July 30, 2018
NBAA chief operating officer (COO) Steve Brown has been elected to serve on the board of directors for RTCA, Inc., a private, not-for-profit association that functions as an aviation standards organization to the FAA on matters related to aviation systems.
“I am honored to be chosen to serve in this diverse, independent, consensus-based organization,” Brown said. “Everyone involved in RTCA brings their expertise to forming a community dialogue about how to improve aviation. They are all subject matter experts in their fields, working free from politics, all towards the common good.”
Stakeholders across the National Airspace System, such as major airlines, airports, aircraft and equipment manufacturers, community groups and policymakers, participate in RTCA committees tasked with developing guidelines for improving communications, surveillance, navigation and air traffic management in the United States, and around the world.
Brown noted that, at any given time, several NBAA staff members are involved in RTCA committees working to create and refine standards across multiple subject areas.
“Business aviation has always viewed modernization of the system as a benefit for our industry, and we are strong advocates for it,” he continued. “Advances in technology bring with them increases to safety, reliability and affordability, which of course are also core concerns for businesses of any type, in any industry.”
The RTCA board is responsible for management and financial oversight of the organization, including review and approval for its annual operating budget. Brown succeeds NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, whose most recent term on the RTCA board ended July 31. Bolen also served twice as board chairman.
“This is a continuation of NBAA’s involvement in this important organization,” Brown said. “We are extremely supportive of RTCA, and we’ve seen it produce many beneficial advances for aviation, not just in the U.S., but also globally. I am grateful for this opportunity to contribute to our shared aviation community.”
Prior to joining NBAA in 2004, Brown served as FAA vice president of operations planning, as well as the agency’s associate administrator for air traffic services. He previously served as president of the National Aeronautic Association and as senior vice president of government and technical affairs at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Additionally, he was a member of the faculty at Texas A&M University, where he taught several aviation-related courses.
As COO, Brown oversees all of NBAA’s activities relating to aircraft operations and flight department management issues, as well as the administrative, financial and human resources functions.