The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) recently held its fourth annual Ground Handling Safety Symposium for the first time in a virtual format. The successful event drew record attendance with over 70 participating locations, allowing representatives from each organisation to benefit from the experience.

The event took place over three days, convening safety professionals, directors, line service managers, operations managers, flight departments and others. Participants learned about solutions for the operational safety needs of FBOs and other GA ground handlers and heard from keynote speaker, Neil Smith, secretary general, International Union of Aerospace Insurers.

“We were very pleased to continue the momentum of the Ground Handling Safety Symposium this year by hosting it in an interactive, digital format. Our speakers lent their expertise regarding best practices, current issues and trends in ground handling safety. The virtual event platform allowed team members from different locations to participate, which led to a more collaborative experience for attendees, speakers and sponsors,” states MD of safety and training Michael France.

In conjunction with the US Department of Transportation's Safety Institute (TSI), NATA has also created a new air transport safety manager programme. The course brings together TSI, NATA and other industry aviation safety experts with the shared mission of developing skilled, qualified, and certified air transport safety managers.

“The future of aviation safety hinges on collaboration and the exchange of best practices and data,” explains NATA SVP Ryan Waguespack. “This brand-new immersive training is crafted by the experts to cultivate superior safety managers who will be able to showcase their achievement with a certificate from a respected organisation focused on safety. This collaboration with TSI allows us to take our mission of empowering aviation business safety to a new level. We are grateful for our relationship with the US DOT to be able to offer this first of its kind course.”

"Our goal is to provide quality, cutting edge training required to enhance safety for aviation operators and the traveling public. Our alliance with NATA provides an extraordinary opportunity to do just that,” adds Mr. D Smith, TSI Aviation safety division manager.

Upon successful completion, candidates will receive the SMS and aviation safety programme manager certificate. In addition, NATA members will earn a NATA air transport safety manager certification.

All aviation service providers including; air transport charter operators, aviation maintenance or MROs, ground service (including refuelling) providers, corporate flight departments, FAA Part 135, 121, 145, 141 and 125, operators, fixed base operators, US and international governmental agencies with aviation operations or that oversee aviation operations are encouraged to register.