Five Questions for New NBAA International Ops Committee Chair Craig Hanlon

Craig Hanlon, chief pilot of Dupont Aviation and the new chairman of NBAA’s International Operations Committee, recently outlined his priorities for the committee during his two-year term as chair, and spoke about international business aviation trends.

What have you identified as priorities for the committee for the next two years?

The International Operations Committee’s top priority is to continue hosting the International Operators Conference. It takes a tremendous amount of planning between committee members and the NBAA staff to produce a successful event. The next conference will be held in San Diego, CA, March 21 to 24, 2016. The committee will also continue managing the International Operators Scholarship program, which helps recipients develop their careers in international business aviation operations.

What are the most important trends in international business aviation operations today??

Three major trends are: access (including access to airspace and airports), increasing avionics mandates and frequently changing international regulations, such as emissions trading schemes and new tax requirements. The committee will continue to advocate for business aviation while educating operators on international requirements.

The committee is well-known for the development and execution of the NBAA International Operators Conference. What else do you have planned?

I have challenged the committee to look at new initiatives to better serve the Membership, including providing educational sessions at various industry events. Members of our committee will present two sessions at the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Las Vegas – International Operations for the First-Time Operator and Hot Topics for International Operators. Committee members have the expertise and capability to present effective educational sessions, and we hope to provide more of these for NBAA Member Companies in the future.

Is the committee looking for additional or new members? How should interested individuals apply?

The International Operations Committee currently has more than 90 volunteers who plan the International Operators Conference, serve as experts in particular regions or fields and help develop member resources. A standing committee of approximately 30 members makes up the formal International Operations Committee. We always welcome new members. We look for people who are active in international operations, have real expertise, are passionate about international operations and are dialed into current aspects of international aviation. The committee application and more information are available on the website.

Can you share an example of a complex or challenging international mission you faced, and how NBAA’s international resources helped you deal with them?

Two years ago I was scheduled for an extended trip to South America that included a stop at a very high elevation airport with special procedures in Cuzco, Peru. While at the International Operators Conference I was able to connect with my service provider, handling agents from South America and pilots who had experience flying into that airport. Before I left the conference I had preliminary flight plans, handling information, a training presentation for Cuzco and advice from operators with first-hand experience.