Thinking on the fly: Unprecedented times, leadership during 9/11 | Aviation International News

Thinking on the fly: Unprecedented times, leadership during 9/11

A recount of the days following the 9/11 terror attacks

NBAA general aviation desk FAA Command Center 9/11 — NBAA’s Robert Lamond (pictured here) ran the general aviation desk with then new hire Jo Damato at the FAA Command Center as the skies emptied on 9/11. Steve Brown, who helped orchestrate that massive undertaking in his role at the FAA, would later join the association.

By Jeremy Kariuki • Contributor

September 1, 2026

Like many others, Steve Brown started his workday on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, as usual. By the early afternoon, Americans across the nation picked their kids up from school, retreating to the unassured safety of their homes. Brown’s responsibilities, however, prevented such a luxury. As the FAA’s associate administrator for air traffic services, Brown—and his team—were met with the monumental task of securing the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS). This was two years before Brown was to join the NBAA and ultimately become COO there.

The typical workday began with direct reports from management teams regarding daily operations. A cacophony of beeping pagers interrupted this routine, signaling the beginning of a national emergency for which no protocol was prepared.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

HAV Offers Sentinel Hawk Airship In New Bid For ISR Roles

New joint venture aims to deliver missionized Airlander 10 aircraft

Article preview image

Osprey Warns of Increased Security Risk and Fuel Prices

Attacks by Houthi forces in Saudi Arabia pose new threats

Saudi Arabian map

The 25th Anniversary of 9/11: The Impact on Airlines

The terror attacks in the U.S. inflicted significant damage on commercial airlines

9/11 airlines

NBAA Panel: Ops, Security Must Improve Communications

Flight and security departments have shared goals but different perspectives

business jet on ramp

Aircraft Operators Face Rising Threats in Gulf and Russia

Security consultants are warning clients to increase vigilance

Leipzig Drone Threat Raises Security Risk in Europe

Russia widely believed to have gotten an explosives-carrying drone into the German airport

Leipzig-Halle Airport

Canada Targets Increased Domestic Defense Production

Saab offers Gripen with future fighter choice still to be decided

CAE and Saab at Farnborough Airshow 2026

Air Chiefs: Allied Integration Essential as Threats Intensify

Evolving threats demand deeper multinational cooperation

Five panel members seated