History in the Making

On April 23-27, 2016, history will be made when the Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (NEC/AAAE) celebrates an incredible milestone, the 50^th anniversary of the International Aviation Snow Symposium (I.A.S.S). The theme of this exciting event is 'Innovate. Celebrate. Educate.'

Focused exclusively on airfield snow removal and winter operations, the I.A.S.S. will be held for the 31^st consecutive year in Buffalo, NY. The Buffalo Niagara Convention Center will be filled with gigantic, state-of-the-art snow machines, as well as a variety of other snow removal equipment, services and solutions. The event will feature new educational programs, expanded space for exhibitors, more opportunities for networking, world-class speakers, and a variety of social gatherings. Up to 1,000 people are expected to attend.

As it has for the last 50 years, the symposium provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and lively discussions on equipment, snow removal techniques, the latest communications, safety, environmental and personnel trends in the industry, as well as the financial considerations of winter operations.

“The Northeast Chapter’s International Aviation Snow Symposium has a proven history of building and maintaining strong relationships among industry professionals while serving as a conduit for sharing best practices in winter operations at airports,” says Nino Sapone, A.A.E. vice president of Airfield Operations for Pittsburgh International Airport, incoming president of the NEC/AAAE in 2016.

Excitement Building in Buffalo

“I congratulate the International Aviation Snow Symposium (I.A.S.S.) on its 50^th anniversary and thank the NEC/AAAE for choosing to host the event in Buffalo for 31 consecutive years,” says City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown. “We invite attendees to enjoy all that Buffalo has to offer, from our sprawling, award-winning Frederick Law Olmsted park system, world-class restaurants and theater, to our city’s rich architecture, historic landmarks and revitalized downtown waterfront. Congratulations I.A.S.S. on this incredible milestone and meaningful partnership with the City of Buffalo.”

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) is responsible for air and surface transportation in Erie and Niagara Counties in New York State, including the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, which is the host of the I.A.S.S.

“Buffalo Niagara International Airport is extremely pleased and honored to have hosted the Snow Symposium for 30 consecutive years,” says Kimberley Minkel, executive director of Buffalo Niagara International Airport.  “We are looking forward to hosting the 50^th Anniversary Symposium in 2016, which we anticipate to be the biggest and best symposium ever.”

How it all began
The International Aviation Snow Symposium (I.A.S.S.) was first held in April 1967 in Allentown, Penn., under the general chairmanship of founder and Chairman Col. Bernt Balchen USAF Ret. and Wilford (Wiley) M. Post, manager of Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton Airport.

Col. Bernt Balchen  is the founder and honorary chairman of the I.A.S.S. Balchen was an expert navigator, aircraft mechanic and aviator as well as a Norwegian-American polar and aviation pioneer. Balchen’s exemplary service in the United States Air Force during World War II, fueled by his Arctic expertise, helped the Allies defeat the enemy in Scandinavia and northern Europe.

Wiley Post was a founder and served as general chairman of the I.A.S.S. for 20 years. He had a very distinguished career. For more than 40 years he served as manager of Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton Airport. During World War II, Post served his country well by organizing the base operation at Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton Airport, which  trained more than 1,500 aviation cadets.

On deck for 2016

Carlton Braley Jr., co-chair of the 50^th I.A.S.S., has this to say about the golden anniversary of the Snow Symposium, “We will celebrate what we have experienced in our past and set our sights to the future. We will recognize our winter heroes from past symposiums, reminisce about the equipment of yesterday, and show how it influenced the technologically advanced snow removal equipment available today.”

“Most importantly, we will remain focused on the academic value of our event,”
says Joseph Guarino, co-chair of the 50^th I.A.S.S. “By learning from the best in the industry, attendees are prepared to increase efficiency and enhance safety during winter operations.”   

• I.A.S.S. SNOW ACADEMY ADDS ADVANCED CURRICULUM

Last year AAAE certified the I.A.S.S. Snow Academy. The curriculum, which has been expanded for 2016 to include advanced level classes, is designed to provide current, relevant and focused training for snow and ice control measures at airports, including FAA FAR Part 139 certificated airports.

The module topics and curriculum will provide all levels of experience knowledge and insight to current equipment designs, weather forecasting, human resource factors, current regulatory requirements, available material resources and proper communication skills.

Graduates of the Basic Airport Winter Operations Specialists and the Advanced Airport Winter Operations Specialist curriculums will receive recognition through certification from AAAE.

• The Idea Corner

The I.A.S.S. Idea Corner is a great opportunity for anyone in airport management, operations or maintenance to share their ideas about winter operations, while competing for a cash prize. Entries are submitted as 3-minute videos. Ideas related to snow or ice removal, equipment modifications or new equipment made exclusively by the entrant, plus devices to better measure runway or airport weather conditions, are all acceptable.

• Operator of the Year Award

In 2016, the International Aviation Snow Symposium will be presenting its third Operator of the Year Award. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of the following points of interest including years of experience, skills, training, types of equipment operated, leadership attributes, as well as education and technical knowledge.

Each airport attending the I.A.S.S. is asked to nominate one equipment operator from their airport. A committee of four members from the I.A.S.S. Advisory Board will review applications prior to the event. Scores will be given to each nominee, weighing each point of interest separately. A plaque will be awarded to the operator who best reflects the spirit of Operator of the Year.

• BALCHEN / POST AWARD

The I.A.S.S. will again sponsor the BALCHEN/POST Award for excellence in the performance of airport snow and ice control during the winter of 2015-2016.Named after the founders of the I.A.S.S., the six awards will be presented to the personnel of the airport snow and ice control teams who have throughout the past winter demonstrated determination for excellence in their efforts to keep their airports open and safe.

Come share ideas, marvel at the latest equipment, expand your knowledge and create memorable moments at the 50^th anniversary of the International Aviation Snow Symposium.

BIO: Kris Marsala is copyrighter and project manager for Perfect Landing Media LLC at www.perfectlandingmedia.com. Marsala can be reached at [email protected].