NBAA Announces 400th Certified Aviation Manager
The National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA’s) Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) program reached a significant milestone this month when Kevin Flynn, director of aviation maintenance with AbbVie Inc. of Waukegan, IL, became the 400th aviation professional to earn CAM certification.
Flynn, 34, decided to pursue the CAM credential to expand his knowledge and abilities in all facets of flight department operations. His certification marks the latest accomplishment in a career that has taken the U.S. Air Force veteran from repairing A-10 “Warthogs” in Iraq to running his own maintenance division in less than 10 years.
“The knowledge I’ve gained throughout the exam process has been immediately beneficial in my job,” Flynn says. “Earning the certification was challenging but incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned so much about the industry.”
Launched in 2003, NBAA’s CAM program is recognized as the premier management certification program for aviation professionals like Flynn. Like many candidates, Flynn was encouraged to take the CAM exam by a manager, AbbVie director of aviation, Kirk Mies, CAM, who earned his certification in 2016.
“As our industry continues to advance and develop, so should our team members,” Mies says. “Whenever an individual pursues these professional development opportunities, everyone in the department benefits.”
CAM governing board chairman, T. James Buchanan, CAM, C.P.M., notes the program’s success is a testament to its broad credibility and relevance to a variety of disciplines within business aviation.
“We’re humbled and honored to welcome the 400th CAM,” Buchanan says. “In a short period of time, the CAM program has become synonymous with rigorous standards of excellence and a commitment to continued competency. Employers increasingly seek candidates with the CAM designation because of the high level of professionalism it signifies.”
The CAM credential provides a clear standard for preparation and achievement in aviation management. It is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, and it is the first program in the aviation industry to receive this recognition. Learn more about CAM's accreditation at https://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2013/20131104-115.php.
The CAM exam is available throughout the year in a computer-based testing format. To be eligible for the exam, participants must be pre-qualified and approved through a formal application process.
The CAM program has been approved as a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs License and Certification site. Veterans who have tested to become CAMs since Sept. 30, 2014, may apply for GI Bill education benefits and receive reimbursement of the CAM examination fee.
Learn more about NBAA’s CAM program at https://www.nbaa.org/prodev/cam/.