NBAA Launches Free Virtual Symposium for Small Operators

June 5, 2023

On June 20, NBAA will host its first virtual Small Operators Symposium, a free online community event that builds on the success of the association’s annual in-person symposium at NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) for operators with fewer than four aircraft.

The webinar, “Urgent PIREP: Small Flight Department Administration,” is open to all and will feature operators and industry experts versed in the operational complexities of flight department management. The comprehensive, two-hour event starts at 3 p.m. (EDT).

“Our annual Small Operators Symposium has been a critical part of NBAA-BACE since we introduced the event in 2018. After last year’s symposium, we asked attendees for their feedback, and our members overwhelmingly supported a mid-year forum that continued the conversations we had at NBAA-BACE and introduced these discussions to a broader audience,” said NBAA Operations Manager Noah Yarborough.

“NBAA understands and values the importance of small operators, and we are excited to launch this new annual, virtual Small Operators Symposium to support the growth and success of our vibrant small operator community,” he added.

Register for the Small Operator Symposium.

This inaugural online Small Operators Symposium will focus on the successful administration of small flight departments. Four industry experts will examine how managers can successfully navigate insurance, training, legal and personnel aspects without compromising the safety and integrity of their departments.
During the webinar, attendees will hear from:

• Joe Williams, senior vice president, managing director – aviation at Marsh McLennan Agency, who will discuss the intricacies of insurance, getting to know your underwriter, 61.55 pilot training and the importance of aircraft hull and liability insurance policies.
• Greg Burris, director of aviation at Masco Corporation. Burris will provide insights on how to comply with insurance policies while integrating new, less experienced pilots safely and efficiently into a small flight department.
• David Norton, partner and head of the aviation practice at Shackelford, Melton, McKinley & Norton, LLP, who will detail best practices for operational control and help attendees navigate the confusing world of leases agreements.
• Michael Kolich, partner at Jetlaw, LLC. Kolich will detail the legal ramifications of hiring a contract pilot and how to incorporate these contractors into a payroll system.

The presenters will answer questions at the end of their session.

“Business aviation’s success is premised on the prosperity and growth of small operators. Through the efforts of our Domestic Operations Committee and our Small Flight Department Subcommittee, NBAA is leading the charge to enhance operational and administrative best practices for smaller operators,” said Yarborough.

“This new virtual symposium is the latest in a constantly evolving portfolio of critical tools, like our CAM-credit Small Operator Learning Series, which helps small operators create a safer and more efficient working environment,” he added.