NATA Meeting Runs June 9-11 In Chantilly, VA

The National Air Transportation Association tells ANN the group's 2008 NATA Air Charter Summit will provide exclusive insight into emerging threats to charter operators from the illegal drug trade.

At a special luncheon on June 10, William C. Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the US Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) Aviation Division, will discuss the DEA's increased focus on air charter and how operators can best ensure they are not targets of the drug runners.

General aviation aircraft are increasingly targeted for theft by drug traffickers. As ANN reported, a Cessna 206 was stolen at gunpoint in April, while the owner and his passengers were attempting to depart an airport in Mexico.

What implications does the war on drugs have for US operators? What role does the DEA play in investigating suspected use of air charter aircraft by drug traffickers? NATA says Brown will address these and other issues related to DEA efforts to stop the flow of illegal drugs and the role played by the air charter industry.

Brown is an experienced airplane and helicopter pilot and has served as a pilot and special agent with the DEA, among other roles, before being selected for his current position in 2002.

The 2008 NATA Air Charter Summit will be held on June 9-11 at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles Hotel in Chantilly, VA.

FMI: www.nata.aero/acs