NBAA Joins FAA in Alaska as Agency Unveils GA Weather-Education Initiative

Contact: Dan Hubbard, (202) 783-9360, dhubbard@nbaa.org

Washington, DC, May 4, 2014 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) joined with other aviation groups and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in kicking off an eight-month national safety initiative aimed at helping general aviation (GA) pilots better prepare for potential weather challenges. “Got Weather?” is an online initiative featuring information and resources for pilots about a range of weather phenomena.

“GA pilots have an opportunity to make a real difference in improving safety this season by asking friends and family to get engaged in the campaign, being prepared and fine tuning their pre-flight decision making skills,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta while unveiling the program on May 4 at the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering, held in Anchorage, AK.

Available to all pilots through a dedicated, no-cost web resource, “Got Weather?” highlights monthly weather topics such as turbulence, thunderstorms, icing and crosswinds, as well as various educational and informational resources available to pilots. Each topic will also include video presentations, safety seminars, actual case studies and proficiency programs. The program will run through the end of 2014.

“While many of our Members benefit from the experience of professional flight departments and the latest meteorological technology in preparing for adverse weather conditions, those using their aircraft for business should be aware of these additional resources as well,” said NBAA Chief Operating Officer Steve Brown, a presenter at the weekend forum, and a participant in Huerta’s announcement about the FAA’s new initiative. “Alaska, in particular, features a range of weather conditions that make an emphasis on safe and thorough decision-making absolutely essential, and we welcome the FAA’s desire to bring attention to these issues.”

According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), nearly 75 percent of weather-related accidents are fatal. “Got Weather?” responds to a specific item on the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB’s) Top 10 Most Wanted List for improving transportation safety, by assisting GA pilots in identifying and communicating hazardous weather information.

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen added to Brown’s remarks in noting, “Ensuring a safe flight is the first and most important responsibility for all pilots. Since adverse weather is the leading cause of the most severe aviation incidents, we are joining with FAA and the industry to promote an intense focus on using the best weather information available and making sound judgments to ensure continued enhancements to aviation safety.”

In addition to NBAA, other GA association partners in “Got Weather?” include AOPA, Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), American Electronics Association (AEA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), FAA FAASTeam, GA Joint Steering Committee, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Helicopter Association International (HAI), National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA), National Air Transportation Association (NATA), National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), Soaring Society of America (SSA), Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), University Aviation Association (UAA) and U.S. Parachute Association (USPA).

View the “Got Weather?” campaign website.

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Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents more than 10,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org.

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