The gathering of the business aviation clan is in full swing in Las Vegas. Crystal-clear, cloud-free blue skies and gentle wind greeted early arrivals to the National Business Aviation Association’s annual convention.
A steady stream of planes made the sweeping left turn and came in low over University of Nevada-Las Vegas’ Ralph Wilson Stadium over the weekend. Saturday, a pair of retirees turned plane spotters regaled the crowd at a UNLV exhibition baseball game by identifying Cessnas and Beechcrafts, Embraers and Learjets.
Organizers expect nearly 32,000 attendees, exhibitors, vendors, support people and a host of media to be highly visible, even in this convention-savvy town.
The main focus of the NBAA event will be at the expansive Las Vegas Convention Center. A static display of aircraft is being staged about 10 miles south at the Henderson Executive Airport.
The convention kicked off this morning (October 22) with a briefing by FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and TSA Administrator John Pistole. Also, actor and pilot Harrison Ford will be presented the Al Ueltschi Humanitarian Award.
Source: www.bizjournals.com; Norman Bell; October 21, 2013.