While it has been studied for decades, emotional intelligence (EQ) is a relatively new concept for business aviation. Developing a high EQ involves managing our emotions, being open to new ideas and continually seeking improvement, which are also traits that play an important role in the ability to develop an effective safety culture within a flight operation. “I firmly believe that you will never get to the level of safety culture that you want if you don’t have emotionally intelligent leaders,” noted Jim Spigener, chief client officer at Dekra.
In today’s episode of NBAA’s Flight Plan, host Rob Finfrock speaks with:
Sonnie Bates, CEO of industry safety and security risk-management firm Wyvern Ltd.
Jim Spigener, chief client officer at global safety consultant firm Dekra
This episode of NBAA Flight Plan is sponsored by Whiting Aviation Park, ready to grow your business in Santa Rosa County, FL.
The NBAA Flight Plan podcast, which ran from 2009 to 2025, provided an overview of important developments affecting NBAA members, and the association’s work to advocate for their interest. The archive of past episodes will remain available for your enjoyment. Please note that no new episodes will be released.
The Aviation Safety Information and Analysis Sharing program conducted an analysis of circle-to-land approaches to identify contributing factors of safety issues related to the procedure, which led to a new Circle-to-Land Approach Hazards resource for general aviation pilots and operators.
Over 100 business aviation professionals attended the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association’s (PNBAA’s) April 2 Safety & Security Day, under the fitting theme: “From Hangar to Horizon: Lead Safe, Stay Safe.”
NBAA welcomed plans announced by the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) and the House Armed Services Committee to move ahead on a comprehensive, bipartisan aviation safety measure supported by NBAA and a diverse group of other industry stakeholders.
A business aviation emergency response plan (ERP) is only as effective as the information in it and how familiar stakeholders are with its execution. That was the message from a panel of industry experts attending this week’s 2026 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference, in Cleveland, OH.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.