Arnold Palmer, Golfer, Pilot, Friend of Business Aviation, Dies at 87

Arnold Palmer, golf great, pilot and business aviation advocate, died Sunday at age 87.

NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen announced Monday that the organization will dedicate the upcoming Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition to Palmer, recipient of the 2010 NBAA Meritorious Service Award.

We looked through the BCA and Aviation Week archives to remember Palmer's impact on business aviation.

1. Palmer is among the select few with a namesake airport. Arnold Palmer Regional Airport is in his hometown, Latrobe, Pa.
2. He reportedly started taking flying lessons to fight a fear of flying.
3. Palmer purchased the first Cessna Citation X.
4. He was friends with former Cessna CEO Russ Meyer, Jr.
5. His Learjet 36 set a circumnavigation record in 1976.

He promoted business aviation by participating in the No Plane/No Gain advertising campaign, too.

Palmer distinguished himself on the links and in the skies.