Page 3 - Index

PRESIDENT’S VIEW

Staying Safe and Moving Forward

n Aug. 31, 2021, from would normally attend, the to recover in some parts of the gate a negative balance for
the comfort of my 2021 seminar was conduct- world. Many aircraft that have this year. The International
home office, I wel- ed in a virtual format rather been grounded for several Council met virtually again
Ocomed every attendee than in person. Several ISASI months will be dusted off prior to ISASI 2021 to discuss
to ISASI’s annual accident regional and state societies and prepared for flight. Some finances; to listen to regional
investigation and prevention and the International Council aircraft—no longer appropri- and national council reports
conference. There were some have led the way in conduct- ate for a market that may not and committee and working
378 delegates registered for ing successful meetings and resemble the pre-COVID in- group updates; to review plans
ISASI 2021 from 43 countries. seminars in a virtual format. dustry—could remain parked. for ISASI 2022 in Brisbane,
In addition, we had 184 del- This year we followed that As we emerge from the Australia; and to consider a
egates who had never before path for the annual confer- pandemic, our background, site for 2023.
attended an ISASI seminar. ence. We had virtual general training, skills, and experience I want to thank Barbara
That’s almost half of the del- sessions for technical paper are needed more than ever. Dunn and Elaine Parker for
egates. I once again greeted presentations, award recogni- There is pressure to get the putting together a great
everyone and expressed regret tions, and Kapustin Scholar- operations going, and there is seminar that provided us the
that we could not be together ship essays. There were breaks a tendency to expedite return- opportunity to learn and
in person. The theme for this for refreshments, meals, and ing the aircraft to service. We, participate. ISASI 2022 is
year was “Staying Safe and other personal needs. There as safety professionals, have to planned from August 29 to
Moving Forward”—a very were virtual chat rooms for so- ensure that everything is done September 1 in Brisbane,
appropriate theme for the ciety meetings, working group “by the book.” Your integrity Australia. I hope that COVID
present condition of the world gatherings, and committee is at stake. If you have been restrictions will no longer be
and our aviation communi- discussions. Exhibitors had furloughed during this period, necessary and that we will be
ty. As in all previous ISASI an opportunity to show their I hope you will soon return to able to come together for what
annual seminars, I was certain latest equipment and pro- work. Your air safety profes- should be a productive and
that over the next three days grams. Participants were able sionalism will be needed. enjoyable meeting.
participants would have an to network and greet friends ISASI as an organization has
opportunity to hear dozens and colleagues—one of the seen a rough period during
of technical presentations, most important aspects of 2020–2021. Active member-
Kapustin Scholarship essays, the annual gathering. What ship has declined, as has dues
award recognitions, and key- we missed was the face-to- revenue from both individual
note speeches that addressed face contact with our col- and corporate members.
the seminar theme. How this leagues and friends and the Canceling ISASI 2020 and
seminar differed from the past after-hours socialization that changes for ISASI 2021 ad-
was only the manner in which is always so enjoyable. We did versely affected the Society’s
it was presented. not hold the preseminar tuto- income. During the Interna-
As a result of ongoing global rial program nor an optional tional Council’s virtual spring
travel restrictions due to the tour of Montréal, Qué. meeting, we reviewed the So-
worldwide COVID pandemic Air travel, which has been ciety’s financial strength and
and the need to ensure the devastated by the COVID-19 concluded that some spending Frank Del Gandio
health and safety of all who pandemic, is now beginning reductions could help miti- ISASI President
October-December 2021 ISASI Forum • 3