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.

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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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