The 2008 NATA Air Charter Summit scheduled for June 9 in Washington will provide exclusive insight into emerging threats to charter operators from the illegal drug trade. At a special luncheon on June 10, William C. Brown, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) Aviation Division, will discuss the DEA's increased focus on air charter and how operators can best ensure they are not targets of the drug runners.
General aviation aircraft are increasingly targeted for theft by drug traffickers, and recently an aircraft was stolen at gunpoint while the owner and his passengers were attempting to depart an airport in Mexico.
Brown will address the implications of the war on drugs have for U.S. operators, the role the agency plays in investigating suspected use of air charter aircraft by drug traffickers as well as other issues. Brown is an experienced airplane and helicopter pilot and has served as a pilot and special agent with the DEA, among other roles, before being selected for his current position in 2002.
The 2008 NATA Air Charter Summit will be held on June 9-11 at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles Hotel in Chantilly, VA. Registration and program details are available at www.nata.aero/acs.