ATLANTA, GA – The National Business Aviation Association offers a wide range of scholarships that encourage young people to seek careers in business aviation. Yesterday morning at the NBAA 63rd Annual Meeting & Convention, several students received awards from the following NBAA scholarship programs: USAIG/PDP Scholarship, Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship, William M. Fanning Maintenance Scholarship, NORDAM Dee Howard/Etienne Fage Scholarship and Alan H. Conklin Business Aviation Management Scholarship.

USAIG PDP Scholarship

The U.S. Aircraft Insurance Group PDP Scholarship provides funds for students to take NBAA Professional Development Program courses. The annual award granted is $1,000. This year’s recipient is Kevin Lee Rankin.

Rankin is a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ, majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in flight and aeronautical studies. He soloed at age 16 and received his private pilot’s licence at 17. In May 2009, he flew a 30-day, 8,400 nm cross-country trip throughout the U.S. in a Cardinal 177 RG with his brother.

Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship

The Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship was created in 2001 by NBAA and the family and friends of the late Lawrence Ginocchio to honor his outstanding personal contribution to business aviation. The following students each receive a $5,000 award:

Joey W. Cathcart is a junior at Westminster College majoring in aviation management with a minor in flight operations. He is a private pilot with single-engine land rating and over 100 hours of flight time. During his airport operations internship at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, he learned useful knowledge ranging from aviation maintenance requirements to airport funding issues.

Andrew S. Cochran, is a junior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at Prescott, AZ, majoring in aeronautical science with a minor in business administration. He has a private pilot’s licence with instrument rating and a total of 126 hours. His career goal is to fly for a flight department in business aviation.

Justin Cozart is a junior at Averett University working on a double major in flight operations and computer science. He has a private pilot’s license with over 70 hours of flight time and is working on an instrument rating. His goal is to become a chief pilot and focus on safety issues to prevent aviation accidents. He currently works as a scheduler for the Averett University Flight Center.

Nicole M. Maillet, is a junior at Florida Institute of Technology majoring in aviation management. She has a private pilot’s license and works at the Atlantic Jet Center FBO in Melbourne, FL. Her interest in aviation began at age 13 when she had a Young Eagle flight, and she plans to develop a career working at an airport.

Jessica A. Miller is a sophomore at St. Cloud State University majoring in aviation management. She has a private pilot’s license, multi-engine add-on, with over 450 hours. As an Air Race Classic team captain, she was the youngest competitor and finished seventh out of 32. She has been involved with her university flight team and has qualified for nationals.

William M. Fanning Maintenance Scholarship

The Fanning Scholarship is 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. This year’s recipients each receive a $2,500 award, and they are as follows:

Travis Beach is a student currently enrolled in an accredited A&P program at an approved FAR Part 147 school, the Emily Griffith Opportunity School. His career goal is to complete his education as an A&P technician with FAA certification and to join an organization where he can utilize his mechanical skills for the continued success of his employer. He plans to continue his education toward a B.S. degree with an emphasis in aviation.

Ronald Kaminski has been accepted for enrollment in an A&P program and plans to attend Western Michigan University. His goal is to earn a degree and pursue a career in aviation maintenance technology, as well as to earn a private pilot’s license.

NORDAM Dee Howard/Etienne Fage Scholarship

The NORDAM Dee Howard/Etienne Fage Scholarship was created by The NORDAM Group to honor the lifetime achievements of two aerospace engineering pioneers, Dee Howard and Etienne Fage. Receiving a $2,500 award this year is Aaron Law.

Law is a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ. His career goal is to help found an aerospace engineering company that specializes in exotic aircraft and propulsion concepts.

Alan H. Conklin Business Aviation Management Scholarship

The Conklin Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Al Conklin, a U.S. Air Force veteran, business aviation leader and member of NBAA’s Operations Committee for many years. This year’s recipient, who receives $5,000, is Richard Valentine.

Valentine is a Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) student majoring in aerospace maintenance management. He currently works as an assistant facilities manager at MTSU, a Part 147 school, and works to help maintain a King Air 200. He’s also a flight dispatcher for the MTSU flight school. Upon graduation, he wants to use his skills as a pilot, maintenance technician and manager in the business aviation community, by maintaining a business jet for a large company.