Nov. 3, 2020
NBAA today paid tribute to two revered industry figures, Randy Hudon and Guy Gribble, both of whom recently passed away.
Hudon, who passed away Oct. 29, was elected to NBAA’s Board of Directors in 2004. He joined BellSouth as a pilot in August 1989 and became president of corporate aviation and travel services in 1998. During his tenure, Hudon has served as captain on a number of business aircraft and held the director, safety and standardization role for BellSouth’s aviation department
Hudon earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation management from Auburn University in 1979 and an MBA in aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1985. From 1980-1989, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Hudon held an ATP certificate, was a Certified Aviation Manager and served on the NBAA CAM Governing Board.
“Randy was a leader who cared,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “His passion for business aviation was evident in everything he did, from promoting Auburn Aviation to his service on NBAA’s Board of Directors.”
Gribble, who passed away Oct. 26, attended the Army’s Warrant Officer Candidate Aviator program as the youngest candidate in his class. Earning his wings in 1978, he was stationed at Fort Hood, TX as an aeroscout pilot flying the OH-58s. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in economics, fixed-wing commercial pilot rating and his basic, advanced, instrument and multi-engine FAA flight instructor ratings He earned his naval aviator wings in 1986 and was assigned to the USS Midway (in Yokosuka, Japan) as an A-6E attack pilot. In 1991, he transitioned to the Navy Reserve and spent 25 years flying with American Airlines.
Gribble was a frequent presenter at NBAA’s International Operators Conference (IOC) for the past decade, helping operators navigate the complexities of ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices and oceanic navigation planning and execution.
“Guy’s technical insight and piloting expertise helped to make the IOC a ‘must-attend’ event for anyone flying internationally,” said Doug Carr, NBAA vice president of regulatory and international affairs. “We are grateful for his volunteerism with NBAA and will miss his humor and statesmanship.”