Embry-Riddle Names Plane After NBAA and Ed Bolen

July 24, 2015

As part of its scholarship-raising Name a Plane program, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) dedicated a Cessna 172 from its training fleet to NBAA, and its President and CEO, Ed Bolen, during a ceremony held at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA’s) AirVenture Oshkosh.

Louis Seno, ERAU vice president of corporate relations and government affairs, said that Bolen’s signature and the NBAA logo would fly on one Cessna each at the school’s Daytona Beach, FL, and Prescott, AZ, campuses.

“No one is a better shepherd of our industry than Ed Bolen,” Seno said, citing Bolen’s efforts to mobilize the industry against threats like user fees, as happened recently, when Rep. Bill Shuster (R-9-PA) announced a plan to introduce legislation to create a privatized ATC system funded by user fees as part of reauthorization for the Federal Aviation Administration.

ERAU Interim President John Watret also expressed his appreciation for the long-term partnership between ERAU and NBAA to promote and support aviation education. There are NBAA chapters at both ERAU campuses, and they complement the school’s efforts to promote business aviation as a rewarding career path.

Name a Plane benefits ERAU students by raising funds directly for ERAU’s scholarship and financial aid programs. For $2,500, donors can name a Cessna 172 trainer for themselves, a loved one, a company or organization. For $5,000, donors can name one of the school’s Diamond DA42 Twin Stars. ERAU directly sponsored the airplanes recognizing Bolen and NBAA.

Acknowledging the longtime ERAU-NBAA partnership, Bolen said, “For me, it is very personal,” explaining that his connection to the college goes way back. Ed Stimpson, the long-time president of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, “recruited me into the world of aviation,” said Bolen. ”He believed in and cared deeply about the school. Being close to Ed, it became personal to me as well.”

In thanking ERAU for the honor, Bolen added that he has hired a number of ERAU graduates over the years, saying that supporting them is vitally important because “they are the next generation, the growing heart and soul of aviation.”