Five Things Not to Miss at NBAA2015

When planning a schedule for NBAA's 2015 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA2015), Chris Strong, NBAA's senior vice president, conventions and membership, suggests the following five events are not to be missed.

1. The Largest Indoor Static Display to Date

NBAA2015 will feature 15 aircraft and two mockups inside the convention center, enabling attendees to explore and learn about the aircraft in the air-conditioned comfort of the show floor. An additional seven aircraft and mockups will be located in individual exhibitor displays, and attendees should be on the lookout for new model introductions. This is the largest indoor static display in the convention's history.

2. Acclaimed Singer-Songwriter and Pilot Dierks Bentley

Award-winning singer and songwriter Dierks Bentley, a licensed pilot and Cirrus SR22T Xi owner, will be a featured speaker during the Opening General Session on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Bentley is a strong advocate of business aviation who says flying his own aircraft enables him to optimize the efficiency of his travel during busy touring periods.

3. 'Miracle on the Hudson' Capt. Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger

U.S. Airways Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, pilot of the 2010 "Miracle on the Hudson" water landing, will be a featured speaker during the second-day Opening General Session on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Sullenberger will share his insights on safety, leadership and professionalism.

4. Live Emergency Response Simulation

How do you prepare for the worst: an aircraft accident? Don Chupp, president of Fireside Partners Inc., will lead a live aviation-response simulation on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center Hall.

"Don Chupp led a similar event earlier this year at NBAA's Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference, and it was a huge success," said Strong. "We are eager to share this event with NBAA2015 attendees. We know every flight department can benefit from this realistic demonstration."

5. The Future of Aviation at NBAA's Innovation Zone

The Innovation Zone, located in Booth N704 at the convention center, is back this year and will be the location for a session on the exciting view of "The Future of Planes and Flying," presented by John Petersen of The Arlington Institute/Lindbergh Foundation. The session takes place on Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to noon.

"If you're interested in what's coming up next in aviation, you can't miss this session," said Strong. "John Petersen will bring science fiction to life – and show you how it might be part of your own life in the next 10 or 20 years."