Jan. 7, 2026
NBAA joins the aviation community in marking the passing of longtime pilot, business aviation professional and NBAA Board member Byron M. “Skip” Reed, who died Dec. 20, 2025, at the age of 80.
Reed served on the NBAA Board of Directors for 13 years, including as chairman from 1991-1993. He was also active on several NBAA committees, including the Airspace/Air Traffic Committee and Industry Affairs Committee.
In 2003, NBAA presented Reed with its Doswell Award in recognition of his lifetime of contributions and service to business aviation. The award announcement noted that Reed “contributed significantly to the viability and growth of the association.”
“Skip’s life, characterized by service to others, provides an example of leadership and professionalism we can all strive to emulate,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We join with his family, friends and colleagues in mourning the loss of someone who set the standard for excellence in business aviation.”
Reed worked 40 years for San Antonio, TX-based Zachry Construction Company, rising to the position of chief pilot. In 1982, Reed was the first NBAA member company volunteer to represent business aviation in the FAA’s comprehensive National Airspace Review.
He also supported two Part 25 aircraft certification programs and served as an FAA-designated pilot proficiency examiner for the Learjet series and multiple legacy Cessna Citation models.
Reed remained active in business aviation after retiring from Zachry in 2010, flying helicopters in wildlife management operations and launching the flight department for a national healthcare provider. He also served as chair of Steer Safe Stabilizers in his hometown of Deming, NM.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.