Jet Linx recently hosted its second annual Safety Symposium for industry leaders and executives. With the intention of educating and empowering Part 135 and Part 91 operators, the one-day virtual event featured conversations on safety management system implementation, best practices and challenges, emergency response planning and minimising pilot fatigue. it was led by Sheryl Clarke, director of safety and security for Jet Linx.

“It is a privilege to be hosting our second Safety Symposium and further advancing the private aviation industry's safety standards. We are thrilled to see that so many companies are invested in and committed to making a difference and supporting industry-wide safety initiatives,” says Clarke. “The event offers our industry a unique opportunity to learn from each other, gain new insights and leverage the resources necessary to navigate the current environment and ensure in a safer future.”

Clarke, who holds certifications from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Department of Transportation (DOT) and is certified in human factors analysis and SMS, is responsible for leading the safety department and the continued enhancement of Jet Linx's safety programmes. Clarke was recognised by the NBAA in early October as one of nine recipients to receive the 2020 Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award, which honours aviation industry professionals for outstanding professionalism and leadership in support of aviation safety.

Jet Linx welcomed over 30 leaders in private aviation to the virtual event. In addition to returning guest speaker Tony Kern of Convergent Performance, the event featured presentations from Jet Linx's director of operations, Michael Kopp; Mark Carroll, director of safety at WheelsUp/Delta Private Jets; Ryan Waguespack, senior VP at NATA; Anne Marie Sollazzo, director of safety at Northeastern Aviation; and Annmarie Stasi, director of safety at Talon Air. The symposium discussed the ongoing evolution of safety in Part 135 and Part 91 operations and raised conversations on SMS priorities, the effective implementation of programmes to minimise pilot fatigue, the value of third-party audits and SMS information sharing initiatives for industry colleagues.

“I am incredibly proud of our team for organising and hosting such an impactful and successful event," said Jamie Walker, president and CEO of Jet Linx. “The Safety Symposium offers invaluable insights and collaboration, and demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring the betterment of our industry by developing universal safety standard and best practices for all operators.”