NBAA Flight Plan Podcasts

Business aviation can play an important role in combating human trafficking operations by being alert to abnormal passenger behavior and following DHS-recommended ways to safely report suspected trafficking.

NBAA's Operations team answers some common questions about operating business aircraft, including how to comply with the FAA's Pilot Records Database requirements. One of the most frequent concerns stems from the requirement to provide records dating back more than a decade.

Those who work in business aviation seldom have a lot of free time away from their jobs. Nevertheless, it’s important to make time for opportunities that further professional development, as doing so often brings value far exceeding the time spent.

The need for qualified workers across business aviation is as strong as ever. While pay remains a top consideration, there still are really good people out there who are looking for compensation and culture, notes Jennifer Pickerel of Aviation Personnel International.

Mentorship doesn't always involve an older or more senior coworker assisting someone newer to the company or industry. "Reverse mentoring," in which junior employees mentor those senior to them, can offer several benefits to business aviation organizations and individual team members.

While mid-year sales trends for business aircraft have largely tracked with expectations set earlier in 2023, multiple factors -- ranging from geopolitics and a cooling economy to the industry's increasing focus on sustainability -- could affect aircraft prices and sales activity during the rest of this year.

The 2024 presidential campaign is already underway, and candidates who need on-demand air transportation may present opportunities for business aircraft operators. However, operators need to be aware of the FAA, DOT and Federal Election Commission rules that apply to this type of flying.

June 1 marked the beginning of the 2023 hurricane season. Based on recent weather patterns, business aircraft operators could be in for some interesting months ahead.

We conclude our two-part discussion about mental wellness in business aviation with encouraging news: FAA Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup recently announced that the agency will revise its procedures to encourage anyone needing help dealing with mental health challenges to get it.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and over the next two weeks NBAA Flight Plan, in cooperation with The Pilots Pandemic podcast, will feature an open and honest discussion about issues related to mental wellness in the business aviation community.

Several recent developments – including a new NBAA-supported blender's tax credit – have bolstered efforts to increase production of SAF to 3 billion gallons annually in the U.S. by 2030.

Supersonic travel over the continental U.S. has been banned for more than 50 years. However, NASA's X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology test aircraft, which should fly for the first time later this year, aims to change that.

Proactive planning and use of various weather tools can help operators navigate around convective weather.

With just a few keystrokes, hackers may be able to collect personal data from aircraft passengers or flight operations employees and even damage a company’s IT infrastructure. Guarding against cyberattacks requires participation and vigilance by everyone in your aviation operation, as well as cooperation from vendors and support providers.

Companies and individuals often grapple with the tax complexities involved with operating a business aircraft, with federal excise tax (FET) obligations a common area of uncertainty. Tax experts encourage operators to conduct an FET analysis any time money is moved to pay for aircraft operations.