All Hail The Aero-Heroes of 2009!

Final Compilations by ANN Editor-In-Chief/Trouble-Maker, Jim Campbell

It is both the most "fun," and most difficult, task facing the ANN staff at the end of every year -- determining who, or what, did the most to promote the cause of aviation in the past 365 days... while also chastising those people or entities that did all they could to undermine the many successes the aviation/aerospace community has managed to accomplish.
 
Thankfully, 2009 was a year in which we saw the best and brightest among us step forward and work tirelessly on behalf of us all. No doubt about it... the challenges we faced in 2009 were numerous, and ongoing... so was the quality of expertise and passion brought to our defense by those who heroically demonstrated to the world the very best side of aviation... via their deeds, words and actions.
 
It is ANN's honor to recognize Ten persons/organizations or groups that qualify as our Aero-Heroes for 2009... in something of an informal order, starting from the 10th to the 1st. Let us know what you think of our selections... whom YOU would have liked be included or omitted from such a list. In the meantime, we thank the folks who made this year's list. Thank you, folks... we really needed you this year, and you didn't let us down.

ANN will list our Top Ten choices over the next few day's, but in order to kick off the New Year right, let's enjoy another selection from our Heroes List for 2009...

Aero-Hero #2: Jack Pelton

Somehow I think I always knew he had it in him... my personal conversations, in bits and pieces, over the years have convinced me that there was a reason why Jack Pelton continued to lead one of the most powerful companies in Business and General Aviation. There's no question that the guy is bloody smart, and a fierce competitor, and a good guy to have on your side as well as a tough guy to have to compete with -- but who knew that the CEO (of what is outwardly such a conservative and powerful company) was ready to take on the power brokers that were attempting to demean, if not destroy, the world of aviation.

Upon reaching the pinnacle of a major corporation and taking the reins as CEO, taking serious initiatives and acting aggressively are often seen as a negative. Still; after watching Washington rail on at the big three automakers for their use of bizjets, after watching our industry be derided by a new administration, after watching Business and General Aviation be portrayed negatively and snidely by a media who couldn't spell aileron if the Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge were laid before them, Jack Pelton and  Cessna went on a counter attack.

It was brilliant freakin' marketing. And yes, I loved every moment of it. Pelton's Cessna came out with "in your face" ads that refuted the naysayers, spoke common sense, and made no apologies for the fact that Business and General Aviation, when properly employed by dynamic companies, were simply damned good business. They placed the ads where they could be seen, not just by middle America, but more importantly by those who were supposed to be representing us on the Hill -- and instead were interfering in a uniquely American industry as well as an indisputably powerful way of getting business done.

Its moves like these that many CEOs eschew... the average CEO never gets hurt by saying no, but can often risk his or her career by taking initiative. Taking on the Washington power brokers while rubbing their noses in their ignorance and foolishness, and proudly proclaiming the true value and necessity of American aviation was not just brilliant; it was honest, controversial, and (frankly) a whole hell of a lot of fun after watching aviation get stepped on week after week.

It was one of those small acts of defiance... no strike that, it was a HUGE act of defiance that makes me proud of my industry and the uncommonly courageous people that often lead it. Jack Pelton kicked ass -- and more important he thumbed his nose at Washington and told them what they didn't want to hear -- that they were wrong, and that not only were we right, but he told them the truth about an incredibly valuable aspect of what America is all about.

Nice job, Jack.

FMI: Comments/Criticism????