NATA Announces 2025 Industry Excellence Award Recipients

Back NATA News / October 7, 2025

Among this year’s honorees are leaders in pilot training, maintenance, safety, and service. 

Today, NATA named recipients of the 2025 Industry Excellence Awards, recognizing individuals whose dedication elevates safety, service, and leadership in the aviation business community. Awards will be presented during the NATA Aviation Business Conference (ABC) on November 18 at The Adolphus in Dallas, Texas.

  • Excellence in Pilot Training: Paul “B.J.” Ransbury, CEO of Aviation Performance Solutions (APS) will be recognized for his global leadership and dedication to advancing Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), equipping pilots with the awareness, prevention, and recovery skills to combat loss of control in flight. Under his leadership, APS has trained more than 180,000 pilots worldwide and set a global benchmark for operationally relevant training programs that save lives and raise industry standards.
  • General Aviation Service Technician: Duane Fowler, Lead Avionics Technician, Heritage Aviation will be recognized for his steady leadership, problem-solving skills, and dedication to mentorship. Fowler has played a pivotal role in building Heritage Aviation’s reputation for excellence–creating a lasting impact on the industry.
  • Safety 1st Certified Line Service Professional: Hector Milian, Supervisor of Line & Ramp Services, Jet Aviation Teterboro will be recognized for his 26 years of calm, safety-first leadership at one of the nation’s busiest GA airports. From coordinating complex daily operations to mentoring his team, Milian consistently reinforces a culture of teamwork and care, ensuring both client satisfaction and the safety of every colleague on the ramp.
  • FBO Customer Service Representative: Erin Schubert, Customer Service Manager, APP Jet Center Stuart will be recognized for her dedication to exceeding expectations, ability to turn challenges into positive experiences, and her leadership in raising service standards, instilling a customer-first mindset that strengthens both her team and organization.

Additional presentations will include NATA’s Ong, Distinguished Service, Distinguished Public Service, Airport Executive, and Leadership Excellence awards.

Tickets for the Industry Excellence Awards Presentation are included with ABC conference registration and may also be purchased separately. For details, contact jwilliams@nata.aero. Please note that the deadline for the host hotel room block at The Adolphus is October 27.