NBAA Announces Recipients of Certified Aviation Manager Scholarships at NBAA-BACE

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The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), in conjunction with Solairus Aviation, today announced that a record eight scholarships will be awarded to current and aspiring Certified Aviation Managers (CAMs). These scholarships, which are given annually, promote professional development in business aviation by providing financial support for qualified CAM exam candidates.

This week at NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the following awards will be presented:

Jake Cartwright Leadership Scholarship  

The Jake Cartwright Scholarship, which is underwritten by Solairus Aviation, funds the CAM certification costs for CAM candidates who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities. The scholarship is named in honor of Solairus Vice Chairman Jake Cartwright, a highly respected business aviation leader and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who has championed the industry for decades. This year's recipients are:

  • Gregory Hankins, a captain for Harley-Davidson, has taken on a leadership role within his flight department by assuming responsibility for coordinating all training and standardization efforts for department employees.
  • Kelly Linse, a pilot for Union Pacific Railroad who has earned LJ-45, BE-300, BE-400, MU-300, CL-30 and DA-2000 type ratings, while providing leadership in her community as a court-appointed special advocate volunteer for abused and neglected children.
  • Lauren Behrens, a captain for FirstEnergy Flight Operations who serves the business aviation community by volunteering as vice president of the Ohio Regional Business Aviation Association.
  • Mark Bessette, the owner/manager of Bessette Aviation LLC, has recorded 9220 total flight hours during a distinguished career that has seen him fly for multiple U.S. presidents, including multiple flights as lead pilot.

Certified Aviation Manager Scholarship

The Certified Aviation Manager Scholarship was established in 2014 to benefit individuals seeking to become CAMs, as well as current CAMs in the process of renewing their certification. The scholarship promotes professional development in business aviation by providing financial support for qualified CAM exam candidates and current CAMs. This year’s recipients are:

  • Aaron Jensen, a maintenance manager for Ameriflight who oversees six full-time mechanics performing maintenance on 10 aircraft.
  • David Butler, a captain/crew schedule coordinator for Solairus Aviation, serves as captain on a Falcon 2000s while also scheduling a group of 13 pilots, five flight attendants and six maintenance personnel.
  • Pamela Province, a flight SIM instructor for American Airlines CR Smith Museum, is currently studying for the FAA Advanced Ground Instruct Certificate and actively participating in the FAA Wings Pilot Proficiency Program.
  • Steve Jackson, a vice president/director of operations for Executive Jet Management who has recorded 6200 hours of total flight time in more than 27 years of military and corporate flying experience.

The 2016 scholarship winners will be officially announced during NBAA-BACE at a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 2, from 2:30-4 p.m. in the Connection Zone at the Orange County Convention Center.

The CAM credential provides a clear industry standard for preparation and achievement in aviation management. The CAM program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, and is the first program in the aviation industry to receive this recognition. The CAM exam is available throughout the year in a computer-based testing format. To be eligible for the exam, participants must be pre-qualified and approved through a formal application process. Learn more about the CAM program.

NBAA Charities offers monetary and training scholarships for both students and aviation professionals, such as flight department managers, pilots, maintenance technicians, schedulers, dispatchers, flight attendants and flight technicians. These scholarships, which total nearly $100,000 annually, are administered by NBAA standing committees and would not be possible without the generous financial support of NBAA member donors. 

To learn more about the numerous scholarship opportunities offered by NBAA Charities, contact Tyler Austin, project manager of professional development, at (202) 783-9267 or taustin@nbaa.org, or visit the NBAA Scholarships resource page.