NBAA Spotlights Critical Mental Health Issues in Aviation with Dr. Susan Northrup at 2024 Event

Image generated with Ai

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) proudly welcomes Dr. Susan Northrup, U.S. federal air surgeon at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as a key participant in a panel discussion focused on mental health. This vital conversation will be part of the National Safety Forum during the 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE).

The panel, titled “Managing the Skies of Wellbeing,” is scheduled for October 23 and promises to delve into essential updates on mental health and medical certification policies. Dr. Northrup, along with other esteemed experts, will highlight groundbreaking initiatives designed to support mental health and improve access to care for professionals within the business aviation community. This discussion underscores the increasing emphasis on mental health awareness in the aviation sector, reflecting the industry’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its workforce.

In addition to this session, FAA officials will lead several other important discussions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safety, mental health, and professional wellness. These initiatives aim to create a supportive environment where business aviation professionals can thrive, both physically and mentally, while meeting the highest safety standards.

• David Buczek, acting group manager, safety services for the FAA Air Traffic Organization, is presenting during the Single-Pilot Safety Standdown on Oct. 21. The session – “Surface Risk in the NAS” – examines the risk of runway incursions and other surface hazards. Attendees will learn strategies and methods for safe operations.
• Kawehi Lum, division manager, Safety Analysis & Promotion Division of the FAA Office of Safety Standards, is taking part in a session on Oct. 22 titled, “Ignite Your Safety Management System: Getting Off the Ground.”
• Randa Hayes, acting vice president of flight program operations for the FAA Air Traffic Organization, along with Lum, will present during an Oct. 24 session titled, “Elevate Your SMS: Taking Your Safety Management System to Higher Flight Levels.”
• John Walberg, branch manager, and Christopher Gomes, operational safety analyst, from the FAA Office of Accident Investigation and Prevention will present during the Oct. 23 session titled, “Moving Safely Forward Together: FAA ASIAS Stakeholder Meeting.”

“NBAA is excited that so many FAA safety professionals, including Dr. Northrup, the FAA’s top medical professional, will take part in the National Safety Forum,” said Mark Larsen, CAM, director of safety and flight operations at NBAA. “Dr. Northrup’s valuable insights into the importance of mental wellness and updates on the FAA’s initiatives in this area, will be incredibly beneficial for attendees. Additionally, the association is very grateful to David Buczek, Kawehi Lum, Randa Hayes, John Walberg and Christopher Gomes for taking part in NBAA-BACE safety sessions. Their expertise in all areas of aviation safety make their sessions must-attend events for all attendees.”

The NBAA-BACE National Safety Forum is set to be a key highlight of this year’s convention, emphasizing an unwavering commitment to aviation safety. This event will also feature the Single-Pilot Safety Standdown and a Small Operator Symposium, placing a comprehensive focus on ensuring the highest safety standards across the board. The safety spotlight will peak with the presentation of one of NBAA’s top honors, awarded to a heroic crew member whose safety training and professionalism led to a life-saving incident. Attendees will have the opportunity to dive deeper into the evolving world of business aviation safety and the innovative strategies being put into practice at NBAA-BACE.

Several high-profile sessions led by aviation regulators will also enrich the event:

• During the opening keynote, FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker will be a prominent speaker, addressing critical regulatory topics.
• On the new NBAA-BACE Flight Deck, a special “Meet the Regulators” session will feature five key figures who are shaping the future of aviation regulation.
• On Oct. 21, Rep. Sam Graves (R-6-MO) and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-2-WA), both instrumental in shaping the recent FAA reauthorization bill, will take part in an invite-only Newsmakers Luncheon.

Taking place from Oct. 22-24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport (HND), NBAA-BACE is poised to be the premier business aviation event of the year, bringing together industry leaders, regulatory experts, and business innovators from across the globe.