We have many great programs in store for you this year, including keynote speaker, Jill Fredston, director of the Alaska Mountain Safety Center Inc. She has authored several books and is well-renowned as one of the most recognized avalanche educators. Of the many books she's authored, “Rowing to Latitude” received the National Outdoor Book Award in 2002. Join us for the Galleon Luncheon on Thursday to hear Fredston impart her knowledge of “Risk, Change and Decision-Making.”

Another great speaker will be FedEx's managing director of air safety and regulatory compliance, Dave Prewitt. He has more than 30 year experience in all levels of aviation and ground safety management. Prewitt will talk about the “Air Transportation Oversight System and Safety Management” at our annual Safety Awards Luncheon Friday. These coveted safety awards are presented by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Alaska Air Carriers Association to those air carriers that have achieved an accident-free year. This year's safety awards plaques have been generously sponsored by Raytheon Airline Aviation Services.

One particular topic of interest is the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Join us for a round-table discussion on the revenue stream for the FAA, which expires Sept. 30, 2007. This fund pays a large share of the bills for the FAA to operate the national airspace system. A gap exists between the revenue and what it costs to run the FAA. Aviation leaders will discuss their views and proposed congressional authorization for the taxes and fees that support the trust fund. Hear industry officials discuss this topic during Wednesday's general session.

And finally, don't miss the myriad of sessions on the Capstone Program, navigational services, hazardous materials, military air space, airport issues, maintenance regulatory changes, customer service, human resource issues, legal and financial discussions.

All symposiums and lunch programs are open to the general public, so I encourage anyone with an interest in aviation to attend these educational seminars. Call our office at (907) 277-0071 for conference fees or visit our Web site, www.alaskaaircarriers.org, for full descriptions of the sessions. The trade show is open to the public, Friday, Feb. 16, at no cost, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Discovery Ballroom. Visit our exhibitor page for a listing of vendor products and services available for lease or sale at www.alaskaair carriers.org/servlet/content/exhibitors.html.

In the world of aviation, businesses need to constantly shift and adapt to the changing tides. Our convention highlights timely subjects by helping delegates gain comprehension of complicated issues. We hope you'll join your fellow Alaskan aviators in camaraderie and fun for this premier commercial aviation event!

Karen Casanovas,