The NBAA Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism and leadership in support of business aviation safety. “Humility is really key to being a true safety leader,” notes David Ryan, vice president of aviation for MI Aviation Holdings and one of the seven business aviation professionals honored with the Kern Award for 2021. “Safety leaders need to be able to admit mistakes, always be willing to learn from those mistakes and share what they’ve learned.”
In this episode of NBAA’s “Flight Plan,” host Rob Finfrock speaks with four of this year’s NBAA Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award recipients:
David Ryan, vice president, aviation, MI Aviation Holdings
Jared VanLue, Part 121 line pilot
Nick Verdea, CAM, director, aviation and corporate travel, The Williams Companies
Michael Webb, CAM, senior manager, aircraft maintenance, The Williams Companies
The NBAA Flight Plan podcast, which ran from 2009 to 2025, provided an overview of important developments affecting NBAA members, and the association’s work to advocate for their interest. The archive of past episodes will remain available for your enjoyment. Please note that no new episodes will be released.
Experts offer options on how flight crews can constructively and respectfully respond when faced with the prospect of denying requests from principal passengers.
Rising costs, talent shortages and stakeholder expectations are making the Part 91 environment increasingly challenging, as their companies demand greater efficiency, transparency and return from their aviation investments.
Business aviation professionals who find themselves in a management position without building any leadership skills in advance will likely fight an uphill battle for success.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.