The Small Operator Symposium is a half-day event focused on small flight department management and operations. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with subject-matter experts in sessions that offer tips on time management and decision making, scheduling tools, NextGen avionics, and data collection and data sharing practices. In addition, there will be a roundtable-style discussion with an owner-pilot and updates from NBAA experts on airspace changes and regulatory hot-topics. Sessions will be structured to include ample time for open town-hall style Q&A and interaction with the audience.

Monday, October 21
Las Vegas Convention Center

1:30-1:40 p.m.

Introductions

Presenter: Lou Sorrentino, AvMaSSI

1:40-2:10 p.m.

Time Management & Decision Making for Small Departments

Presenters: Dave Keys, Peace River Citrus Products; James Stone, CAM, Aflac

Small flight department managers often have to wear many hats and are responsible not only for flying the aircraft, but for administrative tasks as well. This session will focus on tips for how to balance the many responsibilities a department manager faces while still being efficient and proactive. It will focus on how to prioritize workloads, set healthy boundaries, and manage through the ever-present crises.

2:10-2:40 p.m.

Data Collection & Data Sharing for Operators

Presenter: Jeff Mittelman, Mittelman Aviation Solutions

Informative session for operators on how to begin data collection and how to participate in and take advantage of the data sharing available in the industry. The benefits to participation in such programs as ASIAS, FOQA, and ASAP programs and what it means to share data to benefit your operation and even the industry as a whole.

2:40-2:55 p.m.

Break

2:55-3:25 p.m.

Scheduling Software as a Tool for Efficient Operations

Presenters: Lindsay Dyer, CAM, L/D Aviation Services; Lori Knoper, L/D Aviation Services

One tool for department managers to increase efficiency is to utilize scheduling software, but where do you start? This session will focus on what to look for in a software solution, cost vs. benefits, security vs. simplicity, and real-world examples ranging from spreadsheet-based to software and even consulting as options to consider.

3:25-3:55 p.m.

NextGen Avionics Update

Presenter: Carey Miller, Honeywell Aerospace

It can be time consuming to keep up with the changing landscape in aviation today, nearly requiring a full-time position to stay on top of the next generation of avionics. This session will focus on controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC). CPDLC has been in use for international operations for several years. However, performance based communication and surveillance (PBCS) standards are changing the nature of the game, once again. On top of that, US ARTCC’s are starting to implement domestic en-route CPDLC operations. This session will explain how small operators can take advantage of this new technology.

3:55-4:10 p.m.

Break

4:10-4:40 p.m.

Budgeting for the Modern Flight Department

Presenter: Jeff Agur, VanAllen Group; Julianne Christensen, Houck & Christensen CPAs, LLC; Angel Houck, Houck & Christensen CPAs, LLC

Budgeting for a flight department in 2019 is a challenging and complex balance of resources. Many managers are faced with tight budgets, but big expectations and tough decisions. Should the equipment be upgraded to handle a particular flight that only happens periodically? Should additional pilots be added to the roster to increase operational capability? This session will provide insight and tips for how to balance your budget and account for the resource allocation needs that a modern day flight department of any size must consider.

4:40-5:00 p.m.

Airspace Updates

Presenter: Heidi Williams, NBAA

This update will focus on changes to the ATC system, route changes and procedural changes that will affect operators.

5:00-5:20 p.m.

Regulatory Updates

Presenter: Steve Brown, NBAA

This update will focus on the latest and coming changes to the FARs that will impact most operators and what to look out for as the changes take effect.

5:20-5:30 p.m.

Closing Remarks

Presenter: Lou Sorrentino, AvMaSSI


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