BACE Being Dedicated To Palmer And Bob Hoover, Both Of Whom Passed Away Recently

NBAA-BACE”s Opening General Session on Tuesday, Nov. 1, featured two videos about Palmer. The first included excerpts from Cessna Chairman Emeritus Russ Meyer”s remarks at the late golfer's memorial service. The second was Palmer's iconic TV message touting the truth about business aviation. In addition, each session attendee was provided a complimentary copy of the Convention Issue of NBAA's Business Aviation Insider magazine, which includes a tribute to Palmer.

Meyer called his 55-year friendship with Palmer “one of the blessings of my lifetime,” adding that he “was one of the best guys ever. Arnie was not just a pilot; he was an outstanding pilot. He logged about 20,000 hours and flew just about everything. If it had wings and an engine, Arnie would give it a try.”

But Palmer was not just a pilot and aircraft owner, continued Meyer. “He was without question our strongest advocate. He was the very first person we called when we needed a credible and respected statesman to address an important industry issue.”

In the famous TV ad that became a pillar of the No Plane No Gain advocacy campaign, Palmer declared, “I am going to tell you something you haven”t heard in a while: the truth about business aviation. The truth is that for more than 50 years, using business airplanes is the single most productive thing I have done. It has given me the opportunity to compete more effectively in golf and in business, and it has enabled me to do both from a place not served by the airlines [Latrobe, PA].” In an adaptation of the classic political campaign ad closing, Palmer concluded, “I am Arnold Palmer, and I approve this message, simply because it is true.”

After the videos were aired, Bolen said, “Today we pay tribute to Palmer, but when you really think about it, what Arnie really stood for was advocacy. He stood up and spoke out. So if we really want to honor Arnold Palmer and pay tribute to him, we don't just leave here today thinking that was nice. We take up that mantle of advocacy, and we make it our own.”

NBAA next will pay tribute to Bob Hoover as part of the NBAA-BACE Second-Day General Session on Wednesday, Nov. 2. Additionally, the January/February issue of Business Aviation Insider magazine will include a story on the famous air show performer.

(Image provided with NBAA news release)

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