An estimated 500 to 600 people are expected to attend the annual Montana Aviation Conference Feb. 28–March 2 at the Copper King Inn in Butte, according to Pat Shea, Bert Mooney Airport manager.
“The list includes everyone from airports from around the state, the Montana Pilots Association (general aviation), Montana Antique Aircraft Association and numerous breakout sessions and vendor booths to cater to all aviation interests for both professionals and enthusiasts,” he said.
He said around 20 sessions ranging from the tales of an Alaskan pilot to Montana earthquakes are planned. Sessions will be available for all aviation interests and opportunities to meet with representatives from the FAA, TSA, NTSB and Customs Boarder Protection.
Chris Fisk, a native of Dillon and a Butte High history teacher, will be the speaker for the opening luncheon Thursday,
Feb. 28. Fisk is known for his humor and his unusual approach to teaching history.
Cmdr. “JR” Hansen will be the featured speaker for the Friday luncheon, March 1. Hansen is a graduate of Butte High. He entered the Navy in 1993 after receiving his commission from NROTC at the University of Washington. Commander Hansen went on to fly the F/A-18 fighter jet.
Ralph Hood is the featured speaker for the Saturday night banquet on March 2. Hood’s theme, “It’s Clear on Top,” is how he has humorously woven his experiences as a pilot into motivational speaker. A full-time professional speaker, Hood writes for a national aviation trade magazine and taught an aviation management course for Southern Illinois University.