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.