The Flight Deck puts you at the center of conversations moving business aviation forward. Located directly on the NBAA-BACE exhibit floor, this high-energy hub brings together industry leaders, government officials and influential voices for dynamic panels, expert insights and thought leadership on the issues that matter most.
From major industry developments and market outlooks to safety, regulatory updates, innovation and career growth, there’s always something happening at the Flight Deck. Hear what leaders are saying, connect with the people behind the conversation and stay close to the ideas driving the industry forward.
Dustin Cordier
StepZero Coaching
Scott Cutshall, CAM
Clay Lacy
Melissa Hale
Ironfleet Aero, Inc
Jessie Naor
The VIP Seat Podcast
Suresh Narayanan
Jets MRO
Matthew Simmonds
PepsiCo
Tuesday, Oct. 20
10:30 a.m. – 11: 30 a.m.
Cybersecurity risks now extend far beyond corporate IT networks, affecting flight departments, charter operators and aviation service providers. This session provides a clear, non‑technical overview of the cyber threats facing Part 91 and 135 operators, including ransomware, data breaches, business email compromise and vulnerabilities introduced by third‑party vendors. Using real incidents, experts will explain how attacks occur and why business aviation is an attractive target. Get achievable measures to strengthen cyber resilience without enterprise‑level resources.
Tuesday, Oct. 20
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Early aviation relied on pilot discretion, but as complexity grew mid-century, a transition to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) addressed growing complexity. Despite their emergence, SOP deficiencies remained a top contributor to accidents, cited in nearly 50% of Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) interventions and 42% of Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I) events. Standardization significantly bolstered commercial safety, and business aviation is now implementing a historic industrywide SOP initiative led by NBAA, FlightSafety, and CAE to drive similar improvements. This is a call to action, to continue business aviation's progress on safety and lower accident rates even further.
Tuesday, Oct. 20
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Business aviation's MRO sector is under long-term strain. Technician shortages, aging facilities and a wave of consolidation are making it harder to get aircraft back in service quickly. We'll examine how mergers are affecting maintenance capacity, service quality and operator choice. And we'll discuss the long-term outlook for independent shops compared to large networks. Learn how to evaluate maintenance vendors and renegotiate agreements when provider networks change. Leave with a framework for protecting your aircraft availability in a changing market.
Tuesday, Oct. 20
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Major rulemakings and regulatory overhauls are underway across the FAA and federal agencies. Hear directly from the officials shaping new policy for safety, security, and certification. This is your premier opportunity to get face-to-face with agency leaders, understand their top priorities, and ask your most pressing operational and compliance questions.
Wednesday, Oct. 21
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
This Invitation-only event provides early floor access to a team of industry experts who want to connect with individuals tasked with managing buying or selling an aircraft for family offices and ultra-high-net-worth principals.
Wednesday, Oct. 21
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
To navigate today’s dynamic aircraft transaction market, experts must provide more than a forecast; they must offer essential data and professional guidance. Join market research expert Rollie Vincent (Rolland Vincent Associates) and a panel of IADA transactions professionals for a market outlook, the critical information buyers and sellers need to know, and the impact of regulatory and tax policy.
Wednesday, Oct. 21
10:45 a.m. – 11: 45 a.m.
This panel brings together operational leaders, maintenance experts and AI specialists to explore how responsible artificial intelligence can enhance aviation workflows without replacing human judgment. We will review AI tools for MROs and aircraft operators. Only when paired with the expertise of human technicians can these tools reduce friction in maintenance processes and improve operational outcomes. Learn where AI adds value today, how to maintain appropriate oversight and what future advancements may mean for business aviation. We'll emphasize practical, human‑centered integration that strengthens safety and efficiency.
Wednesday, Oct. 21
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) will not succeed by building entirely new infrastructure everywhere. Instead, it needs to integrate intelligently with existing aviation infrastructure. This session explores how airports, FBOs and service providers can adapt to support eVTOL aircraft. Current facilities and ramp operations can work well with emerging service models. Learn how vertiports, charging systems and operational planning can align with today’s airport environments to create a seamless ecosystem. Most importantly, we will identify ways for business aviation to participate in AAM and benefit from new mobility concepts.
Wednesday, Oct. 21
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
This fireside chat highlights the real experiences behind a successful aviation career. Rather than outlining a prescribed career path, the speakers will share the pivotal moments, challenges, learning curves and personal turning points that shaped their professional growth. Attendees will hear candid reflections on leadership development, resilience and the unexpected opportunities that can arise during a career in business aviation. The session concludes with practical advice for emerging professionals, emphasizing adaptability, perseverance and the value of forging your own unique path.
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