WATS 2017: Unveiling the Future of Aviation Training

By: Meghann Witthoft

JETPUBS is excited to once again join the many sponsors of the World Aviation Training Symposium (WATS) which will be held in Orlando, Florida from May 2-4, 2017. The symposium is known to be “the world’s largest meeting of aviation training professionals” and attracts over 1,200 individuals from more than 50 different countries. The event aims to connect individuals from all walks of aviation training and allow them to nurture existing business relationships while setting the foundation for new relationships. For more information regarding WATS 2017, visit the event site here.

JETPUBS will boast a variety of involvements in WATS 2017 including the well-known sponsorship of fun, unique centerpieces and a talk to be given by JETPUBS’ very own Director of Standards, Wally Hines, and an MIT and Johns Hopkins Researcher, Don Schmincke.

Wally and Don’s talk is titled “Creating a True Safety Culture: Why Safety Cultures are Unsafe,” and it will explore how to create a culture that radically improves safety at airlines through the successful process of SMS implementation. Wally and Don connected and, according to Wally, they both realized that they could contribute to “crafting a desired culture” and, in turn, foster the beginning of a monumental shift throughout the entire aviation industry. “Even though we are enjoying the safest time in aviation history, true safety cultures continue to degrade. There are a variety of reasons for this, but this is an important topic that needs to be addressed and discussed,” shared Wally.

Last year’s WATS centerpieces had a “secret garden” feel and highlighted the way JETPUBS is elevating aviation through unlocking access to uncommon service and five star outcomes. Can you guess what this year’s centerpieces will be?

In addition to Wally and Don’s talk, there is another component of JETPUBS’ exhibition at WATS that will allow you to explore technologies and ideas unbeknownst to the world of aviation training at this point in time. This component is the unveiling of a JETPUBS offering that is to be the “future of aviation training.” The offering combines decades of aviation knowledge and understanding with futuristic technologies to culminate in the ultimate aviation training experience.

Imagine improving safety and efficiency through your aviation training while also spurring massive growth in all areas of your operation, all under the umbrella of one offering that is always “thinking” one step ahead of you and helping you to reach and even exceed your highest capabilities. Did you picture it? Did it seem impossible? It is not impossible; the means to achieve these goals that have been at the top of your to do list can be found in one JETPUBS service to be introduced at WATS 2017.

According to Wally, the atmosphere at WATS is perfect for igniting change and expanding minds, both through his talk on safety cultures and the introduction of this offering to alter the course of aviation training solutions forever. “Many of the WATS attendees come to see what’s new in training, creating an environment where people are eager to learn and to solve problems. If you aren’t here for one of these reasons, you are probably at the wrong conference,” stated Wally. This environment of excitement is one of the many reasons that JETPUBS is thrilled to be a part of the symposium year after year.

Though many components of the JETPUBS WATS experience will remain similar, there are many aspects that represent the aviation industry’s constant drive to improve upon the foundation of past innovations. One of these aspects is how JETPUBS will be honoring the past within the booth.

The JETPUBS booth itself will feature a time capsule to highlight and reflect on our current time period in aviation training and the world in general. Be sure to visit the JETPUBS team at Booth 209 and bring an item from the past to put in the time capsule, find something from the future at the booth. If you are ready to experience aviation training at level of efficiency and innovation that is nearly unfathomable in the present, WATS 2017 is the perfect destination to honor the past and experience the “future of aviation training.”