Contact: Dan Hubbard at (202) 783-9360 or dhubbard@nbaa.org
Washington, DC, November 14, 2008 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) recently awarded the Silk Scarf Award to three individuals in recognition of their special contributions to the business aviation community.
The first award was presented to Michael Pape by Kristi Ivey, Northwest regional representative, at the September 18 luncheon meeting of the Idaho Business Aviation Association (IBAA). Pape’s career is driven by his passion for aviation: Over the past 23 years, Pape has flown with airlines and business aviation operators such as U.S. Bancorp and Boise Cascade/Albertson’s, and is currently the Director of Flight Operations for the Idaho Division of Aeronautics.
Pape made a significant contribution to the field of business aviation in 2003, when he founded the IBAA, the first NBAA-sanctioned organization to serve the interests of the regional business aviation community. Pape recently stepped down as president of IBAA’s steering committee, but continues to serve as a committee member and as a member of the Boise Airport Board.
Richard Keltner received his Silk Scarf award on September 19. He is the past President of the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association (PNBAA) and recently stepped down as chairman of the PNBAA finance committee. Keltner has over 35 years of aviation experience, including 21 years as a naval aviator. He holds an air transport pilot license and also is a commercially-rated helicopter pilot. Keltner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Troy State University. He currently serves as the Director of National Accounts for NationAir Aviation Insurance.
Gene Clow started in the general aviation industry pumping gas while attending college. In his 30 years in the industry, Clow has worked for FlightSafety International, TAG Aviation and JetDirect Aviation. Most of Clow’s years in aviation have been spent in the Northwest, excepting his stint as an Army aviator. Clow received the Silk Scarf Award on November 7, recognizing his recent significant contributions to the business aviation industry.
Over the past four years, Clow and Keltner together volunteered their time to reestablish the PNBAA in 2005, which had become dormant. Clow and Keltner co-chaired the organization through its early years, helped form its board of directors and Clow served as both the corporate secretary and the membership communications chair. Clow and Keltner helped the PNBAA become one of the leading regional business aviation groups in the country. As of September 1, they resigned from their board positions to make way for new leadership that will continue to grow and develop the activities and membership of the PNBAA.
“We are so pleased to be able to honor these individuals who have contributed so much to our industry in their respective regions,” said Ivey. “These men were instrumental in the success of their local business aviation associations, and volunteered countless hours of their time and resources. It is important for NBAA to recognize those who make such significant contributions to this industry on a grassroots level.”
Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association, Inc. (NBAA) is the leading organization for companiesthat rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The Association represents more than8,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention,the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at www.nbaa.org.
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International Business Aviation Council Ltd.