The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) says that FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey and US Congressman John L. Mica (Congressional voting schedule permitting) will be the featured Opening General Session keynote speakers for the NBAA 56th Annual Meeting & Convention, Tuesday, October 7 to Thursday, October 9, 2003, in Orlando (FL).

Marion Blakey

Marion Blakey was sworn in September 13, 2002, as the 15th Administrator of the FAA. In this position, Blakey is responsible for regulating and advancing the safety of the US airways system as well as operating the world's largest air traffic control system.

Prior to being named FAA Administrator, Blakey served as chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board. Born in Gadsden (AL), Blakey received her bachelor's degree with honors in international studies from Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia. She also attended Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies for graduate work in Middle East affairs.

John Mica

Currently serving his sixth term, John L. Mica was first elected to the US Congress in 1992 to represent the 7th Congressional District of Florida, which includes Orlando. Mica is a senior member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the Government Reform Committee and the House Administration Committee.

As a recognized national transportation leader, Mica was named chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation in 2001, which has oversight on the FAA and the NTSB, as well as all matters relating to civil aviation. A resident of Central Florida since 1972, the Congressman graduated from the University of Florida in 1967 and Miami-Dade Community College in 1965.

The NBAA 56th Annual Meeting & Convention will feature close to 30,000 Attendees, 1,000 Exhibitors, 75 Informational Sessions and 135 aircraft on Static Display at Orlando Executive Airport. To help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first powered, manned flight, on display will be the most authentic replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer, which will fly on December 17 at Kitty Hawk, NC. This exhibit is sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association, Eclipse Aviation, Ford Motor Company, Microsoft Flight Simulator and NBAA. Also on display will be vintage aircraft simulators and authentic artifacts provided by the Franklin Institute.

FMI: www.countdowntokittyhawk.com, www.nbaa.org/conventions/2003