Thu, May 08, 2008
Takes The Helm From Former FAA Administrator David Hinson
Continuing its legacy
of influential leaders, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation Board of
Visitors welcomed its new chairman, Russell W. Meyer, Jr., chairman
emeritus of Cessna Aircraft Company, at the Board’s meeting
on May 1 in Frederick, MD.
"Russ’s selection will bring new opportunities to expand
visibility of the Air Safety Foundation to the industry and general
aviation pilots," said AOPA Air Safety Foundation Executive
Director Bruce Landsberg. "Up until a few years ago the Air Safety
Foundation was one of the better kept secrets for helping new and
experienced pilots in safety education. That has changed with the
advent of the internet and the strong increase in funding that has
allowed the Foundation to produce more than 20 online courses while
maintaining more than 200 free safety seminars open to all pilots
on a national basis."
The Board of Visitors serves in an advisory capacity for the
AOPA Air Safety Foundation, a source of innovative safety education
and outreach materials accessible to all general aviation pilots.
The gavel was passed to Meyer from departing chair and former FAA
administrator David R. Hinson, who had lead the group since
1997.
The selection of Meyer as chair continues a succession of
outstanding aviation leaders who have led the Board of Visitors,
including Najeeb Halaby, the first FAA Administrator, and Admiral
Donald Engen, former FAA Administrator and NTSB member. Meyer is a
commercial, instrument-rated pilot with more than 15,000 hours. He
was chairman and chief executive officer of Cessna Aircraft Company
for three decades and has also served on several industry boards
and three Presidential commissions.
Members of the Board of Visitors were at AOPA headquarters for
their annual spring meeting. Also in attendance was FAA Acting
Administrator Robert A. "Bobby" Sturgell, who spoke to the group of
influential aviation leaders about issues such as the declining
general aviation accident rate, the Foundation’s support of
FAA’s efforts to reduce runway incursions, and his support
for voluntary disclosure programs like the Aviation Safety
Reporting System (ASRS).
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation relies on tax-deductible
contributions from pilots to fund its education programs and
improve general aviation safety. Pilots are encouraged to visit the
foundation's Web site to make a donation or participate in an
online course.
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