Several Scholarship Recipients Announced at NBAA
Convention
The NBAA offers a wide range of scholarships that encourage
young people to seek careers in business aviation. Wednesday
morning at the NBAA 63rd Annual Meeting & Convention, several
students received awards from the following NBAA scholarship
programs: USAIG/PDP Scholarship, Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation
Scholarship, William M. Fanning Maintenance Scholarship, NORDAM Dee
Howard/Etienne Fage Scholarship and Alan H. Conklin Business
Aviation Management Scholarship.
USAIG PDP Scholarship
The U.S. Aircraft Insurance Group (USAIG) PDP Scholarship provides
funds for students to take NBAA Professional Development Program
(PDP) courses. The annual award granted is $1,000. This year's
recipient is Kevin Lee Rankin. Rankin is a student at Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ, majoring in mechanical
engineering and minoring in flight and aeronautical studies. He
soloed at age 16 and received his private pilot's licence at 17. In
May 2009, he flew a 30-day, 8,400 nm cross-country trip throughout
the U.S. in a Cardinal 177 RG with his brother.
Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship
The Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship was created in
2001 by NBAA and the family and friends of the late Lawrence
Ginocchio to honor his outstanding personal contribution to
business aviation. The following students each receive a $5,000
award:
- Joey W. Cathcart is a junior at Westminster College majoring in
aviation management with a minor in flight operations. He is a
private pilot with single-engine land rating and over 100 hours of
flight time. During his airport operations internship at
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, he learned useful knowledge ranging
from aviation maintenance requirements to airport funding
issues.
- Andrew S. Cochran, is a junior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University at Prescott, AZ, majoring in aeronautical science with a
minor in business administration. He has a private pilot's licence
with instrument rating and a total of 126 hours. His career goal is
to fly for a flight department in business aviation.
- Justin Cozart is a junior at Averett University working on a
double major in flight operations and computer science. He has a
private pilot's license with over 70 hours of flight time and is
working on an instrument rating. His goal is to become a chief
pilot and focus on safety issues to prevent aviation accidents. He
currently works as a scheduler for the Averett University Flight
Center.
- Nicole M. Maillet, is a junior at Florida Institute of
Technology majoring in aviation management. She has a private
pilot's license and works at the Atlantic Jet Center FBO in
Melbourne, FL. Her interest in aviation began at age 13 when she
had a Young Eagle flight, and she plans to develop a career working
at an airport.
- Jessica A. Miller is a sophomore at St. Cloud State University
majoring in aviation management. She has a private pilot's license,
multi-engine add-on, with over 450 hours. As an Air Race Classic
team captain, she was the youngest competitor and finished seventh
out of 32. She has been involved with her university flight team
and has qualified for nationals.
William M. Fanning Maintenance
Scholarship
The Fanning Scholarship is named in honor of retired NBAA staff
member William M. Fanning, who was active in maintenance issues
during his nearly 20-year tenure at the Association. This year's
recipients each receive a $2,500 award, and they are as
follows:
- Travis Beach is a student currently enrolled in an accredited
A&P program at an approved FAR Part 147 school, the Emily
Griffith Opportunity School. His career goal is to complete his
education as an A&P technician with FAA certification and to
join an organization where he can utilize his mechanical skills for
the continued success of his employer. He plans to continue his
education toward a B.S. degree with an emphasis in aviation.
- Ronald Kaminski has been accepted for enrollment in an A&P
program and plans to attend Western Michigan University. His goal
is to earn a degree and pursue a career in aviation maintenance
technology, as well as to earn a private pilot's license.
NORDAM Dee Howard/Etienne Fage
Scholarship
The NORDAM Dee Howard/Etienne Fage Scholarship was created by The
NORDAM Group to honor the lifetime achievements of two aerospace
engineering pioneers, Dee Howard and Etienne Fage. Receiving a
$2,500 award this year is Aaron Law. Law is a student at
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ. His career
goal is to help found an aerospace engineering company that
specializes in exotic aircraft and propulsion concepts.
Alan H. Conklin Business Aviation Management
Scholarship
The Conklin Scholarship was created to honor the memory of
Al Conklin, a U.S. Air Force veteran, business aviation leader and
member of NBAA's Operations Committee for many years. This year's
recipient, who receives $5,000, is Richard Valentine. Valentine is
a Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) student majoring in
aerospace maintenance management. He currently works as an
assistant facilities manager at MTSU, a Part 147 school, and works
to help maintain a King Air 200. He's also a flight dispatcher for
the MTSU flight school. Upon graduation, he wants to use his skills
as a pilot, maintenance technician and manager in the business
aviation community, by maintaining a business jet for a large
company.