Pickup your registration materials and get answers to all your questions.

Thanks to our badge sponsor:

Join us for a networking breakfast before the day begins.

Sponsored By:

• Emcee:  David Belastock, Captain, Bechtel
• Speaker:  Dr. Hassan Shahidi, President and CEO, Flight Safety Foundation

An inside look at how a leading national news organization covers aviation, from the mundane to tragic disasters.

NBC NEWS Aviation & Space Correspondent Tom Costello, and Capt. John Cox, NBC’s Aviation Analyst, will use video examples to dissect their own reporting of top aviation stories. They’ll share the decisions that go into the editorial process, and how they navigate the world of internet conspiracy theories and armchair investigators to report responsibly on incidents and accidents. 

Speakers:

• Tom Costello, Aviation and Space Correspondent, NBC News
• Capt. John Cox, CEO, Safety Operating Systems, and NBC Aviation Analyst

Effective communication is vital to safety across business aviation. This executive panel, featuring association leaders representing operators, air traffic control, and FBOs, will explore key communication challenges and their impact on safety. Panelists will share insights on improving coordination, reducing miscommunication, and fostering a proactive safety culture.

Moderator: Mike Ginter, Senior Vice President of the AOPA Air Safety Institute and co-chair, General Aviation Joint Safety Committee (GAJSC)

Panelists:

• Doug Carr, SVP, Safety & International Affairs, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), and FSF BAC Member
• Jenny Ann Urban, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, National Air Transportation Association (NATA)
• Phil Hargarten, Deputy Director of Safety and Technology, National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)

International cooperation on aviation safety by governments and industry groups, through ICAO, has helped to make commercial aircraft the safest way to travel. How does the business aviation sector continue to proactively improve our approach to safety performance in a global environment?

Speakers:

• Terry Yeomans, IS-BAH Programme Director, International Business Aviation Council (IBAC)
• Andrew Karas, IS-BAO Programme Director, International Business Aviation Council (IBAC)

Effective communication is the backbone of aviation safety. This session will emphasize the importance of clear, crisp, and concise communications, not just on the flight deck, but also throughout the entire aviation operation. From dispatch to maintenance, ground crews to leadership, every interaction influences safety, efficiency, and operational success.

We’ll also briefly explore leadership styles and how fostering a leader-leader environment, rather than a traditional leader-follower model, empowers teams to take ownership, enhances decision-making, and strengthens safety culture.

Speakers:

• Patrick Browne, Founder and President, Flightdeck Safety Initiatives
• Capt. Nicolaus Dmoch, Founder, Pilot2Pilot Communications

Speaker:  Dr. Hassan Shahidi, President and CEO, Flight Safety Foundation

Choose to participate in two different 45-minute round-robin safety conversations in this first afternoon session.

Round Robin – Safety Conversation 1 – Emerging Technology: Unlocking New Tools for a Safer Future

Safety in aviation is front and center given recent high visibility incidents. Investment in safety is paramount for aviation operations across the range of the business aviation industry. From legacy systems like SMS and practices like SOP compliance to cutting edge technologies like computer vision and AI, the availability of safety management technology has never been greater. TrustFlight CEO Karl Steeves and Fyve By CEO Benjamin Youngstrom discuss their experience in the field and the role technology must play in the evolution of aviation safety practices. 

Moderators:

• Benjamin Youngstrom, CEO, Fyve By
• Karl Steeves, CEO, TrustFlight
• Scott Katznelson, Chief Pilot, CC Industries, and FSF BAC Member

Round Robin – Safety Conversation 2 – Data-Driven Decision-Making

In this interactive small group session, we will explore how to leverage both public NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) data and private flight operational quality assurance (FOQA) data to drive informed, actionable decisions. Participants will see how to conduct research utilizing public ASRS data and how to analyze and compare these datasets to your company's insights to improve safety, performance, and operations. Additionally, we will discuss strategies for turning these insights into key takeaways, including collaborating with your training providers to enhance your organization's learning initiatives.          

Moderators:

• Jonathan Morrell, Senior Product Manager, GE Aerospace, Software as a Service 
• Becky Hooey, Ph.D., and Director, NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS)
• Mark Kleinhans, VP of Safety, Courseware & Regulatory Affairs, FlightSafety International (FSI)
• Mary Harshbarger, FSF BAC Member

Round Robin – Safety Conversation 3 – “Comm Check: Is Your Team Applying Your Safety Message?”

Your message is just as important as your data: Is your team hearing you loud and clear? Is the information being used? Join us as we discuss the importance of communicating the lessons learned from your SMS to your entire team.

Moderators:

• Madeline Young, VOCUS Product Manager and SMS Subject Matter Expert, Polaris Aero
• Steve Bruneau, Vice President of Aviation, Polaris Aero
• Kevin Honan, Senior Operations Advisor, Nimbl     
• Maria Kelly, Vice President of Safety, Jet Access Aviation, and FSF BAC Member

Round Robin – Safety Conversation 4 – Weather, Risk, and Turbulence

Every pilot understands that weather is complex, dynamic, and a potential concern for every phase of aviation operations. This session explores a critical flaw in pilot judgment, offers perspective on the role of culture and safety programs in decision-making, and leaves attendees with a powerful question they can ask to help improve outcomes. One threat we look at more closely is turbulence. Precise turbulence observation data plays a critical role in advancing aviation safety. With innovative analysis and the use of advanced tools, this data enables the development of new and improved strategies to ensure the safety of everyone in the skies.

Moderators:

• Justin Moore, Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner, U.S. Coast Guard
• Hagay Makov, Vice President Business Development, SkyPath US Inc.
• Keith Yaddaw, International Captain, JP Morgan Chase, and FSF BAC Member

Choose to participate in two different 45-minute round robin safety conversations in this second afternoon session.

Round Robin – Safety Conversation 1 – Emerging Technology: Unlocking New Tools for a Safer Future

Safety in aviation is front and center given recent high visibility incidents. Investment in safety is paramount for aviation operations across the range of the business aviation industry. From legacy systems like SMS and practices like SOP compliance to cutting edge technologies like computer vision and AI, the availability of safety management technology has never been greater. TrustFlight CEO Karl Steeves and Fyve By CEO Benjamin Youngstrom discuss their experience in the field and the role technology must play in the evolution of aviation safety practices. 

Moderators:

• Benjamin Youngstrom, CEO, Fyve By
• Karl Steeves, CEO, TrustFlight
• Scott Katznelson, Chief Pilot, CC Industries, and FSF BAC Member

Round Robin – Safety Conversation 2 – Data-Driven Decision-Making

In this interactive small group session, we will explore how to leverage both public NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) data and private flight operational quality assurance (FOQA) data to drive informed, actionable decisions. Participants will see how to conduct research utilizing public ASRS data and how to analyze and compare these datasets to your company's insights to improve safety, performance, and operations. Additionally, we will discuss strategies for turning these insights into key takeaways, including collaborating with your training providers to enhance your organization's learning initiatives.          

Moderators:

• Jonathan Morrell, Senior Product Manager, GE Aerospace, Software as a Service 
• Becky Hooey, Ph.D., and Director, NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS)
• Mark Kleinhans, VP of Safety, Courseware & Regulatory Affairs, FlightSafety International (FSI)
• Mary Harshbarger, FSF BAC Member

Round Robin – Safety Conversation 3 – “Comm Check: Is Your Team Applying Your Safety Message?”

Your message is just as important as your data: Is your team hearing you loud and clear? Is the information being used? Join us as we discuss the importance of communicating the lessons learned from your SMS to your entire team.

Moderators:

• Madeline Young, VOCUS Product Manager and SMS Subject Matter Expert, Polaris Aero
• Steve Bruneau, Vice President of Aviation, Polaris Aero
• Kevin Honan, Senior Operations Advisor, Nimbl     
• Maria Kelly, Vice President of Safety, Jet Access Aviation, and FSF BAC Member

Round Robin – Safety Conversation 4 – Weather, Risk, and Turbulence

Every pilot understands that weather is complex, dynamic, and a potential concern for every phase of aviation operations. This session explores a critical flaw in pilot judgment, offers perspective on the role of culture and safety programs in decision-making, and leaves attendees with a powerful question they can ask to help improve outcomes. One threat we look at more closely is turbulence. Precise turbulence observation data plays a critical role in advancing aviation safety. With innovative analysis and the use of advanced tools, this data enables the development of new and improved strategies to ensure the safety of everyone in the skies.

Moderators:

• Justin Moore, Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner, U.S. Coast Guard
• Hagay Makov, Vice President Business Development, SkyPath US Inc.
• Keith Yaddaw, International Captain, JP Morgan Chase, and FSF BAC Member

CJ's  |  LeMeridien Charlotte

Pickup your registration materials and get answers to all your questions.

Thanks to our badge sponsor:

Join us for a networking breakfast before the day begins.

Speaker: Capt. David Belastock, Bechtel Corporation and FSF BAC Chair

In the high-stakes world of business aviation, effective communication is crucial in ensuring safety and mission success. This session will explore the critical communication strategies from different segments of business aviation that enhance situational awareness, foster collaboration, and explain why clear communication is paramount to safety. Join industry experts as they share real-world case studies and best practices that demonstrate how robust communication systems can mitigate risks, improve decision-making, and ultimately lead to safer skies. Whether you're a pilot, mechanic, operator, air traffic controller, dispatcher, or safety manager, this session will equip you with the tools to elevate your communication skills and contribute to a culture of safety in business aviation.

Speakers:

• Erika Armstrong, Pilot, Advanced Aircrew Academy
• Patrick Moylan, Chief Safety and Quality Officer, West Star Aviation
• John Murdock, Safety Chair, National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), and FSF BAC Member

Addressing workforce culture is vital to business aviation operations because culture directly influences safety, efficiency, and employee engagement.  A strong culture fosters trust, accountability, and collaboration, reducing errors and improving decision-making. Safety is impacted when employees feel supported and empowered to report issues or speak up about concerns without fear of retribution. To address cultural issues, organizations can conduct cultural assessments, actively listen to employees, and identify root causes of dissatisfaction or inefficiencies. Solutions include transparent communication, leadership training, and aligning values with practices to build trust and engagement.

Speaker: Jennifer Pickerel, President, Aviation Personnel International

Explore the concept of the “last minute” and  examine the case for better preparation, both by managers and flight crews, for decisions in time-critical situations. This presentation will look at case studies and  the role of aviation history, managing doubt, the importance of communications, and the use of data analysis to understand what actually happens, not just in accidents but in “nearly happened” events.

Speaker:  Capt. John Frearson, formerly of Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority, and author of "Operational Safety for Aviation Managers"

The conversation around mental health in aviation is evolving — but significant barriers still exist when it comes to stigma, help-seeking, and sustained support for aviation professionals. True mental wellness in aviation is driven by connection, trust, and a culture that prioritizes psychological safety. This session brings together pilots, mental health professionals, and industry leaders to explore the state of mental health in aviation today, what resources and peer support systems are making a difference, and how organizations can create environments where people feel safe to speak up and seek help. Panelists will share lived experiences, practical strategies, and actionable steps that aim to break down stigma and build a more supportive, human-centered aviation culture.

Moderator:  Mark Larsen, Director, Safety & Flight Operations, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)       

Panelists:

• Capt. Dave Fielding, Chair, International Peer Assist Aviation Coalition (IPAAC)
• Allison Duquette, Psychotherapist, Arene Psychotherapy Services
• Jason Starke, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer, Business Aviation Safety Consortium

Emerging cybersecurity risks have the potential to impact aircraft systems, ground operations, data protection, and in-flight communications, among other areas. Understanding these risks and their potential to disrupt operations is essential to ensuring continued operational safety and efficiency. Explore navigational system spoofing and jamming, and cyberattacks targeting collision avoidance systems; gain practical insights and guidance that can help identify potential cybersecurity risks; and learn about ways to mitigate the threats.

Speaker:   Luc Bédard, President, Groupe CLI - Aviation Cybersecurity

The Greatest Generation, Boomers, Gen X, Xennials, Millennials, Gen Z, Gen Alpha ...  It's almost too much to keep up with. As with each generational change, today's up and coming aviators bring new perspective and insights, but also new challenges. The rapidly changing landscape of the aviation industry, and increased technology and massive growth over the past five years, have led to a "perfect storm" that has the potential to upset cultural norms and create recruiting and retention challenges for all operators, but especially those outside the traditional Part121 airline career path. It is important for organizations and their leaders to connect with, mentor, and develop the next generation of professional aviators, to understand the importance of effective communication, and to help create positive environments that foster mentoring.

Speaker: Capt. Josh Shields, Aviation Safety Manager, BAE Systems, Inc.

Moderator: Piyush Gandhi, VP Operations and Business Development, Presage Group Inc. and FSF BAC Member 

Panelists: 

Tor Finseth, Senior Advanced R&D Engineer and Scientist, Honeywell Aero 
Karl Steeves, CEO, TrustFlight 
Eric Chang, Director of Product Innovation, Aireon 

Speaker: Paige Kroner, Director Member Services, Flight Safety Foundation