The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is ready for the influx of general aviation flights to Las Vegas for the National Business Aviation Association’s convention in mid-October. The agency is working closely with federal, state and local agencies, airport officials and the aviation community to plan for safe, secure and efficient operations at Las Vegas-area airports.

The agency also is advising attendees who fly to the convention on charter flights to do their homework to ensure the operator is legitimate.

Air Traffic Management
The FAA anticipates hundreds of additional take-offs and landings and aircraft parked at Las Vegas-area airports from Oct. 12 to Oct. 14, 2021. Air traffic controllers may use traffic-management initiatives to efficiently move flights into Henderson Executive Airport (KHND), North Las Vegas Airport (KVGT) and Harry Reid (McCarran) International Airport (KLAS) in Las Vegas, Nev. These initiatives may include keeping airborne planes further apart than usual, and holding airplanes at their departure airports to slow the flow of aircraft arriving into Las Vegas-area airports. Local fixed-based operators (FBOs) may require a parking reservation. Pilots should contact the FBO directly for more information.  The FAA also has established preferred arrival and departure routes for jet and turboprop aircraft operating at those airports. Details are posted at the FAA’s NBAA Convention Air Traffic Procedures.  

Safe Charter Operation
If you decide to charter an aircraft to fly to the NBAA convention, verify the operator’s legitimacy before you book your flight. Ask to see the operator's Air Carrier or Operating Certificate to ensure they’re a licensed charter operator.

Illegal air charter operations pose serious safety hazards, and the FAA works aggressively to identify and shut down rogue operators. Learn more about these efforts by visiting Safe Air Charter Operations and Chartering an Aircraft, A Consumer Guide to Help You Fly Smarter.

Operate Safely
Operators bringing cargo or passengers to the convention should ensure they are following proper procedures for carrying hazardous materials. Learn more about compliance and safety with dangerous goods at www.faa.gov/go/operatesafe. Additionally, exhibitors shipping items to the convention can learn more about safe shipping at www.faa.gov/go/safecargo.