NBAA-BACE 2026 Debuts Four New PDP Courses to Sharpen Leadership and Strengthen Safety Culture
Why It MattersThe expanded training slate signals continued industry emphasis on structured leadership and safety-culture education for flight department personnel ahead of the annual convention.
NBAA will introduce four new Professional Development Program (PDP) courses at NBAA-BACE 2026, aimed at giving attendees practical tools to sharpen leadership skills and strengthen safety culture, NBAA Director of Educational Development and Engagement Molly Hitch said. The new offerings include the first operator-led iteration of "Maintaining In-House Flight Department Excellence and Control," aimed at flight department personnel, running Oct. 23-24, which helps attendees benchmark their flight departments against industry trends and translate operational realities into value propositions for senior leadership.
A two-day course led by Dr. Shari Frisinger runs Oct. 18-19, focused on exchanging best practices and building leadership tools while helping participants avoid performance pitfalls and foster a supportive safety culture. Also on Oct. 18-19, a course led by Walter Kraujalis, president of AeronomX, covers sale operations, regulatory compliance, management practices, budgeting, vendor selection, personnel issues and daily flight management.
On Oct. 19, a security course led by Kristopher Cannon, founder and president of Aviation Secure, Inc. and an NBAA Security Council member, addresses personal and operational security, drawing on past security breaches at other flight departments. Also on Oct. 19, a course facilitated by Mark Bingamon focuses on identifying and mitigating risks before they escalate, emphasizing a proactive safety mindset and human factors. NBAA-BACE 2026 takes place October 20-22.
