Bolen: "Each Has Made Indelible Contributions To Business Aviation"

Several business aviation legends will be presented with Wright Brothers Master Pilot Certificates from the FAA at the NBAA's 63rd Annual Meeting & Convention in Atlanta. Being recognized are Neil Armstrong, Gene Cernan, Bob Hoover, Clay Lacy, Russ Meyer and Arnold Palmer - all of whom will be present at the event to receive their certificates in person from FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt.

The NBAA said in a news release Monday that the presentation of the Master Pilot Certificates will be part of a first-ever general session on the Convention's second day. Both the new, second-day session and the Convention's traditional first-day Opening General Session will take place on the exhibit floor this year at the World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. "Our congratulations to these individuals on this well-deserved recognition," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "Each of these distinguished figures has made indelible contributions to business aviation, and we are delighted that they will stand together and be recognized for reaching a milestone in flight as part of our Convention."

According to the FAA's web site, "The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award recognizes pilots who have demonstrated professionalism, skill and aviation expertise by maintaining safe operations for 50 or more years."

Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, has long been involved in the business aviation community. In August, he began appearing in advertisements as a spokesman for the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, which is jointly sponsored by NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

Gene Cernan

Astronaut Gene Cernan is likewise a long-standing business aviation advocate, whose name is synonymous with the Bombardier Safety Standdown, an annual effort to promote safety awareness and best practices that is jointly sponsored by Bombardier, Inc., NBAA, the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Bob Hoover

Bob Hoover is a legendary Air Force test pilot and air show performer, who many consider the ultimate "pilot's pilot." Among his many contributions to aviation safety, he has promoted the "Hoover Nozzle," to ensure that jet fuel is not inadvertently pumped into piston airplanes.

Clay Lacy

Clay Lacy, a pilot and the president of charter service Clay Lacy Aviation, is also a director and videographer, having conducted more than 2,500 air-to-air photography flights, including sequences in movies like "Top Gun" and "The Right Stuff," which have inspired thousands of people to fly.

Russ Meyer

Russ Meyer, Chairman Emeritus of the Cessna Aircraft Company, led the company from 1975 until 2003. Under his leadership, Cessna received two Collier Trophies, in part for the safety record of Cessna's airplanes. In addition, Meyer has won the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy and NBAA's Meritorious Service to Aviation Award, the Association's highest honor.

Arnold Palmer

Arnold Palmer, an American icon and esteemed businessman, has spent a lifetime promoting business aviation. He currently serves as a spokesman for the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, and has addressed NBAA's Annual Meeting & Convention on several occasions, each time highlighting the benefits the industry brings to the nation's economy and transportation system. After receiving his Master Pilot Certificate at Wednesday's event, Palmer will be honored with NBAA's 2010 Meritorious Service to Aviation Award. That recognition will be accompanied by a video greeting from fellow No Plane No Gain spokesman Warren Buffett, who will welcome Convention attendees and congratulate Palmer on his recognition from NBAA.

As part of the second-day general session, NBAA will also honor everyone involved in the business aviation community's response to the earthquake that ravaged the island nation of Haiti earlier this year. Anyone who participated in the Haiti relief effort in any way is invited to attend the event, which will feature a video telling the story of the industry's work to provide humanitarian relief to the earthquake victims, as told through the first-hand perspectives of several individuals who were directly involved in the effort.

FMI: www.nbaa.org