The Greater Washington Business Aviation Association (GWBAA) will highlight the changing communications environment with Data Comm, as well as new entrants and regional safety efforts, during its 13th Annual Safety Standdown scheduled for April 18 at the NTSB Training Center in Ashburn, Virginia.

During the Standdown, Jeff Wofford, chief pilot and director of aviation for CommScope, will provide an overview of underlying issues in aviation accidents, while Harris Corp. Data Comm outreach and metrics project manager Moranda Reilly will review controller pilot datalink communications (CPDLC) with departure clearances and the en route environment. NBAA officials Heidi Williams and Paige Kroner will discuss the integration of new entrants and the association’s Safety Committee activities.

Global Jet Services president and CEO JD McHenry is the keynote speaker, discussing leadership for higher safety standards. The day wraps up with a business safety panel involving executives from FBO Partners, Jet Aviation, Sharp Details, Air Culinaire, and Geico Flight Department.

The Safety Standdown comes on the heels of GWBAA’s inaugural Open House and Static Display held on March 27. Hosted by ProJet Aviation at Leesburg Executive Airport (JYO), the event drew nearly 300 attendees and featured static displays of a range of business jets, tours of the remote air traffic tower control tower that has been operating at JYO, and the newly opened Customs and Border Protection facility there.