Local, Regional Bizav Groups Prep for Safety Days

Safety-focused events have proven time and time again to be effective tools for local and regional business aviation groups to help members maintain their focus on safe operations.

Whether group leaders are considering an all-day event, a lunch or a newsletter, there are many valuable resources available for groups looking for guidance.

For example, consider seeking expertise from organizations with deep experience putting these complex events together. Georgia Business Aviation Association (GBAA) has spearheaded several successful initiatives in this area.

“When building our content for Safety Day, we lean into active participation from our members, asking them for guidance on speakers and topics, intentionally seeking different speakers each year,” said GBAA Safety Chair Cameron McCune, with Alliant Insurance Services. One secret to success is collecting member insights and not being afraid to take risk, McCune said.

GBAA, which is planning to celebrate its 20th annual Safety Day this August, also includes credit for attendees pursuing or holding a Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) accreditation.

For its Safety Day, the Minnesota Business Aviation Association (MBAA) is focusing on how safety impacts all members.
The event highlights the crucial roles everyone plays in ensuring safe operations. “The MBAA is gearing up for an exhilarating and transformative Safety Day,” said MBAA President and Part 91 pilot Grant Fitzer.

“We’ll hear from experts as they discuss the powerful influence that leadership, responsibility, culture and teamwork can have in reducing risks and preventing accidents.”

In New York, the Westchester Aviation Association (WAA) also sees value in including all staff, as well as identifying various examples of individual accountability. Last year, WAA’s Safety Day brought together all bizav stakeholders with the aim of raising awareness among all participants about the importance of their skills and dedication.

Consider lunch. The Utah Business Aviation Association (UBAA) has held luncheons focused on safety, which is a model that works well for attendees who may be short on time but who want to learn tips and tricks for industry best practices.

Finally, keep in mind, the NBAA Safety Committee offers a robust library of useful and reliable resources that may offer ideas on potential Safety Day topics, including the committee’s annual list of Top Safety Focus Areas.