In honor of AOPA President Phil Boyer’s leadership in the general aviation industry, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and National Air Transportation Association recently awarded him with special awards.
During the 2008 Fall GAMA Board meeting in Phoenix on Nov. 1, GAMA President Pete Bunce and Chairman Alan Klapmeier presented Boyer with its Distinguished Service Award. Boyer was an instrumental force in the coalition that brought about product liability reform, known as the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994.
“Product liability was one of the most important wins for general aviation,” Boyer said. “It breathed life back into the industry and showed how AOPA and the manufacturers could work together to achieve success.”
At the 2008 Aviation Business Roundtable in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 11, NATA President James Coyne presented Boyer with its Lifetime Achievement Award for his “loyal and dedicated service to the general aviation service industry.”
Boyer joined top officials from the avionics industry, fixed-base operations, and advocacy groups, including the National Business Aviation Association at the meeting. NBAA previously awarded Boyer with its Meritorious Service Award.
During the roundtable, Boyer’s dedication to the industry continued. A somber discussion focused on the current economic conditions, and fixed-base operators said that avgas and jet fuel sales were down dramatically. Boyer told the group that despite the downturn, there was still some encouraging activity in the GA industry. Manufacturers were still able to sell aircraft and products at AOPA Expo the previous week in San Jose, Calif.
“In recent AOPA surveys, GA aircraft owners indicated that they would not be selling their airplanes or seeking partnerships to offset costs,” Boyer said. “This is yet another storm, like user fees and product liability, that the GA industry will weather and come out stronger.”
Related Articles
