When the National Business Aviation Association convenes for its 62nd annual meeting later this month, the subject of owner-flown business aircraft will have a prominent spot on the agenda. A dedicated show for light business aircraft (LBA) scheduled for last March was shelved due to the economic downturn, but this year’s main convention (Oct. 20-22 in Orlando) will include many of the programs and features originally planned for that venue. Mike Nichols, NBAA vice president of operations has said a dedicated LBA show could resurface in years to come. Some features geared to owner-pilot-operators include a panel discussion on aircraft acquisition, in which peer entrepreneurs will discuss their reasons for buying and operating aircraft for business. Topics will include financing, aircraft management and the pros and cons of hiring a professional pilot to fly exclusively: or to serve as a second-in-command to an owner-pilot. Other sessions during the convention program will include information on aircraft selection, recordkeeping, aircraft sharing, NBAA’s small aircraft exemption and safety seminars focusing on single-pilot operations. NBAA hopes to attract not only owner-pilots, but also managers and pilots from small, single-aircraft flight departments – perhaps involving a piston twin or turboprop single – who might not have seen the advantage of attending the NBAA’s annual convention in the past.
This Month’s NBAA Convention Addresses Owner/Pilots
