ISSUES CONFERENCE TO SHED LIGHT ON CHALLENGES FACING GENERAL AVIATION INDUSTRY

VAN NUYS, Calif. and ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 – With the emergence of new environmentally friendly aviation initiatives, rising fuel prices, and the restructuring of funding for the entire U.S. aviation system, airport operators, aircraft manufacturers, and leaders in corporate and private aviation have a lot to pay attention to right now.

The 2008 AAAE General Aviation (GA) Issues Conference, May 7-9, 2008 in Los Angeles, Calif., will bring all those issues together for three intensive days of discussion, debate, and insight from leaders throughout the aviation industry. The conference will also offer networking opportunities and unique aviation events.

Hosted by Van Nuys Airport (VNY), part of the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) system, the conference will be presented by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) in conjunction with Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Aviation Management Consulting Group (AMCG), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), and National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO).

The GA Issues Conference will offer sessions of interest to everyone with a stake in the future of American aviation. The conference will attract airport leaders, FBO owners and managers, business operators, aircraft manufacturers, students, press, and other members of the general aviation industry.  

Topics will range from the current legislative issues affecting general aviation, such as funding and security matters, to the developments in the arena of environmentally friendly practices and their anticipated impact on airports and other aspects of aviation. Sessions will also address public and community relations, focusing on the critical role GA plays in providing vital air transportation services to the public and the significant benefit it brings to the local communities. Best industry practices – innovative and creative ideas that can improve airport sustainability and profitability of aviation businesses will be covered as well. Presentations will also focus on NextGen, Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B), and other advanced aviation technologies that are thrusting GA into the 21st Century.

The exhibit hall will bring attendees face-to-face with the latest developments in general aviation technologies, procedures, and products. Conference participants will have the opportunity to view demonstrations and visit with corporate leaders and consultants.

The conference’s location in Los Angeles, California will give attendees access to the world’s busiest general aviation airport, which plays a vital role in the regional approach to meeting passenger demand and the nation’s air transportation system. As part of the behind the scenes tour of Van Nuys Airport, attendees will discover VNY’s rich history, witness daily operations and view a variety of based aircraft, from vintage warbirds to state-of-the art corporate jets. 

Van Nuys Airport will host a reception at the Reagan Presidential Library on Thursday, May 8. This evening event will include a tour of the “Flying White House,” the retired Air Force One that flew seven U.S. presidents and countless world leaders, as well as an opportunity to explore the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. Participants will network with aviation enthusiasts at the reception taking place on the Library’s famous Ruwe Terrace featuring a replica of the White House South Lawn, an actual piece of the Berlin Wall, and stunning sunset views.

Other highlights of the conference will be the luncheon keynote presentation by aviation entrepreneur, record setter, and aerial cinematographer Clay Lacy, who is credited with flying more hours in a jet than anyone in the world as well as the private screening of the nationally acclaimed documentary "One Six Right: The Romance of Flying," an exhilarating film that celebrates the unsung hero of aviation – the local airport – by tracing the life, history, and struggles of Van Nuys Airport. The private screening will feature guest appearance by the documentary’s producer/director Brian J. Terwilliger. (More information on the documentary can be found at www.onesixright.com.)

For registration, sponsorship, exhibitor, and program information as well as other details and latest updates regarding the conference please visit the AAAE website at www.GAIssuesConference.com .

Van Nuys Airport - Founded in 1928, Van Nuys Airport is one of four airports owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles. Each of the airports in the Los Angeles World Airports system – Los Angeles International, LA/Ontario International, LA/Palmdale Regional and Van Nuys – plays an integral role in helping to meet the regional demand for passenger, cargo and general aviation service in the 21^st century.

VNY is a world-class general aviation facility with nearly 400,000 takeoffs and landings per year and is home to nearly 800 propeller aircraft, jets and helicopters on 730 acres of land. The airport is a vital economic engine, contributing $1.3 billion annually to the local economy and supporting 12,300 jobs. VNY serves a variety of private, corporate and government needs and sets the standard for general aviation services worldwide.

American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) – Founded in 1928, AAAE (www.aaae.org) is the world’s largest professional organization representing the men and women who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE’s 5,000-plus members represent some 850 airports and hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C. and offers a wide range industry services and professional development opportunities including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.

For further information please contact:

Alex Gertsen , AAAE Director of Regulatory Affairs at 703-824-0500 ext. 183 or e-mail alex.gertsen@aaae.org .