AC-U-KWIK in Austin for IOC’s 50th Edition

/ Austin Marriott Downtown/

IOC Attendees were treated to live music and networking at the speakeasy soiree on TUESDAY evening

AC-U-KWIK editorial team members, Paul Wyatt and Nicole Amberson, along with Jennifer Shafer-Doyle, AC-U-KWIK's director of strategic accounts, were pleased to attend the 2023 NBAA International Operators Conference in Austin, Texas, held from February 13-15, 2023, at the Austin Marriott Downtown. The event featured sessions covering operational and regulatory topics along with real-life teachings crucial for safe, efficient and compliant international operations. 

The conference also celebrated its 50th anniversary and during the opening session, NBAA President Ed Bolen said the NBAA exists to foster an environment that allows business aviation to thrive in the US and worldwide.

On the event overall, Wyatt said, “It was great to be in Austin for the 50th anniversary of the IOC. Personal appearances and video messages by several of the founders and builders of IOC over the years really made this conference memorable.”

The keynote address was delivered by Matt Byrd, Hillwood Aviation’s President and CEO, who spoke on his time as a member of the Thunderbirds and his career flying for the US Air Force. Serving for 33 years Air Force, Byrd was an instructor pilot in the F-117A Stealth Fighter, the A-10 Thunderbolt II and T-38C Talon. He also served three tours in the Middle East, where he flew combat missions in the F-117 during Desert Storm.

The conference also included the announcement of the three recipients of the 2023 NBAA International Operators Scholarships, which provide funding for individuals to pursue professional development within business aviation careers with a focus on international operations. The scholarship winners were Richard Vosburg, Jake Harkin and Morgan Garlinge.

Vosburg, the director of maintenance for Roper Technologies, intends to use his funds to work toward the NBAA's Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) certification. Harkin, currently a pilot on a Gulfstream used for international charter, plans to use the funds to work toward a master's degree in aviation science. Garlinge, a senior aircraft dispatcher for Chevron, USA, will use the funds to become a certified IS-BAO auditor.

The 2023 International Operators Scholarships were made possible by funding provided by Prime Trip Support and UAS International Trip Support. The scholarship recipients were honored at the conference by representatives from the sponsors and the IOC Committee. NBAA offers several scholarships to promote professional development and business aviation careers. For more information about NBAA scholarships or to download application forms, visit www.nbaa.org/scholarships.