The new Rectrix Aviation FBO at Hanscom Field in Bedford, Mass., recently hosted the Massachusetts Business Aviation Association’s second annual Aviation Day. The event, held in the late afternoon to early evening on May 11, brought together operators, airframe manufacturers and vendors for an aircraft static display, product demonstrations and a seminar on operational issues in the Boston area.
Nearly 300 people attended this year’s event, which presented 11 aircraft on static display: a Global 6000, G550, Falcon 7X, Citation X+, King Air 350i, Caravan, Phenom 300 and Legacy 650, as well as a NetJets Challenger 350, Phenom 300 and Learjet 45XR. At the same time, 24 indoor booths were occupied by vendors ranging from FBOs to maintenance suppliers, catering providers, flight-planning services and avionics makers. An MBAA operator’s conference drew 35 attendees to hear a presentation by an air traffic controller on new instrument procedures for several Boston-area airports.
Association officials were thrilled with the turnout this year, a major expansion over last year’s Aviation Day, which drew 190 attendees, 24 vendor booths and seven airframes that all fit into the smaller facilities of another FBO at Bedford.
Attendees AIN talked with were pleased with the caliber of airframes and vendors on display. The MBAA will select a date for next year’s Aviation Day once the association has determined it will not conflict with other national or international business aviation meetings and conventions.
Formed in 2001, the MBAA is a not-for-profit association founded to promote and advocate for business and general aviation interests within Massachusetts. Membership currently consists of 75 corporations and 15 individual pilots. An MBAA Operators Council provides the opportunity for business aviation operators to meet when necessary to exchange ideas on operational issues in Massachusetts and elsewhere.
Golf tournaments are held to fund the group’s scholarship program for deserving aviation students. The MBAA’s 4th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament is scheduled for September 10 at Bolton, Mass. Players are invited to sign up.
