Gray Stone Advisors sent a team of four to the 65thNational Business Aviation Association Annual Meeting & Convention in Orlando, FL.
Personally, I sensed a loosening up in the industry. And what I mean by that is a small, but noticeable willingness of companies to invest in the responsible management of their asset base such as advancement or improvement of their flight department.
We’re on an economic recovery slope, but it is very shallow. And it’s going to be a long one.
But I sensed that things are beginning to turn around because, during the show, we were approached by more flight departments than ever to help them set organizational direction and achieve their operating performance goals.
Following is our NBAA Recap
Below you’ll find our shared thoughts on NBAA12 based on what we saw and heard on the show floor and at the various events, seminars and gatherings
Jim Lara
Principal
The team at Gray Stone talked to several flight departments during NBAA 2012 who have particular needs to improve their organizational alignment, professional development, fleeting planning.
For example, one flight department team member saw Gray Stone Advisors in action when I facilitated the NBAA Safety Committee’s annual strategic planning session. This person was impressed with how we lead discussions and said his team could use help understanding the strategy behind where they are vs. where they’re going.
Jay Povlin
Senior Advisor -Metrics
“The common thread we heard throughout NBAA 2012 is ‘who do you turn to when…’
We often hear several people say, ‘My organization is not where I want it to be.’”
For example, we spoke with several new aviation directors who are looking for coaching and advisory support, especially as it relates to strategic planning, getting alignment with their reporting executive and communicating the mission and vision of the flight department.
Darlene Lara
Business Manager
“The team felt and saw a difference in attendance this year, which was affected by several factors, including ‘Superstorm Sandy’ and conflicting schedules that meant certain pilots, maintenance professionals and flight attendants were committed to a Board flight or international travel. And, it was nice to see different team members from flight departments getting the opportunity to attend NBAA.
Our friends at CNH sent their Director of Maintenance and Chief Pilot (pictured above) because they’re making a special effort to provide several professional development opportunities throughout the year.”
Steve Brechter
Senior Advisor—Operations
Overall, we felt there was an increased awareness in Gray Stone Advisors, and our mission of “Simplifying the Business of Business Aviation.”
Perhaps it’s due to our outreach efforts through our blog and newsletter, our increased speaking engagements, our presence at business aviation events or the variety of articles we’ve written for industry magazines.
Word of mouth is also helping spread the word, so we thank our industry colleagues for sharing the work of Gray Stone Advisors.
For More NBAA Recap
Learn more about the success of the NBAA convention in this article from Matt Thurber’s recap on AIN’s website.
Photo caption:
Left to right: Steve Brechter, Gray Stone Advisors; Thomas Anderlik, Director of Maintenance for CNH; Tony Aiello, Chief Pilot for CNH; Jay Povlin, Darlene Lara and Jim Lara of Gray Stone Advisors