Integrity in Safety: Bombardier’s 27th Annual Safety Standdown concludes in Wichita

From the moment Ed Bolen, president of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), delivered opening remarks at Bombardier’s 27th annual Safety Standdown, the conference theme of “Integrity in Safety” was clear: When we all make a personal commitment to advance aviation safety, it brightens our collective future. 

“Without safety, our industry does not move forward,” Bolen told some 400-plus attendees and hundreds more tuning in via webcast. “We come together this week to help change the future of aviation, to make sure we are able to reach our full potential.” 

Held Nov. 7-9, 2023 in Wichita, KS, Bombardier’s Safety Standdown is the industry’s premier safety conference – free of charge to all aviation professionals, no matter which aircraft they fly. 

Highlights of the three-day event included thought-provoking sessions and workshops delivered by leading aviation safety experts, including Dr. Tony Kern, Dr. Daniel Mollicone, Lou Németh, Matthew C. McNeil, Dr. James Norman, and many more.  

During the banquet on Nov. 8, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s (ERAU) David S. Ryan was presented with Bombardier’s 2023 Safety Standdown Award. Each year, the award recognizes an aviation professional who has shown exemplary dedication to improving industry safety through the three key Safety Standdown principles of “Learn, Apply, Share.” This reminds aviation professionals to learn new skills, apply them, and share their knowledge to make an impact as a role model.  

A self-described “safety crusader,” Ryan is currently an Assistant Professor at ERAU. His extensive business aviation experience includes overseeing a busy Part 91 flight department, FBO management, and serving as Chief Pilot for Bombardier/Learjet in Wichita. Ryan also served as Chairman of the NBAA Safety Committee, among many other volunteer commitments. During his time with Bombardier, he was one of the founders of the Safety Standdown program. 

If you missed Safety Standdown 2023, look out for the webcast presentations that will be available soon on the event website.