NBAA Staffers Engage with Georgia-Based Members

August 29, 2016

NBAA’s nationwide outreach continued last week as three association staff members attended two local business aviation events in Georgia, where they encouraged members to remain vigilant in the ongoing congressional debate over FAA reauthorization and ATC privatization.

On Tuesday, Aug. 23, NBAA’s Dick Doubrava, vice president of government affairs; Steve Hadley, director of regional programs and Greg Voos, Southeast regional representative, attended a town hall luncheon for Atlanta-area NBAA members at Fulton County Airport.

During the town hall, Carol Comer, director of the intermodal division of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and Steve Brian, GDOT’s aviation program manager, provided attendees with an update on the state of aviation in Georgia, including upcoming improvements to airports in the state.

Voos, who personally knows many of the association’s members in the region, facilitated discussions between local operators and the government officials and the other NBAA staffers in attendance.

“This event provided NBAA members with an opportunity to network with Georgia-based aviation officials in an intimate setting,” said Doubrava. “These types of casual town hall luncheons are excellent opportunities for business aircraft operators and state aviation officials to learn from one another.”

On Wednesday, Aug. 24, the three NBAA staffers attended the 11th annual Georgia Business Aviation Association (GBAA) Safety Day, which drew 225 participants. Doubrava provided an update on national legislative affairs, including this year’s FAA reauthorization battle and the negative impacts that ATC privatization could have on the safety of the National Airspace System.

During the event, Steve Hadley, who also serves as NBAA’s Southwest regional representative, provided a detailed analysis of the 2014 Bedford, MA, Gulfstream GIV accident. The NBAA staffers also presented four GBAA Safety Day attendees with the new NBAA Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award.

“The Georgia Business Aviation Association was the first regional business aviation group to host a safety day, and NBAA applauds the event’s successful growth, with record attendance this year,” said Doubrava.

“We appreciate the opportunity to participate in regional events like this one,” continued Doubrava, “as it helps us better understand and advocate for our members’ needs when we return to Washington, DC. These events also enable us to share with members the impact national issues could have on their operations.”