The AOPA Air Safety Foundation (ASF) has acknowledged William Ashbaker, state aviation manager for the Florida Department of Transportation, for his dedication to the safety education of pilots in his state.

"Bill has been very supportive of general aviation safety education in Florida," said Bruce Landsberg, executive director of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation.

"By working together to provide safety seminars, DVDs, and publications to Florida pilots, ASF and the state make it easier for Florida pilots to operate in some of the most attractive but busiest airspace in the U.S."

As state aviation manager, Ashbaker is responsible for statewide aviation planning, developing aviation policy and legislation, airport safety and airspace obstruction regulation, and administration of the state airport grant program. He has served in his current role since 1997 and is a certificated pilot and an AOPA member.

Landsberg presented the award to Ashbaker at Lakeland, Fla. In part, it reads: "More than 49,000 Florida pilots are the beneficiaries of your long-term dedication to General Aviation safety and your ongoing efforts to make Florida airports a safe and effective part of the national air transportation system."

Ashbaker has more than 40 years of experience in aviation and public transportation engineering and planning. He has been with the Florida Department of Transportation for over 30 years.

The AOPA Air Safety Foundation is the nation's only private, nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to providing continuing pilot education and safety programs for general aviation. It is funded by donations from individual pilots and organizations, which support the cause of improved general aviation safety.

FMI: www.aopa.org