The NBAA Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism and leadership in support of business aviation safety. “Humility is really key to being a true safety leader,” notes David Ryan, vice president of aviation for MI Aviation Holdings and one of the seven business aviation professionals honored with the Kern Award for 2021. “Safety leaders need to be able to admit mistakes, always be willing to learn from those mistakes and share what they’ve learned.”
In this episode of NBAA’s “Flight Plan,” host Rob Finfrock speaks with four of this year’s NBAA Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award recipients:
David Ryan, vice president, aviation, MI Aviation Holdings
Jared VanLue, Part 121 line pilot
Nick Verdea, CAM, director, aviation and corporate travel, The Williams Companies
Michael Webb, CAM, senior manager, aircraft maintenance, The Williams Companies
If your career goals include being a business aviation chief pilot, experts advise creating a professional development plan. Chief pilots offer tips on why it matters and how to start.
Runway excursions are the leading cause of accidents in turbine business aircraft operations. NBAA's Domestic Operations Committee recently updated the association's safety resource, Reducing Runway Excursions in Business Aviation, with additional tips for operators to avoid these events.
Business aircraft pilots often utilize their annual Part 61.58 recurrent checkride to not only demonstrate their proficiency in required flight maneuvers, but also as an opportunity to train on specific operational scenarios.
Consultancies estimate that recent operator requests for guidance on developing safety management systems are up by double digits. What SMS elements are they focusing on?
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.