Two Students Receive 2003 NBAA Fanning Maintenance Scholarship

Contact: Cassandra Bosco

Orlando, FL, October 7, 2003 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has selected two students to receive the 2003 NBAA William M. Fanning Maintenance Scholarship. Robert B. Yentel and Dirk Patterson each will receive $2,500 to further their education as they pursue careers as aviation maintenance technicians.

Robert Bernard Yentel of Pittsburgh, PA currently is pursuing an Associate’s degree in specialized technology and an airframe and powerplant license at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. Previously, he earned a B.A. degree in philosophy from Columbia University. He plans to pursue aviation maintenance positions beyond the level of the basic technician, as a lead, supervisor or maintenance coordinator in corporate aviation.

Dirk Patterson II of Redlands, CA was accepted for enrollment in the airframe and powerplant program at Westwood College of Aviation in Los Angeles, CA. His goal is to gain a degree in the field of commercial avionics.

This scholarship was named in honor of retired NBAA Staff member William M. Fanning, who was active in maintenance issues during his nearly 20-year tenure at the Association. Through the Fanning Maintenance Scholarship, NBAA annually awards two $2,500 scholarship to applicants who are pursuing careers as maintenance technicians. One award benefits a student who is currently enrolled in an accredited A&P program at an approved Part 147 school. The second award benefits an individual who is not enrolled but has been accepted for enrollment in an approved A&P program at the time of application.

NBAA offers several scholarships to promote professional development and business aviation careers. For more information, visit www.nbaa.org/scholarships.

NBAA represents the aviation interests of more than 7,300 companies that own or operate general aviation aircraft as an aid to the conduct of their business, or are involved with business aviation. NBAA Member Companies earn annual revenues approaching $5 trillion — a number that is about half the gross domestic product — and employ more than 19 million people worldwide. The NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention is the world’s largest display of civil aviation products and services.

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