May 24, 2018
Professionalism is the backbone of business aviation – the daily commitment to excellence that ensures the industry remains a global leader in safety.
Greg Scott, FBO manager of Crownair Aviation in San Diego, CA, exemplified the best qualities of an aviation professional. Known for his exceptional customer service and relentless dedication to safety best practices, the 2017 Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award winner received glowing marks from colleagues in his annual review.
Scott was only months away from earning his A&P license when he left his weekly ice hockey game on June 17, 2017. But the father of two never made it home that evening. He was killed when his vehicle struck an SUV that had been abandoned by a drunk driver.
“Greg was always willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done,” said Crownair General Manager Ray Richmond. “Anytime something was critical, he went into this hyper-mode of knowing what to do. He really was that go-to guy for everything.”
Scott “quite literally wrote the book” on safe ground handling and line service procedures, noted Crownair in a social media eulogy, and colleagues said he was instrumental in developing and adhering to the company’s safety management system.
Nearly a year after his passing, Scott’s legacy of professionalism continues to echo throughout the business aviation community.
“Greg Scott epitomized the professional discipline and attention to detail that are the cornerstones of aviation safety,” said Kern, of Convergent Performance, which has announced an annual award in Scott’s name that will provide free tuition into the company’s online eLearning Aviation Maintenance Never Events program.
“Personal accountability, risk awareness, uncompromising compliance and mutual support of team members are anchor points in this program, and Greg was a role model in all of these areas,” continued Kern.
For all his invaluable contributions to Crownair, Richmond most remembers Scott as an unassuming figure whose humility, sense of humor and calm under pressure earned him the respect of everyone who worked with him.
“When I first started working here, I was impressed that if there was ever an incident of any type with an aircraft, even something minor, he would immediately take responsibility as manager and call the owner,” said Richmond. “He never shrunk from anything.”
Established in 2015, the NBAA Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award recognizes individual aviation professionals (pilots, maintenance technicians, flight attendants, dispatchers or other aviation professionals) who have demonstrated their outstanding professionalism and leadership in support of aviation safety in the business aviation industry.
NBAA is currently accepting nominations for the 2018 NBAA Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award. Nominations must be submitted no later than Monday, June 25. Winners will be announced late summer. Learn more about the Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.