Feb. 11 2021
When Kevin Martin decided to pursue the Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) credential, NBAA’s structured Six Months to CAM program helped clear the runway for his success.
Martin, who works as assistant chief pilot for Altria Client Services, LLC, became the 600th CAM after passing his exam in late 2020. It was his latest milestone in a distinguished career that includes a decade as a U.S. Navy fighter pilot, a stint flying for the airlines, earning an MBA from the prestigious Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and several high-level business operation roles, during which Martin developed his managerial expertise.
After transitioning to a business aviation career (“I love that it provides a diverse set of opportunities around managing a flight department”), Martin decided to pursue the CAM credential to bolster his industry knowledge. He viewed Six Months to CAM as a useful tool to help plan his studying schedule in a “very methodical way.”
“The structure of the program was very useful,” he said. “It gave me an opportunity to go from domain to domain and figure out where the gaps were and help focus my study efforts.”
Launched in 2020, the program offers a streamlined study process designed to help working professionals like Martin more efficiently fit CAM preparation into their busy schedules.
Martin’s hard work paid off when he learned he’d become the 600th CAM – a number that testifies to the program’s high standing in the business aviation community. He recommends other industry professionals pursue the credential, noting that it gave him “an opportunity to consolidate and build on the knowledge I have acquired over the course of my career.”
“I believe that maintaining a growth mindset makes you more agile and adaptable to the ever-changing world we live in,” said Martin. “So, whether it is preparing and sitting for the CAM exam, or reading a book on a subject that you are interested in, you will learn things that enhance you professionally and personally; that’s a win for you, your employer and the industry as a whole.”