Page 42 - Volume 20 Number 9

It’ll Be Hot on Bourbon Street
CJP Brings its Annual Convention to New Orleans
By Rob Finfrock
From its first gathering in 2009, the Citation Jet Pilots Owner/Pilot Association (CJP) has always strived to bring its members the most impressive, entertaining and educational annual conventions in the owner-flown aviation community. For the 2016 convention, more than 400 Citation owners, operators and pilots will gather at the fabled Roosevelt Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana from October 19- 23, marking three full days of excitement, information, and – above all – fun!
Originally opened in 1893, the Roosevelt is a landmark hotel that is close to New Orleans nightlife, dining and culture, providing an elegant sanctuary in a vibrant Mardi Gras town. The Roosevelt reopened in 2009, following an extensive restoration in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and today serves as a hallmark of its city’s resurgent spirit, with furnishings and grandeur recalling the hotel’s heyday in the 1920s and 1930s.
Experiencing an equally impressive comeback from Katrina’s devastation is New Orleans Lakefront Airport (KNEW), home to this year’s host FBO, FlightLine Services. As in years past, CJP has negotiated the waiving of landing, ramp or overnight fees for Convention attendees, in addition to a special CJP rate for Jet-A.
“CJP is excited to bring our annual gathering to ‘The Big Easy,’ where our members will share in the excitement of the French Quarter and Bourbon Street with their fellow Citation owners and pilots, all
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while experiencing a diverse mix of educational and entertainment opportunities,” noted CJP Chairman David Miller.
Educational Opportunities Abound
CJP events always feature a robust mix of engaging and educational presentations. This year’s roster of speakers includes a mix of popular returning presenters – including CFII Neil Singer, CJ3 instructor and ProFlight Part 135 Compliance Manager Chuck Hosmer, and Boeing 747-400 captain Dann Runik, who recently served as executive director for advanced training at FlightSafety – along with former 20-year NTSB investigator Greg Feith, who will provide an overview of Citation accident and safety data.
Another featured speaker for CJP 2016 will be Jessica Cox, who has overcome the challenge of being born without arms to earn a college degree and a Taekwondo black belt, as well as learning to operate a car – and, in 2008, earning her pilot’s license – by using her feet.
Following extremely positive reception at the 2014 and 2015 CJP Conventions, for 2016 CJP has further expanded the roster of opportunities for attendees to share experiences with their fellow CJP members. These include roundtable discussions focused on operator issues, as well as specific Citation airframes and avionics. In addition, more than 40 vendor displays will highlight the latest products and services available to the Citation owner community.
The annual CJP Live Auction supports many charitable activities, including the CJP Bob Hoover Presidential Scholarship that is presented annually to two Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University students. Proceeds also go towards other CJP programs, such as the Russ Meyer Citation Library (RMCL), a unique online resource that will provide unparalleled operational, maintenance, and safety information for CJP Members, and CJP’s support for various youth and veterans’ initiatives.
“We are always looking for innovative ways to enhance the experience for everyone attending the CJP Annual Convention,” explained CJP President Russell Boyd. “What we have planned for 2016 is so amazing that the event even has its own app. Attendees will have access to real-time schedule updates, speaker information, photos, and activities about all-things CJP, right on their mobile device.”
Expanded Focus on Companion Activities in 2016
CJP has also ensured that non-flying spouses and partners, or Companions, have plenty of interesting and exciting activities during their stay. “Our aim is to build on our experience from previous years, and develop a program that makes the CJP Annual Convention the aviation meeting that Companions look forward to most each year,” Boyd added. “Our industry partners
SEPTEMBER 2016