Bruce Landsberg, executive director of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation (ASF), was presented (Thursday) with the Aero Club of New England’s (ACONE) prestigious Presidential Medal.

The award was in honor of Landsberg’s 13-year contributions to ACONE’s Crash Course Safety Seminars, his positive representation of general aviation on industry committees, and his years of safety columns and advice. Landsberg is only the fourth recipient of the award.

Founded in 1902, ACONE is the oldest aviation club in North America. Along with nearly 200 attendees at the award ceremony in Lexington, Mass., was AOPA President Phil Boyer, who in introducing Landsberg, echoed ACONE’s praise of Landsberg: “For more than a decade Bruce has worked tirelessly in the interest of general aviation safety. During his tenure at the AOPA Air Safety Foundation, the GA safety record has been one of continued improvement.”

Landsberg is a national leader in aviation safety, and also currently serves as the co-chair of the FAA-industry GA Joint Steering Committee on reducing general aviation accidents. In presenting this award, ACONE recognized the Air Safety Foundation's many safety programs along with Landsberg's 13-year contribution to the club's annual Crash Course Safety Seminar. Each year, Landsberg has presented a special version of one of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation’s live seminars.

ACONE, which is known for its annual scholarship fund that helps aspiring pilots, aircraft mechanics, and aeronautical professionals further their education, also hosts numerous social and educational events each year, promotes aviation safety, and publishes a newsletter.

The AOPA Air Safety Foundation, the world’s largest non-profit GA safety organization, was founded in 1950 solely to help general aviation pilots improve flight safety. Since that time, the GA total accident rate has dropped by more than 90 percent despite a large increase in GA flight hours.

ASF produces live seminars, online interactive courses, videotapes, written Safety Advisors and other aviation safety materials for free distribution to all GA pilots.

FMI: www.aopa.org/asf