Friends, Associates Looks Back on History of Growth, Expansion During his Tenure

The National Business Aviation Association has marked the passing of industry friend and administrative veteran, Langhorne Bond. Once, Bond served as the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration from 1977 to 1981. Bond died on January 29 at the age of 84. 

Bond was born in Shanghai, China, to then-president of the China National Aviation Corporation, William Langhorne Bond. After the war, he joined his family stateside, beginning a career in administration after obtaining a law degree from the University of Virginia, as well as degrees from Queen's College and McGill. His career was a tour of sorts for the entirety of the American transportation ecosystem, becoming the secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation, as well as chief of staff for the USDOT secretary Alan Boyd, and president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. 

While with the FAA, Bond spearheaded the investigation into the Douglas DC-10 airliner, as well as the implementation of the computerized air traffic control and flight service station networks. His tenure with the administration occurred in a time of change, with hijackings, emissions, and aviation standards making headlines. he saw the beginning of improved navigational charts for VFR operations, as well as 

“Langhorne was a charismatic administrator with a strong focus on safety and a deep love of all things aviation,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “His leadership at the FAA helped to establish the safety-driven foundation for which our national airspace system is known today.”

FMI: www.nbaa.org