Agenda – 2025 NBAA Small Operator Symposium

Opening Remarks

From Hangar to Cockpit: Building a Culture That Stops Accidents

Complacency and the breakdown in teamwork, communication and accountability – are all hallmarks of weak organizational culture. But they are also nearly impossible to track or prevent proactively. How do we get to the root of these serious plagues that so often lead to tragedy? This panel brings together seasoned experts and leaders to unpack how culture shapes safety in flight departments. From cockpit decisions to hangar workflows and passenger expectations, learn how fostering a strong, safety-first culture can address root causes of incidents, increase employee retention and elevate performance. Expect candid insights, real-world examples and practical strategies to transform your operation, no matter the size of your department.

Break

Safety Unraveled: Operational Insights and Innovations

This session delves into critical aviation safety topics to examine case studies of aeronautical decision-making. Through scenario-based analysis, it explores psychological factors influencing these decisions, offering insights and innovative strategies to enhance operator safety, professionalism and effective decision-making in high-stakes environments. With experts in their field, this presentation will transform how small flight departments can operate at an elite level.