December 5, 2012
NBAA last month presented its Silk Scarf Award to two individuals in recognition of their exemplary efforts on behalf of regional business aviation communities in South Florida and Nebraska. The honorees were Jeff Ramsden, president of the South Florida Business Aviation Association (SFBAA), and Richard L. McCollom, founding board member of the Nebraska Business Aviation Association (NeBAA).
NBAA Southeast Regional Representative Harry Houckes presented the Silk Scarf Award to Ramsden during an SFBAA awards dinner held at the organization’s annual charity event on Nov. 16 in Hallandale Beach, FL. In a separate presentation, NBAA Central Regional Representative Bob Quinn honored McCollom on Nov. 13 in Omaha, NE.
About the Recipients
Jeff Ramsden is the founder and principle of Ramjet Aviation based in Fort Lauderdale, and he currently serves as a member of NBAA’s Access Committee. Under Ramsden’s leadership, SFBAA has become a premier business aviation group and safety advocate in South Florida. He also has led regional efforts to promote business aviation in Florida and to give back to the local community through SFBAA’s charitable initiatives and scholarship program.
A long-time member of the Union Pacific Railroad Co. Aviation Department, Rich McCollom served as an Army officer in Vietnam before starting his aviation career with Missouri Pacific Railroad in 1974. Following the merger of Missouri Pacific with Union Pacific in 1983, he moved to Omaha and became that flight department’s chief pilot in 1984. He was promoted to his current position of general director of aviation in 1998, and plans to retire in early 2013.
After founding NeBAA, McCollom served on its board for seven years, with one year as vice president. During his tenure with the Nebraska group, he helped lead its fundraising efforts for charitable causes such as the Autism Action Partnership. During the course of his career, McCollom has flown more than 16,000 accident-free hours, and his colleagues characterize him as outstanding manager, leader, mentor and safety advocate both within his company and the larger Nebraska business aviation community.
About the Award
In an effort to honor outstanding business aviation community members and inspire future aviators, the NBAA Silk Scarf Award is given to individuals for special contributions to the business aviation community during their careers.
Additional Silk Scarf Award recipients for 2012 include:
- Rick Ducharme
- Ron Weight, Honeywell (retired)
- Eric Brossard, BASF
- Paige Kroner, Signature Flight Support
- Scott Setzer, Chartis Aerospace Insurance Services
- Don Spruston, International Business Aviation Council
Learn more and view past award recipients at the Silk Scarf Award web page.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.