Dec. 12, 2019
NBAA has honored veteran print and broadcast journalist Pete Combs with its prestigious Silk Scarf Award in recognition of his longtime contributions to the association and the industry.
A certificated private pilot and advocate for general aviation safety, Combs has worked as a writer and audio-visual contributor to NBAA since 2009, including as a video producer and announcer for the association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) and other events. In 2009, Combs also began his tenure as host of the association’s weekly NBAA Flight Plan podcast examining the latest issues affecting the business aviation industry.
“Pete is a consummate media professional, one who consistently reports on matters within the business aviation community accurately and responsibly,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “He has always upheld the highest standards of fairness and decency, and we are honored to recognize Pete’s contributions and support for NBAA with our Silk Scarf Award.”
In addition to his work for NBAA, Combs also is a veteran broadcast journalist, most recently covering the Southeastern U.S. for ABC News Radio and AM 750-WSB in Atlanta, GA. Throughout his more than four decades as a news reporter, Combs has worked for radio news organizations in Seattle, WA, Texas and North Carolina, as well as television stations in Atlanta, Charlotte, NC, and Tulsa, OK.
In January 2010, Combs was among an army of reporters who went to Haiti to report on an earthquake that devastated the island nation. In addition to his coverage for CBS News Radio, Combs also reported for NBAA on the massive relief effort coordinated by a slew of business aviation companies and users.
Combs has also worked for aviation industry news organizations including Aviation International News and Aero-News Network. His career includes five Edward R. Murrow Regional Awards, and nearly three dozen other awards from Associated Press Broadcasters Associations in Georgia, Florida and Oklahoma as well as other organizations over the past 35 years.
In September 2019, Combs received a Georgia Association of Broadcasters “GABBY” award for Best News Reporter, in part for his coverage of Hurricane Michael’s aftermath along the Florida panhandle and the resulting award-winning documentary, “Blue Tarp Christmas.”
Combs is a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving as a Broadcast Information Specialist in the U.S. and overseas. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Georgia State University, attending classes while working professionally in Atlanta.
About the Silk Scarf 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.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.