The National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) drew more than 125 attendees and speakers across the aviation spectrum to its fourth Aviation Inclusion Summit (AIS), which wrapped up last week. Held at the Air Line Pilots Association headquarters in McLean, Virginia, the event served as a forum to discuss efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion in the industry. It also provided networking opportunities and training sessions.
“Having the opportunity to learn from and work with representatives and leaders from across the industry will better equip us to serve in our professional and volunteer work,” said NGPA board member Martin Rottler.
Breakout sessions addressed crew resource management, allyship, unconscious bias, and upstander training. In addition, the summit featured an inclusion panel that provided insights on the experiences of leaders within the NGPA peer organizations, including the Black Aerospace Professionals, Women in Aviation International, European Pride in Aviation Network, and the Professional Asian Pilots Association.
Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen provided a keynote, saying the FAA’s “first commitment is to safety, but our second is to diversity.”
“The visibility that an event like this brings to the aviation industry is paramount to progress. Bringing to light barriers to inclusive workplaces across our industry helps initiate policy changes that lead to positive change for all,” said NGPA president Brian Gambino.
Also during the summit, NGPA was honored with the National Aeronautic Association Clifford Henderson Trophy, which is presented to “a living individual, group of individuals, or an organization whose vision, leadership or skill made a significant and lasting contribution to the promotion and advancement of aviation and aerospace in the United States.”
NGPA next is hosting an Industry Expo on February 9 and 10 in Palm Springs, California.
