Poplar Bluff airport manager named to FAA safety program

The St. Louis office of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has announced the appointment of a local pilot to its educational outreach program known as FAASteam (FAA Safety Team). Gary Pride, the Director of Airport Operations at Poplar Bluff Regional Business Airport, will serve a minimum of one year as a regional representative to this program.

The FAASteam program enhances the relationship between the FAA and the aviation industry. The program conveys safety principles and practices through training, outreach and education, to establish and encourage the continual growth of safety, within the culture of the aviation community.

FAASteam representatives are selected for their professional and technical knowledge, personal reputation and familiarity with the aviation community. They must have a strong desire to promote aviation safety and be willing to conduct or assist the FAA in identifying hazards or unsafe conditions in regard to airports and the national airspace system.

“I’m anxious to work with pilots, aviation mechanics and others who work within the aviation community. Numerous training programs are available through FAASTeam, however our region in Southeast Missouri is largely unaware of the opportunities”, Pride said. According to Pride, money can be saved by those participating in the programs via insurance reductions and recertifications waivers.