Aug. 6, 2015
Back in the 1980s, when Bob Quinn was a business aviation pilot at Lambert St. Louis International Airport (STL), he recognized the importance of bringing together pilots and aviation stakeholders who were working for different organizations.
A past president and 30-year member of Great St. Louis Business Aviation Association (GSLBAA), Quinn has been using those same organizational and communication talents, as well as his comprehensive industry knowledge, to effectively advocate for business aviation in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin for the past nine years as NBAA’s Central regional representative.
Although Quinn has been out front on matters such as aviation tax reform, redesign of the Chicago metro-area airspace and implementation of customs facilities for general aviation users, he is a big believer in being responsive to all the needs of NBAA members. “It’s important to support the people that support us and understand their issues and constraints,” said Quinn. “I know a lot of people and can help by connecting people to each other.”
The people who work with Quinn agree. “Bob is very dedicated to and supportive of the Central region that he represents,” said Gordon Hoff, executive director of the Minnesota Business Aviation Association (MBAA). “He closely follows the political happenings in Minnesota and attends several MBAA events during the year.”
“Bob has always been active in St. Louis business aviation,” said Roger Mollman, current president of GSLBAA. “His vast knowledge and experience have been a great resource for me. Recently, we made a trip together to the Missouri capital for Aviation Day, where I found his familiarity with the issues and key players enlightening and crucial to making it a successful day.”
Missouri’s Aviation Day is one of many annual state legislative days that Quinn has attended for years. His nearly 50 years and 16,000 hours of pilot experience – including eight type ratings, an ATP certificate and more than 25 years as a business aviation pilot – make him a highly credible and knowledgeable advocate for business aviation at state legislatures, regulatory agencies, airport organizations and more.
Quinn’s strong operational background – he holds a mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings, as well as an inspection authorization – and first-hand understanding of airspace and airport issues have made him a touchstone for ATC and other technical issues. His input for airspace redesign efforts – including RNAV arrivals and departures in the St. Louis, Chicago and Detroit metro areas – has been instrumental to successful outcomes for business aviation.
Quinn has a long history with antique and aerobatic aircraft, currently owns a Christen Eagle and continues to engage his fellow pilots.
“I like to talk and meet people,” says Quinn. “And I meet a lot of smart people in aviation. It’s a pleasure helping them out.”
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.