NFTA adds NBAA’s Doug Carr to board

The National Flight Training Alliance named Doug Carr, a senior NBAA executive with deep regulatory and international aviation experience, to its Board of Directors on July 16, 2026. The move aims to bolster NFTA’s work on flight training, safety and aviation policy across the U.S.

Why it matters: - Doug Carr’s appointment adds a senior aviation policy leader to the National Flight Training Alliance’s board at a time when flight training providers face ongoing pressure around safety, regulation and workforce development. - NFTA said the move strengthens its network of industry leaders focused on advancing flight training and aviation education across the United States.

What happened: - The National Flight Training Alliance appointed Doug Carr, senior vice president of Safety, Security, Sustainability & International Operations at the National Business Aviation Association, to its Board of Directors on July 16, 2026. - NFTA announced the appointment from Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The details: - Carr joined NBAA in April 1998 as manager of domestic operations. - NBAA later promoted Carr to manager of safety and operations, director of government affairs, and vice president of regulatory and international affairs before his current role. - Carr has taken part in or led aviation rulemaking and policy efforts, including the FAA’s Fractional Ownership Aviation Rulemaking Committee, the Part 125/135 ARC Flight and Rest Subcommittee, and the Takeoff and Landing Performance Assessment ARC. - Carr represents business aviation interests at the International Civil Aviation Organization and serves as corporate secretary for the International Business Aviation Council. - Before NBAA, Carr worked at the National Air Transportation Association on issues affecting FAR Part 135 on-demand air carriers and flight training providers. - Carr holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and an Associate of Science in Aviation Flight from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. - Carr is a commercial, multi-engine, instrument-rated pilot and certificated flight instructor. - Carr served six years in the U.S. Navy aboard a nuclear-powered submarine before his aviation career.

Between the lines: - NFTA is signaling that board leadership with regulatory, industry and international experience remains central to its strategy. - Carr’s background spans flight training, business aviation policy and government affairs, which could help NFTA navigate FAA and broader aviation industry issues.

What's next: - Carr will join NFTA’s board as the organization continues work on legislative advocacy, FAA regulatory engagement, pilot mental health and wellness initiatives, and membership development. - NFTA said it will keep focusing on bringing together aviation stakeholders to drive progress in training, safety and regulatory affairs.

The bottom line: - NFTA is adding a well-connected aviation policy veteran to help guide its push to strengthen U.S. flight training.