Program Schedule – 2024 NBAA Maintenance Conference
Unless otherwise specified, all 2024 NBAA Maintenance Conference events will take place at the Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97232.
Monday, April 29, 2024 | Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 | Thursday, May 2, 2024
Monday, April 29, 2024
7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. |
PDP RegistrationLocation: Hyatt Regency Portland, Columbia 1 |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
NBAA PDP Course: Elevate Your Leadership Skills in Maintenance OperationsAdditional PDP course registration fee required Presenters: Bob Hobbi, ServiceElements Leadership is not about authority or title; it’s a dynamic set of behaviors, practices and tools that inspire others, encourage collaboration, and allow sound decision making. In our fast paced, changing and demanding industry, leadership is crucial for success. Everyone can embody these traits and become an inspirational, compassionate and respected leader. Through case studies, activities and shared best practices, this one-day, highly interactive leadership workshop will help aviation maintenance professionals build confidence and examine and sharpen their leadership skills to improve communication and teamwork, influence others and foster a culture of safety and service. This course covers NBAA PDP leadership objective L3.  This course is eligible for CAM application and recertification credit. |
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
AMT Scholarship Topgolf OutingLocation: |
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Registration OpenLocation: Lobbies D & E, Level 1 |
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
Continental BreakfastLocation: Lobbies D & E, Level 1 |
8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. |
Welcome and NBAA UpdateLocation: Portland Ballroom, Level 2 |
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
Opening Keynote: Greg WooldridgeLocation: Portland Ballroom, Level 2 Greg Wooldridge – also known as “Boss” – is a highly respected leader, known for his ability to build high-performing teams based on communication, trust and teamwork. His heart-driven approach proved to be a perfect match for the Blue Angel’s culture of excellence, where he successfully led three teams through times of difficult transition. Inspired by his success, Wooldridge now shares his methods to empower individuals and teams on their journey towards high performance. |
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
Morning Coffee BreakLocation: Lobbies D & E, Level 1 Morning refreshments, including coffee and tea, are included in the conference registration fee. Sponsored by Pratt & Whitney |
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Navigating the Skies: Best Practices in Leading Aircraft Maintenance and Operations TeamsLocation: Room E146, Level 1 Effective leadership within aircraft maintenance and operations teams is fundamental to ensuring safety, efficiency and excellence. Join us for an illuminating talk that will delve into the nuanced realm of leadership within this critical domain. Learn how you can properly steer aircraft maintenance and operations teams toward unparalleled success through an often overlooked process of exploring and enhancing the team’s emotional intelligence. You’ll walk away with a spectrum of tips, tools and strategies and an EQ process vital for effectively leading within this specialized field. Presenter: Christopher Salem, CRS Group Holdings, LLC This session is eligible for IA renewal credit. This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Practical Tactical Stress Management for ProfessionalsLocation: Room D135, Level 1 For many competent, dedicated, professionals, stress continues to be a significant barrier to personal and professional satisfaction, job performance, and a high quality of life. Too often, hard-earned “down-time” is still spent worrying about work, relationships and other stressors, and finding the time and resources for self-care activities often becomes an additional, daunting source of stress. Many high performing professionals also experience guilt and frustration that while they are extremely effective at problem-solving in their professional roles, they can’t seem to “fix” or effectively cope with events and experiences that cause them stress. In this high-energy, interactive and truly fun experience, participants will learn how individual stressors – personal and professional – become chronic stress through various physiological and cognitive processes. Participants will gain increased awareness of their own stress-maintaining processes and then observe, participate in and practice practical, tactical mindfulness techniques for stress management that they can implement immediately in 120 seconds or less, anytime, anywhere. Presenter: Lindsey Carnick, Onward Psych Services This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Engine Programs: To Enroll or Not Enroll – That Is the Question!Location: Room E142, Level 1 Engine maintenance is of vast importance, not only to the safe and dependable operation of your aircraft, but also to its residual value. When considering whether to enroll an aircraft in an engine program, start from your perspective. If your aircraft is new from the manufacturer, you’ll evaluate the decision differently than for a pre-owned aircraft. The enrollment decision has a number of other variables that depend on the specific engine in your aircraft, the prospective engine program options, your disposition as the operator and, of course, the market. In this session, you’ll learn four essential steps to help you find your answer – to enroll or not to enroll. Presenter: Mike Dwyer, Guardian Jet This session is eligible for IA renewal credit. This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Training to Maintain Future TechnologyLocation: Room D139, Level 1 Business aviation aircraft have seen a significant growth in technology. Flight decks are highly automated with increased software-based control. Aircraft cabins incorporate complex audio/video systems, highly integrated wired and wireless networks, smart/mobile technology, and multiple high-speed internet systems. This session focuses on how flight departments and maintenance facilities can ensure their technicians have the training needed to support aircraft featuring these new technologies. Presenter: Nathan Bailey, Gogo Business Aviation This session is eligible for IA renewal credit. This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Exhibit Hall OpenLocation: Exhibit Halls D & E, Level 1 |
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
Lunch With ExhibitorsLocation: Exhibit Halls D & E, Level 1 Lunch is included in the conference registration fee.
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1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
CLA SMS Program – FAA Voluntary Program Lessons LearnedLocation: Room E146, Level 1 Presenters will reflect on the insights they gained during their two-year certification process within the FAA SMSVP journey. You’ll hear about the valuable lessons they learned, including finding best practices, measurement tools and ways to enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, you’ll receive an update on the current status of the program, highlighting key program metrics and achievements. Lastly, you’ll view the outline for future improvement initiatives, which will demonstrate a commitment to continual enhancement within the context of the SMSVP framework. Presenter: Eloy Freitas, CAM, Clay Lacy This session is eligible for IA renewal credit. This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
On the Ground and in the Cockpit: Leading in a Ever-Changing and Challenging Business Aviation EnvironmentLocation: Room D135, Level 1 We work in an environment of constant change, whether it be weather; customer needs and expectations; trip details; technology; economic conditions; new regulations; and more. Our dynamic and fast-paced industry demands leaders who can confidently navigate uncertainty, adapt to rapid changes and effectively lead their teams through these daily challenges. This session will help all leaders, at all levels, in and out of the cockpit, begin to cultivate a mindset that embraces change, uncertainty and ambiguity, allowing informed decisions in unpredictable situations. Participants will gain tools and insights into a culture of change; leading and motivating teams in a changing environment; and managing conflict and resistance to change. Presenter: Bob Hobbi, ServiceElements This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Maintenance Events Are a Marathon: Are You Prepared?Location: Room E142, Level 1 Presenters: This session is eligible for IA renewal credit. This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Pratt & Whitney Canada Technical SessionLocation: Room D139, Level 1 Presenters: This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Ice Cream Social Celebrating Scholarship WinnersLocation: Exhibit Halls D & E, Level 1 |
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Filling Your Toolbox: Strategies for Building a Next-Gen Maintenance Team and Cultivating a Culture of Champion
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5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Networking Reception: Camaraderie in CascadiaLocation: Upright Brewing, 240 N Broadway Join us for an evening of networking and camaraderie as we bring together young professionals and industry leaders in the business aviation community. This collaborative event, co-hosted by the Young Professionals of Business Aviation (YoPro) and the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association (PNBAA), promises to be an exciting opportunity to connect, share insights, and foster meaningful relationships. Just show up! The first round’s on us! |
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Registration OpenLocation: Lobbies D & E, Level 1 |
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
Continental BreakfastLocation: Exhibit Halls D & E, Level 1; Portland Foyer, Level 2 |
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Exhibit Hall OpenLocation: Exhibit Halls D & E, Level 1 |
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. |
Welcome & NBAA Maintenance Committee Leadership UpdateLocation: Portland Ballroom, Level 2 |
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
What the FOQA?Location: Portland Ballroom, Level 2 Presenters: This session is eligible for IA renewal credit. This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
Morning Coffee BreakLocation: Exhibit Halls D & E, Level 1 Morning refreshments, including coffee and tea, are included in the conference registration fee. Sponsored by Pratt & Whitney |
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Generational Differences in the WorkplaceLocation: Room E146, Level 1 Presenter: This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Powering the Digital FutureLocation: Room D135, Level 1 Digital technology is leading the future of this industry – from the exploration of the future of propulsion systems, to improvements in engine health monitoring for predictive analytics. Discovering what’s next in the industry is crucial to grow into the future. Presenter: James Prater, Rolls-Royce This session is eligible for IA renewal credit. This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Optimizing for Repair Station Profitability in 2024Location: Room E142, Level 1 Join us for an insightful panel discussion where industry experts will delve into the intricacies of maximizing repair station profitability. This session will explore the various levers at your disposal, focusing on overhead costs, labor costs, parts costs, and more. Gain actionable insights and strategic perspectives to steer your repair station toward financial success in an ever-evolving aviation landscape. Presenters: This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Aircraft Battery AirworthinessLocation: Room D139, Level 1 Concorde Battery Corporation presents the recommended methodologies for proper servicing, capacity testing and charging your aircraft battery. The battery is the heart of your aircraft and the goal of this presentation is to safely maximize the life of your battery by using established and proper maintenance practices. Additional topics include lead acid aircraft battery ratings, commissioning of lead acid aircraft batteries; cleaning and storage; installation eligibility and an overview of battery technologies in the marketplace. Presenters: This session is eligible for IA renewal credit. This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
Lunch With ExhibitorsLocation: Exhibit Halls D & E, Level 1 Lunch is included in the conference registration fee.
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1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
How Culture Directly Impacts Retention and RecruitmentLocation: Room E146, Level 1 Culture matters. People don’t just want a competitive salary; they want to know what it’s like to work at your company. They want to know if it’s a place where they can fit in and thrive. A staggering 94% of executives and 88% of individual contributors say culture matters more than compensation when it comes to finding a new job. Before candidates even click to apply, they’re doing their due diligence on LinkedIn and Glassdoor. And, in this industry, they are getting information about your culture through the grapevine. Join this session to learn specific, simple strategies to overcome cultural barriers in your maintenance organization. Plus, learn hands-on ways to make a strategic impact so you, and your flight department, can grow into the future. Presenters: This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Navigating Tomorrow: How AI Will Change Aviation MaintenanceLocation: Room E142, Level 1 In this session, a panel of industry experts will discuss the current applications of purposeful artificial intelligence (AI) in the business aviation maintenance industry. Delve into how AI promises to revolutionize the way we manage, track and repair aircraft, enhancing efficiency, safety and profitability. You’ll be amazed by the possibilities as we explore how AI can benefit all stakeholders involved, ushering in a new era of aviation maintenance excellence! Presenters: This session is eligible for IA renewal credit. This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
How to Involve Your Maintenance Team in Your SMSLocation: Room D135, Level 1 Reality dictates that the safety of an operation hinges on the collective involvement of every individual. Ensuring the engagement of the maintenance team in the SMS is paramount to guarantee that every flight department embraces a holistic safety perspective. To make this happen, there are key steps everyone can take, including reviewing company policies; soliciting feedback and reports from technicians to establish a robust day-to-day reporting mechanism; implementing specialized safety programs; and clearly communicating to all teams that SMS is designed to support and enhance their efforts. It is essential to emphasize the relevance of SMS to maintenance’s crucial role in maintaining operational safety. Learn how to use company manuals to your advantage, recognize your strategic role in an SMS program and adopt easy steps to enhance safety. Presenter: Kevin Honan, Aviation Manuals This session is eligible for IA renewal credit. This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Aircraft Data & Analytics: Today and TomorrowLocation: Room D139, Level 1 New business aircraft platforms generate vast amounts of maintenance and operational data that enable technicians to monitor the status of critical components that operators count on every day. The evolution from reactive to proactive maintenance, as well as condition-based maintenance, will deliver significant benefits resulting in improved aircraft availability, operational efficiencies, along with workflow and safety improvements. GE Aerospace will share what changes they are already seeing and what may be on the horizon, along with real use cases regarding the application and utilization of analytics to improve aircraft operations. Presenters: This session is eligible for IA renewal credit. This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
2:30 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. |
BreakLocation: Exhibit Halls D & E, Level 1 |
3:50 p.m. – 4:10 p.m. |
Maintenance Competition AwardsLocation: Portland Ballroom, Level 2 |
4:10 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
Keynote With Dr. Amy GrubbLocation: Portland Ballroom, Level 2 Dr. Amy D. Grubb is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker who has presented numerous keynote addresses and workshops on leadership, organizational culture, change, performance, working with others, and storytelling. With over two decades of experience at the FBI and direct involvement with three C-level functions, including CHRO, CFO and CIO roles, Dr. Grubb brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Currently serving as the Digital Transformation Advisor to the Chief Information Officer at the FBI and founder of Organizational Insights, LLC. Dr. Grubb has spearheaded numerous change initiatives within the FBI, playing a pivotal role in its post-9/11 cultural transformation and ongoing digital evolution. |
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Networking Reception: Aviation American GinLocation: Aviation American Gin Distillery and Visitor Center Join us for an evening of networking and fun at the Aviation American Gin Distillery and Visitor Center. Food, drinks and specialty gin tastings will be available, as well as tours of the fully operational distillery and an escape room – that doubles as Ryan Reynolds’ office! Transportation will be provided for all attendees from 5:45 p.m. to 9 p.m., from the Oregon Convention Center to Aviation American Gin Distillery and Visitor Center on a loop. |
Thursday, May 2, 2024
7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
Registration OpenLocation: Lobbies D & E, Level 1 |
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
Continental BreakfastLocation: Exhibit Halls D & E, Level 1; Portland Foyer, Level 2 |
8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
Exhibit Hall OpenLocation: Exhibit Halls D & E, Level 1 |
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. |
WelcomeLocation: Portland Ballroom, Level 2 |
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
The Future of ConnectivityLocation: Portland Ballroom, Level 2 The world of connectivity solutions in business aviation is dynamic. New and more powerful solutions are available and ATG obsolescence is coming. This session, facilitated by MRO installations expert Duncan Aviation, will include perspectives and information from Gogo Business Aviation, SatCom Direct, Starlink and ViaSat. Presenters: This session is eligible for IA renewal credit. This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
Morning Coffee BreakLocation: Exhibit Halls D & E, Level 1 Morning refreshments, including coffee and tea, are included in the conference registration fee. |
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Safety Knowledge Management in a Maintenance EnvironmentLocation: Room E146, Level 1 We all strive to improve our safety programs and bolster our safety culture, but in business aviation, we often experience turnover that can set us back and cause routine tasks to be less-than-routine. This presentation will focus on the way an organization can capture safety know-how from its team and its SMS, to ensure your technicians never forget lessons learned and your organization is always retaining and utilizing its safety knowledge no matter who is on the staff. Presenters: This session is eligible for IA renewal credit. This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Breaking Down the Walls of Communication Between Pilots and MaintenanceLocation: Room D135, Level 1 As we go through our daily routines we start to lose focus on fundamental truths. Or, worse yet, we never learned them in the first place. In this session, we will go back to the basics of communication and see how we can use these skills to break down the walls of communication between departments and people. Presenters: Mark Bingamon, CAE This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
It’s Great, Everything’s Great…Location: Room E142, Level 1 Presenters: This session is eligible for IA renewal credit. This session is available for CAM application and recertification credit. |
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
Lunch With ExhibitorsLocation: Exhibit Halls D & E, Level 1 Lunch is included in the conference registration fee. |
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
Conference Wrap-UpLocation: Portland Ballroom, Level 2 |
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