Bombardier once again invited the aviation industry to its annual Safety Standdown, and yesterday the 20th event got under way with more than 450 corporate, military and commercial aviation participants from more than 250 organizations attending the free event in Wichita. It began in 1996 as a human-factors training session for Learjet’s flight demonstration team and has hosted more than 9,000 attendees since then.

Bombardier Business Aircraft president David Coleal opened this year’s event, pointing out that the Safety Standdown demonstrates “how competition can take a back seat for a higher purpose. It’s also clear that the vast majority of accidents occur due to human factors, and that’s why we’re here."

NTSB member Robert Sumwalt praised the event, saying, “I don’t know any other conference that offers this much [and] doesn’t charge a fee. Over the years, the Safety Standdown has addressed each of the items on our Most Wanted list.”

James Viola, FAA division manager of the Flight Standards Service, congratulated the business aviation industry on its excellent safety record. “You’ve helped make business aviation one of the industry’s great successes,” he said. 

“What more noble purpose than to enhance safety, to save lives?” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “All of you are committed to improving safety. We’re here to learn, and share the knowledge we gain.”

The Bombardier Safety Standdown runs through September 29, and after each morning’s general session features a variety of workshops covering topical safety issues. Those who can’t attend can view the general sessions and selected workshops online.