NATA Holds Successful Ground Handling Safety Symposium
Association Fills Industry Void for a Ground Handling Safety-Focused Event

Washington, DC, September 27, 2017 – Today, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) concluded its two-day inaugural Ground Handling Safety Symposium held at the NTSB Training Center in Ashburn, Virginia. Developed by the NATA Safety Committee, the new annual event promotes a positive safety culture and industry best practices at FBOs and other general aviation businesses providing ground handling services. Attendees heard from safety experts and aviation business leaders on a range of topics, including the importance of Safety Management Systems (SMS), how to cultivate an internal safety culture, and best hiring practices in safety-focused aviation businesses.

“The Symposium was first proposed by NATA’s Safety Committee as a forum for FBOs and ground handlers to explore safety issues and share experiences in an open format. While we have met that goal, we will use feedback from participants at this inaugural conference to continue growing this event,” stated Michael France, Managing Director of Safety and Training.

Bob Schick, TAC Air Director of Safety and Risk Management, who also serves as the NATA Safety Committee Chairman added, “I appreciate the work of the NATA staff in helping to create a Symposium that exceeded the expectations of the Committee. The quality of speakers, depth of topics, and interaction between the attendees and speakers, resulted in a very successful event. Many participants have already committed to further discussion at next year’s Symposium. Already, this is a must-attend event for FBO managers, line managers and other safety personnel.”

Bill Deere, NATA Executive Vice President of Government and External Affairs emphasized the importance of the event, “The Symposium’s success is a result of the Safety Committee addressing an industry void and providing input to develop a meaningful program agenda for ground handling professionals. Most important, this was not an event where people spoke at attendees, but rather one that depended on constant interaction among all the ground handling professionals in attendance.” Deere also provided attendees with a legislative update, encouraging them visit NATA’s Legislative Action Center to voice their opposition to the House proposal to privatize the nation’s air traffic control system.

“It was great to see new faces from across the industry, as well as the globe, attending the Symposium. The various perspectives on the intersection of training programs, audits and data with ground handling safety makes this an important and unique annual event,” concluded France.

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