We’re putting the finishing touches this month on our annual trade show. Here are some ground support highlights for Aviation Pros LIVE, which takes place next month, March 25-26, at the Sands Expo Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. For up-to-date information, log on to www.aviationproslive.com.
Pre-Show Golf Outing
Ground Support Worldwide and PAGE Industries invite you to attend the 1st Annual GSE Leaders Golf Invitation, Monday, March 24, at the Revere Golf Club, Henderson, NV, with a 1 p.m. tee time. The event is the perfect way to start show week by meeting with other key people from the GSE industry.
All invitees play for free and will receive complimentary shuttle to and from the Vegas strip, along with lunch, dinner and an awards presentation.
The event is brought to you by the following sponsors: Airlinx Aircraft Services, Inc.; Ameribridge; Charlotte America; Engineered Performance Ducting; FCX Systems; Gleason Reel; JBT Aerotech; and Oxford Airport Technical Services.
RSVP to Brian Piety, executive vice president, PAGE Industries at [email protected].
Ground Support Leaders
Ground Support Worldwide will recognize three “Ground Support Leaders” during the Industry Awards and Networking Event, 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, March 25.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: This award goes “to the person who has demonstrated commitment to the industry through numerous years of dedicated service.” In 2013, we honored Bill Biermann, who championed the use of electric ground support equipment during a career that lasted six decades.
- Team Leader: This award honors “an individual who has taken a leadership role with personnel.” In 2013, we named Travis Blair, managing director, ground support/administration for American Eagle Airlines, who has developed personnel from the time he started with the airline as a GSE mechanic.
- Product Leader: This award “celebrates the product, service and manufacturer making a difference in the industry.” In 2013, Tronair won for its Softcapture Jetporter designed to tow aircraft without straps, without touching any part of the nose landing gear and without the driver leaving his seat.
The event will also feature a key note speech from Airport Business columnist Ralph Hood
NATA Seminars
The National Air Transport Association FBO Success Seminar is for FBO owners, operators, general managers, new managers, finance personnel and other key FBO employees who are interested in building a more successful FBO. Attendees will be exposed to new FBO management techniques and will gain essential aviation operational and service knowledge while sharing experiences with new friends in the FBO industry. Log on to http://aviationproslive.com/FBO_Success_Seminar to register.
In addition to the FBO Success Seminar, NATA will also hold other seminars at the show:
- NATA Aviation Fuel Handling & Quality Control Series: Aviation fuel is a vital component to the success and safety of our industry. Delivering clean, dry and on-specification does not happen by accident, it is the result of an integrated system of equipment, maintenance and vigilance from fuel handling professionals. The NATA Aviation Fuel Handling & Quality Control Series provides you the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of aviation fuel handling from recognized industry experts. Topics will include quality control procedures, record keeping, best practices and industry standards as well as an introduction to aviation fuel filtration.
- NATA Safety 1st Operational Best Practices: FBOs and ground handling facilities around the world recognize the importance of implementing standard procedures for safe operations on the ramp. However, these procedures are only as useful in improving safety as the processes that develop and implement them. In this presentation, NATA’s Director of Safety & Training, Michael France, will provide insight into the creation of standard operating procedures as well as tips on effectively implementing those procedures. France will also review NATA’s Safety 1st Operational Best Practices, a set of customizable standard operational procedures developed by the association’s Safety 1st Committee.
- Get to Know NATA Safety 1st: You probably are already aware that NATA Safety 1st is the industry standard in online training for line service professionals but that is just the beginning! NATA Safety 1st is the safety and training outreach arm of the NATA and provides a wealth of resources and products to association members and the industry in general. From SMS resources to ground handling operational safety standards, NATA Safety 1st is there for your business. In this session, Michael France?, NATA’s director of safety and training, will give you an overview of all Safety 1st has to offer and answer any questions you may have.
Chili Cookoff
Join us for your last opportunity to network with all your fellow “aviation pros” at this year's show, 5-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 26. The event will feature the return of our Chili Cook Off. Awards will be given for the best tasting chili, the worst tasting chili, the questionable contents chili, hottest tasting chili and best presentation! While everyone is welcome to eat, if you are interested in entering your chili, log on to http://aviationproslive.com/chilicookoff.
The event will also feature a performance by Aaron Tippin, a lifelong aviator Tippin says he "grew up on the flight line.” In addition to his many musical accomplishments, including 33 singles that have ranked on the Billboard HotCountry Hits chart, five gold and one platinum album, he holds a multi-engine commercial instrument and rotorcraft ratings, and is also a certified Airframe and Powerplant mechanic. Plus, he also owns an FBO.
