National Air Transportation Association

National Air Transportation Association NATA is the leading organization representing aviation service businesses such as FBOs, charter provi
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We’re celebrating Curt Castagna's anniversary as NATA President and CEO and a commitment to the association that reaches...
08/25/2026

We’re celebrating Curt Castagna's anniversary as NATA President and CEO and a commitment to the association that reaches well beyond his current role.

From serving as Chair of NATA’s Board of Directors to leading the association as President and CEO, Curt has brought a deep understanding of our members, our mission, and the aviation community to every role. His contributions have helped advance safety, expand advocacy, build industry partnerships, and strengthen NATA overall.

Just as importantly, Curt has helped foster a culture where the NATA team truly feels like a family, built on shared purpose, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to one another and the members we serve.

We’re grateful for Curt’s service to NATA and the industry and for the leadership, perspective, and heart he continues to bring to our team. Happy work anniversary, Curt!

The conversation is taking shape, and so is an impressive lineup of voices for the inaugural AI Symposium for Business A...
08/24/2026

The conversation is taking shape, and so is an impressive lineup of voices for the inaugural AI Symposium for Business Aviation (AISBA), September 14–16 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.

Greg Johnson of Tuvoli, Toby Benenson of SayFlight, Zeev Wexler, Suza Franklin and Rick Buhl with the Federal Aviation Administration, Brandon Holden with Portside, and leaders from Amazon, Bluetail, NERD.aero, and other organizations will help lead a timely, practical discussion about what AI means for business aviation today and where it can take our industry next.

The program will explore responsible AI adoption and governance, safety and SMS, aircraft maintenance, aviation software and real-world applications, pricing, sales, and revenue operations, the FBO experience, data integrity, workforce development, and practical implementation.

AISBA is designed to move beyond the buzz around AI and focus on the questions that matter to aviation businesses: Where is AI already delivering value? Where are the opportunities ahead? How do we adopt it responsibly? And how do we ensure technology strengthens, rather than replaces, the sound human judgment aviation depends on?

The conversation starts Monday, September 14, with a welcome reception at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, followed by the symposium at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on Tuesday and hands-on workshops Wednesday morning.

Student registration is free, and proceeds from AISBA will help support aviation scholarships.

Visit www.nata.aero/aisba to register and watch for more speaker and program announcements as we count down to Daytona Beach.

07/21/2026

Curt Castagna and James Viola have officially arrived at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, where the next chapter of the journey begins.

Curt and Jim departed Castle Aviation, Inc. in Akron, Ohio, making stops at Starke County Airport in Illinois and West Bend Municipal Airport in Wisconsin, where they visited the Phillips 66 Aviation FBO, before landing in Oshkosh after a five-hour flight day.

Low visibility throughout much of the journey reinforced the value of modern cockpit technology and the important role it plays in supporting situational awareness, sound decision-making, and safety in flight.

Over the coming days, Curt and Jim look forward to connecting with NATA members, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) members, industry partners, and aviation leaders from around the world at the largest gathering in aviation. AirVenture is where ideas are shared, relationships are strengthened, and the future of general aviation takes shape.

A key focus this week will be advancing the industry’s work through the EAGLE initiative, helping ensure a safe, practical, and coordinated transition to an unleaded aviation gasoline future.

If you are attending AirVenture, be sure to say hello and connect with Curt, Jim, and NATA’s Karen Mineau-Huggard throughout the week. We look forward to seeing our members, partners, and the entire aviation community in Oshkosh.

07/20/2026

Curt Castagna and James Viola continued their journey to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh with a stop at long-time NATA member Castle Aviation, Inc., where they met with NATA Past Board Member and 2025 NATA Distinguished Service Award recipient Michael H Grossmann and his outstanding team.

Castle Aviation has long reflected the values that keep general aviation strong through its commitment to operational excellence, customer service, community engagement, and industry leadership. Michael’s service to NATA and the broader aviation community is an important part of that legacy.

His commitment to service also extends to the Veterans Airlift Command. Michael has completed more than 150 missions providing free transportation to wounded veterans and their families for medical care and other compassionate purposes—demonstrating the profound difference general aviation can make in people’s lives.

Traveling by helicopter to Oshkosh offers another unique perspective on the reach and value of general aviation—connecting communities efficiently, providing direct access to businesses and airports, and demonstrating the flexibility of vertical flight.

Stops like the one in Akron are a highlight of the journey, offering an opportunity to recognize the businesses and professionals who create jobs, support local economies, connect communities, serve others, and keep aviation moving across America.

Thank you to Michael and the entire Castle Aviation team for the warm welcome and continued partnership. Next stop: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the world’s largest aviation gathering.

07/17/2026

Curt Castagna and James Viola have officially arrived at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, where the next chapter of the journey begins.

Curt and Jim departed Castle Aviation, Inc. in Akron, Ohio, this morning, making stops at Starke County Airport in Illinois and West Bend Municipal Airport in Wisconsin, where they visited the Phillips 66 Aviation FBO, before landing in Oshkosh after a five-hour flight day.

Low visibility throughout much of the journey reinforced the value of modern cockpit technology and the important role it plays in supporting situational awareness, sound decision-making, and safety in flight.

Over the coming days, Curt and Jim look forward to connecting with NATA members, General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) members, industry partners, and aviation leaders from around the world at the largest gathering in aviation. AirVenture is where ideas are shared, relationships are strengthened, and the future of general aviation takes shape.

A key focus this week will be advancing the industry’s work through the EAGLE initiative, helping ensure a safe, practical, and coordinated transition to an unleaded aviation gasoline future. Curt will also discuss this important effort during a live radio interview at 11:45 a.m. local time, highlighting the collaboration and leadership driving EAGLE forward.

If you are attending AirVenture, be sure to say hello and connect with Curt, Jim, and NATA’s Karen Mineau-Huggard throughout the week. We look forward to seeing our members, partners, and the entire aviation community in Oshkosh.

07/15/2026

The journey continued across America’s heartland as NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna, and General Aviation Manufacturers Association President and CEO James Viola traveled by helicopter, proving once again that America looks pretty incredible from 500 feet.

One of the highlights was visiting the outstanding team at Duncan Aviation and congratulating them on an incredible milestone—70 years as a family-owned, multi-generational business. Duncan Aviation’s continued success reflects generations of leadership, innovation, and commitment to its employees, customers, and the aviation industry. That leadership also extends to NATA’s Board of Directors through Travis Grimsley.

Curt and James met up with Karen Mineau-Huggard for the Duncan Aviation tour and flew into Tarkio for the General Aviation Town Hall, where aviation leaders, Congressional leaders, and members of the GA community came together to discuss the industry’s future.

The journey also included a stop at a NATA member location in Trenton, Missouri.

A special thank you to Congressman Sam Graves, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, for the invitation to participate and for his steadfast leadership in advancing policies that strengthen general aviation, support local airports, and keep aviation connected to communities across America. NATA also thanks Representatives Kevin Hern (OK), Jay Obernolte (CA), and David Rouzer (NC) for their engagement in Tarkio and general aviation advocacy on Capitol Hill.

The adventure will continue later this week as Curt and James make their way to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, the world’s largest aviation celebration and general aviation reunion.

07/14/2026

Curt Castagna and James Viola’s adventure continued with a stop at Quincy Regional Airport in Illinois, followed by a visit to Hetrick Air Services at Lawrence Regional Airport in Kansas, where they visited with James’ former squadron mate, CW5 Keith Jones, a decorated Army aviator whose service included the 1993 Mogadishu mission. The day wrapped up at NATA member Duncan Aviation in Lincoln, Nebraska.

NATA appreciates Duncan Aviation’s long-time support and continued engagement, as well as the leadership of Travis Grimsley, who currently represents the company on NATA’s Board of Directors.

Following the visit to Duncan Aviation, the journey will continue to Tarkio, Missouri, for the 21st Annual Wing Nuts Flying Circus at Gould Peterson Memorial Airport, featuring the Congressional Aviation Town Hall Meeting, aircraft displays and technologies, and a full afternoon of air show activities.

We look forward to joining aviation leaders, government officials, pilots, and the general aviation community in Tarkio to highlight the people, businesses, and airports that keep GA advancing America.

Last Wednesday, Curt Castagna and James Viola made their last stop for the night at Indy South Greenwood Airport, a prou...
07/13/2026

Last Wednesday, Curt Castagna and James Viola made their last stop for the night at Indy South Greenwood Airport, a proud NATA member and Safety 1st participant.

Thank you to the Indy South Greenwood Airport team for the warm welcome and for demonstrating the commitment to service, safety, and community that defines general aviation airports across the country.

This stop is another reminder of the important role local airports and aviation businesses play in connecting communities, supporting economic activity, and keeping America moving.

Safe travels to Curt and James as they continue their journey.




07/08/2026

NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna, and General Aviation Manufacturers Association President and CEO James Viola launched their latest cross-country general aviation journey today from Montgomery County Airpark in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

The trip began with a visit with NATA member DC Metro Aviation Services. Thank you to the DC Metro Aviation Services team for their professionalism, hospitality, and support as Curt and James set out on this next adventure.

Traveling by helicopter, Curt and James will visit NATA members and aviation businesses along the way, with upcoming stops including Tarkio, Missouri, for a special general aviation event. They will then return to the nation’s capital before heading to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, the world’s largest airshow and aviation reunion, later this month.

Their travels are another powerful reminder of what general aviation makes possible: connecting communities, supporting local airports and aviation businesses, showcasing the flexibility of vertical flight, and demonstrating how GA advances America every day.

NATA wishes Curt and James all the best. We’ll be following along and sharing updates across our LinkedIn and social channels.

The NATA Workers' Compensation Insurance Program, underwritten by Global Aerospace, ushers in a new era of enhanced cove...
07/01/2026

The NATA Workers' Compensation Insurance Program, underwritten by Global Aerospace, ushers in a new era of enhanced coverage, best-in-class claims handling, and innovative risk management designed to protect your team and bottom line.

Over the past 50 years, NATA’s program has built a strong foundation rooted in safety-first practices, industry commitment, and tangible financial results, including millions of dollars returned to participants. With Global Aerospace, the program will continue that legacy while offering access to enhanced coverage options, responsive claims handling, data-informed risk management resources, and a new pay-as-you-go feature designed to support safer, more resilient operations.

Program Benefits:

- Premium savings with competitive rates tailored for the aviation businesses.
- Annual dividend eligibility based on group performance.
- Open enrollment with any appointed agent or broker able to access the program, except for the monopolistic states.
- A+ rated protection underwritten by Global Aerospace on behalf of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Group, a carrier group with an A.M. Best A+ (superior) rating.
- Targeted training based directly on de-identified data and claims experience to support stronger long-term loss performance.

Don't miss this opportunity. Ask your broker for a quote from Global Aerospace in NATA’s Program:

Chuck Couch
Vice President, Underwriting Manager
404-364-2440
[email protected]

Learn more at fly.nata.aero/workerscomp.

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