A retired fighter pilot who is also a veteran of many key policy discussions has been chosen as the new leader of the National Air Transportation Association.
Tom Hendricks, a retired Air Force colonel who also taught at the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School, worked in the airline industry following military retirement, and joined the trade group Airlines for America (A4A) in 2010, where he served most recently as a senior vice president. He has participated in several important policy discussions, including service as co-chairman of the ADS-B-In Aviation Rulemaking Committee and the Working Subcommittee of the NextGen Advisory Committee, an advisory group composed of FAA and industry officials (of which AOPA President Craig Fuller is also a member).
“We have tremendous respect for Tom Hendricks, who has worked closely with many of us in the general aviation community. His knowledge of aviation, public policy, and business make him an excellent choice for president of the National Air Transport Association,” said Fuller, who called to congratulate Hendricks upon learning the news. “AOPA and NATA have long had a strong relationship and we look forward to continuing to partner on issues of significance to members of both organizations.”
NATA, with more than 2,000 member companies, represents a broad cross-section of aviation firms, including operators and manufacturers. The organization works closely with AOPA and other groups, and recently supported a petition by AOPA and EAA to allow private pilots to fly under certain circumstances without holding a third-class medical certificate.
