NORTH AMERICAN REGION WINNERS: A USAF SPECIAL OPERATIONS SQUADRON, AN AVIATION LEADER, AND A COUPLE INSPIRING THOUSANDS OF PILOTS, ARE CHOSEN TO RECEIVE 2014 AWARDS
The United States Air Force 3rd Special Operations Squadron has been chosen to receive the Johnston Memorial Trophy for its outstanding performance of airborne systems. The 3rd SOS operates the MQ-1B Predator Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) via Remote Split Operations in multiple theatres around the world from control stations at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. The system is designed to respond to counter-terrorism and crisis incidents by providing unrivalled armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance crucial to ground forces.
Ron Price, a pilot and businessman, has been an innovative leader in North American aviation for over three decades. Under his direction, the Abbotsford International Air show became one of the most successful air shows in Canada. Ron’s vision to pair it with a trade show resulted in Airshow Canada that later expanded and moved to Vancouver as Aerospace North America. In 1988 he initiated a break-through in East-West relations by persuading the Soviet Union to participate for the first time ever in North America. Ron was also a founding Board member and has always been an enthusiastic promoter and supporter of the North American region of the Guild of Air Pilots Air Navigators (now HCAP). For his meritorious service to the industry and to the Company, Ron has been chosen to receive The Award of Merit.
John and Martha King revolutionized flight training. They made aviation knowledge clear, simple and fun for hundreds of thousands of pilots and maintenance technicians all over the world. In the 1970’s they launched their flying education business from their spare bedroom. Now King Schools operates out of a dedicated complex in San Diego using the latest in technology for teaching tools. John and Martha are also the first couple to hold every category and class of FAA rating on their pilot and instructor certificates. They champion the cause of improving risk management practices of general aviation pilots and actively motivate new pilots, controllers and mechanics. For their many significant contributions to aviation education, John and Martha King have been selected to receive The Guild Sword of Honour.
The nominees will receive their awards at London’s medieval Guildhall on Thursday, October 23, 2014. They will be among others who have been chosen for their commitment to the highest flying standards. The Air Pilots awards are significant as recipients are selected by fellow pilots. A full listing of the nominees and Awards can be found at: http://www.gapan.org/about-the-company/trophies-and-awards/
The Honourable Company of Air Pilots (NA) is a committed group of aviators, commercial, military and private, who contribute their expertise for the advancement of aviation safety, training and operations. It is part of the international organization, formerly the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators, established in London in 1929.
For more information contact:
Donna Farquhar
Administrator, North American Region
admin-na@airpilots.org
