Had Been Prominently Featured In NBAA 'No Plane, No Gain' Campaign

Even non-golfers know the name Arnold Palmer. He has been one of the icons of the game since the 1960s, and always considered a true gentleman and ambassador of the game of golf.

Over the weekend, the golfing legend and tireless advocate of aviation passed away at the age of 87 in Pittsburgh, PA of complications from a heart condition, according to the U.S. Golf Association

Palmer was featured prominently in the NBAA's "No Plane, No Gain" campaign, appearing in videos produced by the organization and lobbying for BizAv. He regularly attended the organization's annual conventions, as well as AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI. On the website arnoldpalmer.com, it is noted that Palmer felt that learning to fly an airplane was the smartest decision he ever made. He logged more than 18,000 hours flying. He said he learned to fly after driving around the country to golf tournaments in the early years of his golf career, and learned to fly in the late 1950s.

In a statement released to the media EAA president and CEO Jack Pelton said: "So sad to hear today we lost a golf legend, one of the greatest gentleman I have ever known, and an advocate for general aviation. Arnold Palmer was a supporter of EAA. More importantly for me he was the hero and role model for all the things our country was founded on. Thank you Arnie."

“We all know what a tremendous golfer Arnold Palmer was, but he was also immensely respected as an aviator. He understood the value of general aviation and was a vocal advocate for personal and business flying," said AOPA president Mark Baker. "As a longtime supporter of AOPA, and a charter member of the AOPA Foundation President’s Council, he took a leading role in promoting the safety and utility of general aviation. I count myself lucky to have known him. He will be deeply missed by the GA community.”

(Image provided by EAA. [L-R] former EAA president Tom Poberezny, Arnold Palmer, Rose Pelton and Jack Pelton)

FMI: www.arnoldpalmer.com/aviation