Pledges "Full Support" To Craig Fuller

NATCA President Patrick Forrey praised retiring Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association President Phil Boyer (right) this week, and expressed confidence in the choice of Craig L. Fuller to succeed him.

"Phil's leadership of AOPA has resulted in tremendous growth of the organization and significant advancement for the safety of general aviation," Forrey said. "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 continued. "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."

Forrey also congratulated Fuller, noting he will become only the fourth AOPA president in 70 years.

"He brings a wealth of great leadership and aviation experience to this important position," he said of Fuller. "We pledge our full support to Craig as we continue our outreach to the general aviation community nationwide."

FMI: www.natca.org, www.aopa.org