Honored for a lifetime of aviation achievement in November, National Air Transportation Association President Jim Coyne announced March 5 his plan to depart the organization representing FBOs, flight schools, repair stations, and charter operators in 2013.
Coyne, a 6,000 hour pilot, author, and former congressman, assumed the NATA post in 1994 and has since worked closely with AOPA and other industry groups to promote and protect aviation. Coyne accepted the prestigious Wesley L. McDonald Elder Statesman of Aviation Award from the National Aeronautic Association in November.
Coyne has helped lead the fight against user fees, promote NextGen, and promote general aviation on several fronts, including service as chairman of the advisory council of the General Aviation Serves America campaign.
Coyne told NATA members he will work with the board to support the leadership transition, “and work to hand over to the new pilot of NATA an airworthy association, prepared for the challenges that our industry will face in 2013 and beyond.”
Coyne said he plans to stay involved in aviation.
“For Holly and me, it will mean a chance to refuel, change our heading a bit, and perhaps even move to a different flight level, but I sincerely hope that my association with you and thousands of other NATA members will continue, though in a different form or venue,” Coyne wrote.
