New England’s hot and balmy weather did not hinder the networking of colleagues, friends, and acquaintances at 2015’s second NBAA Regional Forum held in Teterboro, NJ on June 25. Exhibitors and attendees alike got out early to see the impressive static display of business aircraft on Landmark Aviation’s busy ramp, trying to beat the hot sun.
Nearby, many visited the recently-expanded FlightSafety International Teterboro Learning Center, just minutes from the airport. The Teterboro Learning Center has been the Northeast’s main Hawker training center for some time, but its recent expansion has now created additional simulator space and plans to introduce Gulfstream simulators are in motion. The building’s expansion accommodates a sophisticated sea survival training and evacuation pool for inflight crews, which allows for life-like simulation of day-and-night, rain-or-shine evacuation procedures. A refurbished fiberglass fuselage is designed to partially submerge in the water as crews carry out their evacuation procedures, exiting via the aircraft wing. In addition, food handling training is offered in the new expansion through the Corporate School of Etiquette. FlightSafety’s entire facility proved its commitment to excellent customer service and aviation training for the business aviation community.
Attendees and exhibitors of the Teterboro Regional Forum continued chatting over the lunch and afternoon hours, many ending the evening with a special offsite event.
Just a week later in Tucson, AZ, NBAA hosted another valuable event for flight attendants and flight technicians from June 30 to July 2. Corporate flight attendants arrived eager to network, meet industry vendors, and participate in constructive seminars designed to enhance the overall education of those attending. Topics covered in these sessions ranged from emergency evacuation training, catering plate presentations, and safe food handling to discussions led by prominent industry leaders. Steve Brown, COO of NBAA, encouraged attendees to step into leadership roles in their companies regarding safety and to aim to improve every single day. International security expert Walid Phares discussed the world’s current socio-political climate and how global events affect crewmembers. In addition, astronaut and US Air Force combat pilot Mark Kelly spoke of the wisdom he gained throughout difficult life events, including 30+ combat missions, four missions to space, and the attempted assassination of his wife, Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords. Kelly encouraged the audience with the truth that “how good you are in the beginning [of what you’ve set out to accomplish] is not a good indication of what you’ll become.” In his reflection on his life, the audience could see the power of the human spirit and will in achieving what appears impossible.
Throughout the week, an atmosphere of collaboration and community abounded among attendees, vendors, and NBAA staff. This was highlighted in the off-site event at Oasis Ranch, as guests mingled and shared advice and experiences while stargazing, line dancing, tequila tasting, and karaoke singing. The Arizona heat did not stifle attendees’ spirits as the event closed with grand prize giveaways and anticipation for the Fourth of July weekend.
JETPUBS participated in each conference as exhibitors and had great conversations with attendees about manuals and training materials. Contact JETPUBS to learn more about making your life easier in these areas.
– Rochelle Johnson, JETPUBS Inc.