NATA Announces Industry Excellence Awards Recipients for 2016

Washington, DC, May 23, 2017 – Today, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) announced the recipients of its Industry Excellence Awards, presented annually to individuals, offices, and organizations demonstrating superior service to the aviation business community, particularly through their efforts in advancing general aviation’s safety-first culture:

NATA’s Distinguished Public Service Award is a special honor awarded by its Board of Directors and members – recognizing outstanding service and contributions to the industry. This year, the award will be presented to former FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety, The Honorable Margaret “Peggy” Gilligan and former FAA Associate Administrator for Airports, The Honorable Eduardo “Eddie” A. Angeles.

“For many years, Peggy has been the heart and soul of the FAA’s effort to improve aviation safety. Success in this area requires government and industry to work together toward the common goal. NATA and the aviation industry are grateful for Peggy’s perseverance in improving that critical interaction between the agency and aviation business community. Her focus on partnering with industry toward common-sense regulation has been monumental to aviation businesses, and it is important to recognize Peggy’s public service,” stated NATA President Martin H. Hiller.

“Eddie has dedicated his career to the safety and security of the traveling public, and has been a leader in the policy and administration of our nation’s airports. Airports and the businesses that serve them are important economic drivers for local communities. Eddie recognizes the challenges that airports face today and NATA is deeply appreciative of his commitment to protecting and improving this critical part of our nation’s infrastructure as well as seeking technological innovations and creative solutions to enhance safety and the passenger experience,” added Hiller.

The ATP/NATA General Aviation Service Technician Award (sponsored by Aircraft Technical Publishers for 30 years) acknowledges the exceptional performance of a licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic or radio repairman who has practiced his or her craft for a period of 20 or more years. NATA will present this year’s award to Mr. Jerry Marolt, Senior Crew Chief at Flexjet. Mr. Marolt first entered the industry in 1993 as an A&P Mechanic and has served as QC Inspector, AMT, AMT Lead, Inspector, and QA Inspector throughout his 23+ year professional career. He is recognized for his fanatical attention to service and detail and is a valuable source of knowledge amongst his peers.

Mr. Bill Hutto, A.A.E, PhD, Airport Director at the Auburn University Regional Airport, Auburn, AL is the recipient of the NATA Airport Executive Partnership Award. This award recognizes an airport manager for his or her efforts to foster relationships between aviation businesses and airport operators. In addition to serving as the Airport Director, Mr. Hutto is the Aviation Center Director at Auburn University, where he has expanded the Auburn Flight Program resulting in a rise in graduates over recent years. He currently leads an airport expansion effort to bring new ramps, T-Hangars, an FBO, and a brand-new flight training building to the airport. His aviation-oriented outreach efforts foster growing interest across the state from aviation and aerospace industries and has paid dividends for the university, airport, and local community.

The recipient of NATA’s Excellence in Pilot Training Award is Denis Arbeau, Manager of Training at Solairus Aviation. This award recognizes an individual or organization for outstanding contributions in safety, professionalism, leadership and excellence in the field of pilot training. Mr. Arbeau is a mentor and role model to hundreds of pilots that fly more than 22,000 annual hours. His experience, performance, leadership, and management skills reflect the highest industry standards in safety and excellence in pilot training.

Mr. Michael Heilpern, Operations Manager at Monterey Jet Center, will receive the third annual Safety 1^st Certified Line Service Professional Award. This award recognizes the achievements of certified line service professionals demonstrating their positive impact on safety, service and business success. Mr. Heilpern has been the Operations Manager for Monterey Jet Center since the company’s inception, twenty years ago. He maintains the highest level of safety standards while providing excellent customer service, making a point to become accustomed with new aircraft models, industry trends, and new visitors to the FBO.

“Once again NATA has the honor of highlighting the achievements of the individuals and organizations that make the general aviation community so great. The award winners demonstrate the dedication and ingenuity of our members in advancing the industry to the next level,” stated NATA President Martin H. Hiller.

NATA recently announced the recipients of the William A. “Bill” Ong Memorial Award and Distinguished Service Award to Edward M. Kilkeary, Sr. and David Todd Duncan respectively. All awards will be presented during a luncheon on June 7^th at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. The association will hold the luncheon in conjunction with its Aviation Business Conference.

Contact Karissa Uko at kuko@nata.aero or Kim Blankenship at kblankenship@nata.aero for more information on NATA's Industry Excellence Awards Presentation Luncheon and to secure tickets.