NATCA Congratulates AOPA President on his Retirement

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By NATCA
Posted: 10-17-2008

NATCA President Patrick Forrey issued the following statement on the announcement Monday that Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association President Phil Boyer will retire at the end of this year, to be succeeded by Craig L. Fuller:

?Phil's leadership of AOPA has resulted in tremendous growth of the organization and significant advancement for the safety of general aviation. Owners and pilots world-wide could not have asked for a better advocate concerning all important issues in the world of aviation. Phil's guiding philosophy has been the same as NATCA's: Safety Above All!

?While we knew this day was coming, it will be a bit strange to soon see the roster of aviation community leaders missing Phil?s name. He?s led AOPA nearly as long as NATCA has been in existence. We?ve grown our respective organizations together and come to greatly value that critical relationship we have on both ends of the radio microphone. We?ve stood together at fly-ins, aviation shows and conventions and so many great meetings and conferences where we interacted and learned from one another?s experiences and wisdom.

?We salute Phil on an extraordinary career and wish him smooth skies and safe flights into his retirement.

?NATCA would also like to congratulate Craig, who will become only the fourth AOPA president in 70 years. He brings a wealth of great leadership and aviation experience to this important position. We pledge our full support to Craig as we continue our outreach to the general aviation community nationwide.?