Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org
Washington, DC, Sept. 15, 2026 – As business aviation navigates growing operational complexity and heightened safety expectations, the industry’s need for strong leadership has never been greater.
In response, the 2026 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) is introducing a new, exciting slate of Professional Development Program (PDP) courses, led by industry experts and designed to equip attendees with practical tools to sharpen leadership skills and strengthen safety culture across their organizations.
“We have four new courses at NBAA-BACE this year, including the first operator-led iteration of ‘Maintaining In-House Flight Department Excellence and Control’ specifically for flight department personnel,” said NBAA Director of Educational Development and Engagement Molly Hitch. “These courses include NBAA-BACE registration and offer the opportunity to get the most out of your time in Las Vegas.
“NBAA is excited to partner with our PDP providers to bring relevant and impactful courses to NBAA-BACE this year,” she added.
The following is the 2026 NBAA-BACE PDP lineup:
Maintaining In-House Flight Department Excellence and Control
Taking place Oct. 23-24, this first-of-its-kind PDP course allows attendees to benchmark their flight department against modern industry trends, helping to proactively mitigate risk. It begins by analyzing each organization’s unique risk factors and its current standing in the internal organization environment. For these, attendees will learn to translate operational realities into compelling value propositions that communicate the flight departments’ importance to senior leadership.
Elevating Your Leadership, Versatility and Influence
Dr. Shari Frisinger leads this two-day course, taking place Oct. 18-19, which is designed to maximize discussions and the exchange of best practices, while adding new tools to your leadership toolbox. You will learn how to avoid common performance pitfalls while fostering a strong and supportive safety culture.
Management Fundamental for Flight Departments Workshop
Join Walter Kraujalis, president of AeronomX, for this course that gives flight department managers key information about sale operations, regulatory compliance, basic management practices, budgeting, vendor selection and more. Taking place Oct. 18-19, the course also will examine personnel issues, communications, case studies and checklists that are useful in daily flight management.
Aviation Security and Awareness Training
Taking place Oct. 19, this comprehensive course will provide attendees with the relevant tools needed to be secure – on the road, at your base and in your personal lives. Join Kristopher Cannon, founder and president of Aviation Secure, Inc. and NBAA Security Council member and learn where security breaches have occurred in other flight departments and how to avoid similar situations.
Human Factors in Business Aviation
This course, facilitated by Mark Bingamon, is designed to empower attendees with the critical awareness needed to identify and mitigate risks before they escalate into serious incidents. By shifting focus toward a proactive safety mindset, participants in this Oct. 19 course will learn to recognize specific human factors and understand how their individual roles fit into broader organizational challenges.
Learn more about NBAA-BACE PDP courses and register today.
Taking place Oct. 20-22, NBAA-BACE is the world’s most powerful business aviation event of the year, showcasing the industry’s latest innovations and services, and hosting the leaders who are shaping its future. Learn more about NBAA-BACE.