The next speakers comprised a Safety Management Systems panel, specifically Lucille Fisher of Quality Resources, Norman Schweizer of the General Services Administration, and Rick Krens of the FAA.  They gave us insight into SMS processes.  Additionally, Shannon Forrest from FlightSafety International gave us a very charismatic presentation on Crew Resource Management (CRM) and the dangers of overreliance on automation.

The highlight of this year’s event was our keynote speaker, Jeff Skiles.  Mr. Skiles’ recollections of the events on the infamous “Miracle on the Hudson” river landing kept our audience on the edge of their seats.  As this incident shows, training and preparation can significantly impact how the outcome of an incident or accident.  He attributed a lot of his preparedness to CRM and as he put it:  “I just did my job.”

“This year’s safety standdown was the best ever,” said Paige Kroner, GWBAA President.   “Attendees had a day of incredible insight from industry professionals and government entities.  Not to mention access to an incredible day of learning and networking. I am delighted that this event grows and gains momentum each year.  I extend my thanks to all of our sponsors, speakers, and volunteers who contributed to our success.”

This year’s sponsors included: Gulfstream (registration and breakfast); Satcom Direct (energy break); Bombardier (lunch); TISMA (NTSB facility); Dassault Falcon (printed materials); ARINC Direct, Chantilly Air, FlightSafety International, Hawker Beechcraft, Landmark Aviation, NBAA, Rockwell Collins, Signature Flight Support, and WorldFuel Services and affiliated companies (safety).  GWBAA also thanks its hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Sterling – Dulles, and French Connections Catering.

GWBAA’s holiday event on December 4, 2009, hosted by Landmark Aviation at its Dulles facility, was a big success.  Over 30 business aviation professionals attended the reception, which also included the annual membership meeting.  (GWBAA thanks Landmark for its hospitality, as well as Bombardier, FlightWorks, and FlightSafety International for providing door prizes.)  GWBAA President Paige Kroner provided a summary of the past year’s events, and also asked for members who might be  interested in assisting with next year’s projects. and/or joining  the board to let her know; she can be contacted at info@gwbaa.com.

GWBAA Operations and Safety Chair Jim Lumley; United Flight 232 Captain Alfred Haynes; and GWBAA President Paige Kroner

GWBAA held its Third Annual Safety Standdown on May 7, 2009 at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Training Center in Ashburn, VA.  The attendees included pilots, maintenance technicians and other representatives from corporate flight departments and aviation support businesses in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and from areas throughout the country.

Doug Carr, Vice President of Safety for the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), gave the opening remarks and was followed by Jim Burin, director of technical programs for the Flight Safety Foundation, who spoke about today’s aviation safety challenges.

“A safety culture is the single most important item for any aviation operation and the one item that you can’t buy,” said Burin.  “It must be supported by senior management.”

This year’s event included three breakout sessions.  Bob Hobbi, owner of ServiceElements, spoke about achieving superior levels of customer service for FBOs, charter operators and flight departments.  John Rahilly, principal of Rahilly Aviation Associates, gave a presentation on how to obtain the best price and highest quality service when having an aircraft serviced.  Additionally, the NTSB’s Dr. Paul Schuda gave attendees a tour of the reconstructed portion of the fuselage of TWA Flight 800 and explained how the accident aircraft was reconstructed.

Captain Alfred Haynes, of United Airlines Flight 232, was the keynote speaker.  In 1989 Haynes and his crew crash landed a crippled DC-10-10 in Sioux City, Iowa with no hydraulics.  Although there were 111 fatalities, there were also 184 survivors.  During his presentation, which included the video of the accident together with ATC recordings, Haynes credited Crew Resource Management (CRM) with limiting the number of fatalities and praised everyone involved in the accident: pilots, flight attendants, maintenance personnel, air traffic controllers and especially the Sioux City emergency response crews who responded to the accident.

In lieu of an honorarium to Haynes, GWBAA has donated $2500 to the Al Haynes Scholarship Foundation, which is used to assist aviations students at Aims Community College.

“This year’s Safety Stand-Down built on the success of our last two stand-downs and was an unqualified success,” said Paige Kroner, president of GWBAA.  “My thanks to all of our sponsors, speakers and volunteers who contributed to that success.”

This year’s sponsors included Bombardier, Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, Satcom Direct, Welsch Aviation, Sharp Details, FlightSafety, NBAA, Signature Flight Support, Universal Weather & Aviation and Landmark Aviation.  The stand-down is eligible for credit towards NBAA's Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) qualification. 

GWBAA also thanks ARINC, Air Routing, AvCard, Hawker Beechcraft, and Jeppesen for donating prizes to our drawing.  If you haven’t already, please give us your feedback, and we look forward to seeing you next year.