FlightSafety International's Bruce Whitman to Receive NBAA's American Spirit Award

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) announces that FlightSafety International chairman, president, and CEO, Bruce Whitman, who has been with FlightSafety International for 55 years, is being selected to receive the prestigious NBAA American Spirit Award in recognition of his commitment to helping others throughout the global aviation community.

Whitman will receive the honor during the 2016 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), taking place Nov. 1-3 in Orlando, FL.

Whitman has served in a variety of capacities with FlightSafety since joining the organization in 1961. During his time with the organization, he has helped grow it into a preeminent global training provider and manufacturer of flight simulators. Today, the company provides more than 1.4 million hours of training annually to pilots, maintenance technicians and other aviation professionals from over 167 countries around the world.

“Everyone in aviation knows how rare it is to find someone who’s succeeded for more than five decades with the same company, especially amidst so many industry changes,” says NBAA president and CEO, Ed Bolen. “Throughout his tenure, Bruce's commitment to fostering aviation safety worldwide has been equalled by his tireless devotion to numerous aviation organizations and philanthropic endeavors.”

NBAA’s 2016 convention will be the 56th for Whitman. Prior to joining FlightSafety, he worked at NBAA for two years in a senior executive capacity. Since his departure from the association, he has been active in a host of industry initiatives, including service on NBAA’s Associate Member Advisory Council.

Whitman's contributions to the community also include his role as chairman emeritus of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, as well as serving on the foundation's executive committee. He is also a member of the executive committees for Orbis International, dedicated to the prevention of blindness and the treatment of blinding eye diseases in developing countries. He serves as director emeritus of the Civil Air Patrol and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. He is vice-chair of the development committee of the National World War II Museum and on the board of directors for the Corporate Angel Network.

“Whether it’s through his support for our nation’s armed forces and military servicemembers or his efforts in utilizing business aviation to help people around the globe, Bruce truly believes that our industry is like a family and that we are responsible for helping each other in any way we’re able,” Bolen continues. “We are pleased to honor Bruce with the American Spirit Award, which recognizes the kind of service to others exemplified through Bruce’s contributions to so many people and causes.”

The NBAA American Spirit Award is presented in recognition of an individual within business aviation who exemplifies the courage, pursuit of excellence and service to others that characterize men and women who created and nurtured the American aviation community.

NBAA-BACE will feature more than 1,100 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services in the industry, as well as 100 side-by-side business aircraft on static display. It will provide opportunities to network with 27,000 business aviation professionals during dozens of educational sessions to ensure that companies utilizing business aviation are operating as safely and efficiently as possible.