Honors Humanitarian Leaders in Business Aviation

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announced the establishment of the NBAA Albert Ueltschi Humanitarian Award on Friday. The award recognizes individuals in business aviation who have supported effective humanitarian causes.

"Often overlooked in the story of business aviation are the unsung heroes whose humanitarian works make a real difference in people's lives," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "These are the people who organize countless flights to provide relief in the wake of natural disasters, take people to where they can receive medical assistance or bring the assistance to those in need, and help kids expand their horizons and pursue their dreams.

"NBAA has created this award to recognize the people behind these kinds of outstanding works, and we have named the award for Al Ueltschi, a leader in humanitarianism and philanthropy in our industry."

The recipient of the first NBAA Albert Ueltschi Humanitarian Award will be announced just prior to NBAA's 59th Annual Meeting & Convention in Orlando. The award, a bronze bird sculpture, will be presented to the recipient during the Convention Awards Luncheon, which will take place Tuesday, October 17, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at the Orange County Convention Center. A new award recipient will be designated each year.

Albert Ueltschi, the award's namesake, has been widely recognized for his lifetime of dedication to philanthropic causes. He is the chairman of FlightSafety International, which he founded in 1951, and at whose facilities more than 75,000 pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals train annually.

Ueltschi is one of the early founders of ORBIS, an international non-profit organization dedicated to preventing blindness and saving sight worldwide. Ueltschi, who has served as ORBIS's chairman for more than 20 years, has made a number of significant financial contributions to the organization and has been instrumental in developing many of its most important initiatives.

Among Ueltschi's many awards are the NBAA Award for Meritorious Service to Aviation, the NBAA American Spirit Award, the Federal Aviation Administration's Award for Extraordinary Service and the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy. In addition, Ueltschi was enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, OH. Ueltschi also will be receiving the 2006 Distinguished Achievement Award from the Wings Club later this year.

"There aren't many awards Al hasn't received so it's time to name one in his honor," Bolen concluded. "We look forward to presenting the first recipient with the NBAA Albert Ueltschi Humanitarian Award at this year's Annual Meeting & Convention."

FMI: www.nbaa.org