In this engaging episode of Destination Aviation, we sit down with Jenny Ann Urban and Randy Deberry from the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). As passionate advocates for aviation businesses, Jenny and Randy share insider perspectives on the biggest challenges facing the industry today—from regulatory shifts and workforce shortages to sustainability and technological innovation.

Tune in as we explore how NATA is driving meaningful change, supporting aviation businesses, and ensuring the skies remain open and thriving for generations to come. Whether you’re an industry professional or an aviation enthusiast, this conversation offers a compelling look behind the scenes of aviation advocacy and progress.

Connect with us on Instagram:

instagram.com/dapodcast85/

TikTok:

www.tiktok.com/@dapodcast85

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@DestinationAviationpodcast

Drop us a line at dapodcast85@gmail.com if you have your own plane tales

Connect with Jenny Ann Urban:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-ann-urban/

Websites:

Destination Aviation - www.destinationaviation.org

NATA – www.nata.aero

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In the second half of our engaging conversation on Destination Aviation, we continue our deep dive with Alex Gertsen, Sr. Director of Airport Advocacy and Vertical Infrastructure at NBAA. Picking up where we left off, Alex shares more about his hands-on experience as a part-time charter captain, including the life-changing missions of organ transport and the operational realities of business aviation.

We expand the conversation into the evolving challenges and opportunities in vertical infrastructure, the role of advanced air mobility, and why protecting airport access is more critical than ever. Alex also reflects on the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, the balance between federal policy and local implementation, and what drives his personal commitment to the future of aviation. We also talk about a number of upcoming exciting general and business aviation events that Alex is involved in (Links in the show notes).

From policy to the pilot’s seat, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and a front-row seat to the intersection of advocacy and aviation innovation.

Connect with us on Instagram:

instagram.com/dapodcast85/

TikTok:

www.tiktok.com/@dapodcast85

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@DestinationAviationpodcast

Drop us a line at dapodcast85@gmail.com if you have your own plane tales

Websites:

Destination Aviation - www.destinationaviation.org

OpenAir – www.flyopenair.com

Aero Club of Wahington – www.aeroclub.org

Mooney Summit – www.MooneySummit.com

EAA AirVenture – www.airventure.org

AAAE General Aviation Conference - https://aaae.org/generalaviation

Chicago Executive 100th Anniversary – www.chiexec.com June 27th 2026

NBAA-BACE – https://nbaa.org/events/2025-nbaa-business-aviation-convention-
exhibition-nbaa-bace/

NBAA-BACE Single-Pilot Safety Standdown - https://nbaa.org/events/2025-nbaa-single-pilot-safety-standdown/

NBAA-BACE – Military Connect – https://nbaa.org/events/2025-nbaa-business-aviation-convention-exhibition-nbaa-bace/military-connect-2025-nbaa-bace/

NBAA-BACE – Collegiate Connect - https://nbaa.org/events/2024-nbaa-business-
aviation-convention-exhibition-nbaa-bace/keynotes-sessions-events/collegiate-connect-2024-nbaa-bace/

NBAA YoPro - https://nbaa.org/professional-development/yopro/

Climbing. Fast. – www.climbingfast.com

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In this first part of a two-part conversation on Destination Aviation, we sit down with Alex Gertsen, Sr. Director of Airport Advocacy and Vertical Infrastructure at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). From his early career to his leadership in aviation policy, Alex has built a dynamic path that blends high-level advocacy efforts on the ground with in-the-air experience and exposure to business aviation flying, and being a part time charter captain transporting people and being involved in organ transport operations.

We dive into his work supporting airports and vertical infrastructure - protecting access to airports and elevating runway and surface safety. Plus, we talk about the importance of the work aviation associations do in Washington, DC, some of the current issues facing our industry, the collaboration in the aviation community, and what fuels Alex’s passion for progress.

Whether you're a pilot, airport advocate, or just aviation-curious, this episode offers a unique look at how policy and purpose take flight.

Websites:

www.nbaa.org

www.destinationaviation.org

Connect with us on Instagram:
instagram.com/dapodcast85/

Drop us a line at dapodcast85@gmail.com if you have your own plane tales

Support the show