As I write this I’m on the cusp of heading to the annual NBAA Convention, in Las Vegas, and have the honor of speaking at the Small Operators Symposium and gathering with other regional associations for networking and learning. I am excited to share how CFBAA is thriving and growing with our amazing members.

While I am looking forward to participating in this amazing event, I must endure the angst of flying on Delta Airlines. This will be my second foray on Delta within the last two weeks, and I hope this trip goes better than the last. Poor service, lack of communications, reassigned seats out of first class due to equipment change, and unfriendly workers made for a disappointing experience. In retrospect, this is awesome news for our industry. Treating high-net-worth individuals as cattle, along with the current mask mandate, are driving them to business aviation in droves. Way to go Delta and thanks for contributing to the current boom.

I’m going to touch the third rail of vaccinations and while I am not in favor of mandates, I wonder how this will affect our industry. I just saw a report that Jacksonville ATC Center had a controller shortage, due to controllers not showing up for work, last Friday causing severe delays and cancellations. [FAA said it had a workforce shortage but not related to vaccine mandates.] I experienced some of that on our flight out of Florida Friday morning. Another industry article stated that some major airlines are prepared to let up to 500 pilots go for not complying. Let’s hope they opt to fly for business aviation. I believe business aviation will adjust and adapt, as we always do, and take advantage of the turmoil within the airline industry.

At our annual meeting last month, the CFBAA Board of Directors choose to honor Kathryn Creedy who composes, edits, and publishes our monthly newsletter. This is no small task as Kathryn must take my musings and make them sound sensible. She is a true asset to our association, and we just wouldn’t have the outstanding newsletter without her. Our newsletter has been recognized by our national leaders and is becoming the envy of the industry. Thank you, Kathryn, for your hard work, dedication, and expertise! We are so happy to have you onboard.

Stay safe,

Dave