FAA acting administrator Billy Nolen and EASA executive director Patrick Ky are to kick off the 2022 NBAA-BACE at the show's opening day keynote event.

“We are pleased to welcome Billy and Patrick to our convention this year and to have them as part of our keynote for what will be a compelling discussion about some of the most pressing issues facing business aviation, as well as the many exciting trends that are reshaping our industry,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen.

Nolen was named acting FAA administrator in March of this year. He joined the agency in January 2022 as associate administrator for aviation safety. Nolen is a former commercial airline captain and has held several industry safety roles, including as senior vice president for safety, security and operations at Airlines for America and executive manager for group safety and health at Qantas Airways. Prior to coming to the FAA, Nolan served as vice president for safety, security and quality for Canada's WestJet Airlines. He also led the Aviation Safety Action Program at American Airlines.

Nolen also is a US Army veteran fixed wing aircraft and helicopter pilot. He holds a BSc in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as specialised aviation safety management certificates from the University of Southern California, US Army Safety Center and the US Navy Postgraduate School.

Ky has served as EASA executive director since 1 September, 2013. His mission has been to establish and maintain a robust and safe European aviation system for the travelling public. Ky has 30 years of experience in civil aviation. Before joining EASA, he was in charge of SESAR, the single European sky digitalisation programme. He also held various positions in the French civil aviation authority, Eurocontrol and the European Commission.

A graduate of Ecole Polytechnique and the Civil Aviation Engineering School in France, he holds postgraduate degrees in economics from the University of Toulouse and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Taking place 18-20 October at Orlando's Orange County Convention Center and nearby Orlando Executive airport, NBAA-BACE will explore future-forward technologies and innovative perspectives while showcasing the very latest business aviation aircraft, products and services. A central focus will be building a preventative safety culture through best operating practices and diligent analysis of past errors. Government and industry experts will give a series of 18 presentations on strategies for identifying and mitigating risks related to the four most common accident types; ways to support mental health awareness in the aviation workforce; and scaling safety management systems (SMS) to meet the needs of different operating segments.

“Business aviation's commitment to constantly refining best operating practices is reflected in the robust NBAA-BACE safety programme, which will deliver important perspectives on the latest strategies and technology for preventative safety,” says director of safety and flight operations Mark Larsen CAM.

The NBAA National Safety Forum will include a substantial government presence, National Transportation Safety Board members and a co-located Department of Energy aviation safety summit.