CFBAA 2nd Annual Safety Standdown

From Good to Great: Advancing Safety in Small Flight Departments

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
CAE, SimCom by CAE Aviation Training
6480 Nemours Pkwy | Orlando, FL 32827

Join the Central Florida Business Aviation Association (CFBAA) for a full day of education, networking, and real-world safety discussions designed specifically with small and growing flight departments in mind.

This year’s Safety Standdown brings together aviation leaders and safety experts to share practical approaches to Safety Management Systems, Emergency Response Planning, safety culture, leadership, training, and operational excellence.

Pilots, maintenance professionals, schedulers, dispatchers, flight attendants, safety managers, department leaders, students, and other aviation professionals are encouraged to attend.

CAM Approved – Qualifies for 1 CAM credit.

EVENT AGENDA

7:30 – 8:00 AM | Continental Breakfast & Networking

8:00 – 8:50 AM | Conference Kickoff & CFBAA Welcome

8:50 – 9:50 AM | Safety That Fits: Building a Scalable SMS for Your Flight Department
Jason Starke, Ph.D. — President/CEO, Business Aviation Safety Consortium (BASC)

Learn how to build a practical and scalable Safety Management System that fits your operation and can grow alongside your flight department.

9:50 – 10:30 AM | Networking Break & Vendor Expo

10:40 – 11:40 AM | When the Plan Becomes Real: An ERP Activation
Fireside Chat with Barry Ellis — Director of Operations, Hop-A-Jet

A firsthand discussion of Hop-A-Jet’s ERP activation following the Naples aircraft accident, including the first critical hours, lessons learned, and why having a plan in place before an emergency occurs can make an immeasurable difference.

11:50 AM – 1:20 PM | Lunch & Vendor Expo

1:30 – 2:30 PM | Ready When It Matters: Building an Emergency Response Plan for the Small Flight Department
Gina Shealy — Emergency Operations Director, Fireside Partners

Learn practical strategies for creating an ERP that works for smaller flight operations with limited personnel and resources.

2:30 – 3:15 PM | Refreshment Break & Vendor Expo

3:25 – 4:25 PM | Leadership Perspectives on Advancing Safety, People, and Performance

Featuring aviation leaders from NASCAR, L3Harris, and Hilton Grand Vacations discussing safety culture, leadership, developing and retaining talent, training, and operational excellence.

4:25 PM | Closing Remarks

MORE THAN A CONFERENCE

Your registration includes access to all conference sessions and the Vendor Expo, along with continental breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and networking opportunities throughout the day.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to:

• Experience live Aircare FACTS® Fire Trainer demonstrations
• Tour the CAE, SimCom by CAE aviation training facility
• Connect directly with speakers and aviation safety experts
• Meet industry vendors and service providers
• Network with aviation professionals from throughout Central Florida and beyond
• Continue the conversation at our Wind-Down Happy Hour from 5:00–7:00 PM at Canvas Restaurant & Market

MEET OUR EXHIBITORS & INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Our Vendor Expo Area will feature representatives from leading aviation companies and organizations. Stop by throughout the day to learn about industry resources, ask questions, and make new connections.

Companies and organizations scheduled to have representatives onsite include:

Aircare International • Business Aviation Safety Consortium (BASC) • Gulfstream • Fireside Partners • Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) • TrainingPort.net • CAE, SimCom by CAE • National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) • World Fuel

Additional exhibitors may be added as they are confirmed.

REGISTRATION

Current Undergraduate Students — FREE
CFBAA Members — $20
Non-Members — $40

Registration includes conference sessions, the Vendor Expo, continental breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and networking opportunities throughout the day.

Space is limited. Early registration is encouraged.