities, a charitable fund established to provide support to worthy causes in the business aviation community. More.
Daily Edition of NBAA Update to Be Published During NBAA2007
September 24, 2007
On each day of this week's NBAA Convention, the Association will publish a special edition of the NBAA Update – a free e-mail newsletter, which provides a synopsis of the latest operational, regulatory and political news for the business aviation community. The three special editions will feature Convention news, as well as information about the Association and sessions taking place at NBAA2007. Subscribe to the NBAA Update by visiting www.nbaa.org/update.
Supersonic Business Jet Panelists Announced
September 24, 2007
Panelists for the Supersonic Business Jet Panel Discussion on Wednesday, September 25, will include: Pres Henne of Gulfstream Aerospace; Robert Bass and Brian Barents or Richard Tracy of Aerion; and associates from SAI and Dassault. The session will be presented in Room C205 of the Georgia World Congress Center from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Those unable to attend in person will be able to download the NBAA On-Demand Education podcast, to be posted on NBAA's web site following the Convention at www.nbaa.org/ondemand.
CARE: Preparing in Advance to Provide a Better Emergency Response
September 24, 2007
Corporate Aviation Responding to Emergencies (CARE) is a volunteer organization that coordinates immediate business aviation air support in times of national emergencies that merit private-sector intervention. CARE is working with NBAA, through its Schedulers & Dispatchers (S&D) Committee, to formally organize this effort. Committee members will be available to share more information at the NBAA Booth in Hall C of the Georgia World Congress Center during NBAA2007. NBAA Members are invited to sign up for CARE. All forms must be submitted by October 31. For details, visit www.nbaa.org/care.
Sunday Postings
NBAA and More Than 500 Volunteers Build Aviation-Themed Playground for Atlanta Elementary School
September 23, 2007
In conjunction with the NBAA 60th Annual Meeting & Convention, and in honor of NBAA’s 60th anniversary and Georgia’s centennial of flight, the Association today joined KaBOOM!, The Home Depot, many Member Companies and the local community around Fulton County Airport-Brown Field (FTY) to build an aviation-themed playground at Fain Elementary School in Atlanta. The completed playground is 7,400 square feet – an area large enough to park 50 cars – and features an outdoor classroom with benches and chalkboards, an airplane-shaped sandbox and a community garden. More than 500 volunteers from the aviation and local communities participated in this effort. Review the article and photo.
Leaders and Legends to Appear at NBAA Convention
September 23, 2007
From September 25 to 27 in Atlanta, GA, the NBAA 60th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2007) will feature government leaders speaking on topics of interest to the industry, as well as some notable aviation figures. The Opening General Session on September 25 will feature Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters and Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as speakers, while top Federal Aviation Administration safety official Nick Sabatini will participate in the Meet the Regulators session on September 27. Also during the Opening General Session, Amanda Wright Lane, the great grandniece of Orville and Wilbur Wright; Eugene Cernan, former astronaut and the last man to walk on the moon; and Bob Hoover, World War II fighter pilot, test pilot and air show legend, together will present the 2007 Combs Gates Award on behalf of the National Aviation Hall of Fame. For more Convention highlights, review the program schedule.
Saturday Posting
NBAA2007 Arrives in Atlanta
September 22, 2007
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today began a week of activities in commemoration of its 60th anniversary with a symbolic flight from New York, the site of NBAA’s first meeting in 1947, to Atlanta, the site of this year’s NBAA 60th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2007). Representing the general aviation community’s storied past, its modern-day present and its visionary future were Pat Epps of Atlanta-based Epps Aviation, whose father, Ben Epps, built and piloted the first powered aircraft in Georgia 100 years ago; NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen; and Jamail Larkins, a 23-year-old Augusta, GA, native and youth ambassador for the Federal Aviation Administration. With the arrival of this flight, NBAA’s Convention-week events are officially underway. Visit NBAA.org throughout the week to view videos, webcams, podcasts, photos, articles and more. Review the commemorative flight details.