NBAA Bestows Silk Scarf Award to Former Board Member Michael Herman

July 2, 2015

NBAA recently honored former Association director Michael Herman with the organization’s prestigious Silk Scarf Award for his multiple contributions to business aviation, and to the broader aviation community.

A skilled aviator, Herman served on NBAA’s Tech Committee for more than 15 years, and was later named to NBAA’s Board of Directors in 2005. He was an active participant on the board’s Membership Programs Committee, and also its Strategic Planning Committee.

“Mike’s commitment to being a professional and proficient business aviator is matched by his dedication to supporting the industry, and to helping others,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “NBAA is honored to present Mike with this award.”

NBAA bestowed the Silk Scarf Award upon Herman at the same time he was recognized by the FAA with the agency’s Wright Brothers Master Pilots award for having demonstrated professionalism, skill and aviation expertise while flying safely for 50 or more years.

Herman has accumulated more than 18,000 flight hours throughout his pilot career, primarily in multi-engine aircraft. That includes approximately 4,500 hours in turbine aircraft, beginning with a Learjet 23 Herman acquired in 1965, through to his current aircraft, a Cessna Citation CJ3.

Herman has flown countless humanitarian flights, including missions for such organizations as the Corporate Angel Network, the Veterans Airlift Command and Angel Flight West.

In addition to his service on NBAA’s Board of Directors, Herman has also served on the board for the Citation Jet Pilots (CJP) Owner Pilot Association. He is currently a board member of the San Diego Air & Space Museum, as well as the Bob Hoover Legacy Foundation, which supports aviation educational scholarships in celebration of Hoover’s distinguished service as a World War II fighter pilot, test pilot, air show innovator and mentor.

“Mike Herman is a pilot’s pilot – a man whom other pilots hold in high regard,” said CJP Treasurer, Director and founding member Tracy Forrest, who also serves with Herman at the Bob Hoover Legacy Foundation. “I have repeatedly observed Mike demonstrating a selfless character in his commitment to mentoring, training, educating, and giving help and aid to those in need, through charitable and philanthropic organizations. He consistently puts the needs of others ahead of himself.”

Herman is the founder of North American Communications (NAC), which over the course of more than 50 years has grown from a small print shop into an international provider of direct-mail manufacturing and distribution. Business aviation has been a crucial aspect of its success, providing NAC employees with unparalleled flexibility and efficiency.

About the Award

In an effort to honor outstanding business aviation community members and inspire future aviators, the NBAA Silk Scarf Award is given to individuals for special contributions to the business aviation community during their careers. Learn more and view past award recipients at the NBAA Silk Scarf Award page.