Winners to be Honored at AirVenture 2023

Presented annually for more than half-a-century and organized by the FAA and an august company of general aviation industry sponsors, the General Aviation Awards Program (GAA) acknowledges and honors general aviation professionals for their contributions to aviation, education, and flight safety.

The program is administered by volunteer members of General Aviation Awards, Inc., a non-profit organization. Awards are presented to professionals in the fields of Flight Instruction, Aviation Maintenance, and FAASTeam Representation. Selection of candidates is predicated upon individuals’ long-term performance and specific accomplishments and contributions in their respective fields.

On 08 March, the General Aviation Awards selection board announced 2023’s National General Aviation Award recipients. This year’s winners are:

Robert “Bob” Raskey—2023 Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year: Mr. Raskey is a current FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor; FAASTeam industry member; and United Airlines Boeing 777 captain with over forty-years and 23,000 hours of general, commercial, and military flight experience. Mr. Raskey has been a flight instructor and pilot examiner on various airplanes, helicopters, warbirds, and experimental aircraft. His FAA Airman Certificates include ATP (ASEL Land & Sea; AMEL). He holds type ratings in: CE-525S, DA-50, L-382, HS-125 (SIC), DC3, B-777, B-747, B-757, B-767, B-737, and A320 aircraft. Mr. Raskey has earned Commercial Privileges (Rotorcraft-Helicopter, Instrument Helicopter, Glider); and FAA Flight Instructor (ASE, AME, Rotorcraft Helicopter, Instrument); Flight Engineer (Turbojet Powered); and Ground Instructor (Instrument and Advanced) credentials. He holds an M.B.A., an M.A. in International Relations; a B.S. in Aeronautical Science; and an A.S. in Computer Science.

William “Bill” Ross—2023 Aviation Technician of the Year: Mr. Ross earned his Inspection Authorization (IA) in 2016 and has completed between 5 and 12 annual inspections each year. He heads the Product Support Department at Superior Air Parts and assists aircraft mechanics, owners, and pilots with technical support. Mr. Ross is often called upon to assist in product analysis during NTSB Accident Investigations. In 2017, Mr. Ross authored and Superior Air Parts published Engine Maintenance 101, a book intended to dispel numerous persistent myths regarding aircraft engine maintenance. Engine Maintenance 101 has been distributed to over 15,000 readers free of charge in both hard-bound and electronic copies. Since 2013, Mr. Ross has served on the industry advisory board for Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation for mechanic and pilot training. While such a practice is not compulsory, Mr. Ross attends IA renewals for purpose of supplementing his expertise. He also avails himself of myriad vendor-sponsored seminars and panels convened to ensure optimum reliability of aircraft parts.

Mr. Ross is the pilot/owner of a 1941 Stearman.

Dennis Miller—2023 FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year: Mr. Miller has worked as a FAASTeam representative since 2016—an endeavor that has proved a natural evolution of his passion for flight. Mr. Miller earned his Private Pilot Certificate in 1979 and went on to earn his instrument rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, and Flight Instructor’s ticket. He has instructed a variety of students and earned Gold Seal Instructor credentials upon completion of his AGI and IGI certifications. From 2009 through 2022, Mr. Miller served as the Aerospace Superintendent for his local 4-H Club. In that capacity he enjoyed encouraging young people to consider aviation-related careers.

Mr. Miller has completed the Wings Basic Phase 1, Advanced Phase 1, and Master Phase 1 levels. He has earned a commercial drone license and given presentations on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to local 4-H programs and the St. Joe Valley Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.

In July, during the EAA’s AirVenture 2023 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the FAA will present individual awards to the antecedent National Honorees and see Mr. Raskey’s, Mr. Ross’s, and Mr. Miller’s names added to the perpetual plaque in the lobby of the EAA AirVenture Museum. In addition to being so recognized and celebrated in the aviation media, 2023’s National Honorees will receive gifts generously provided by sponsors and contributors.

GA Awards Board Chair Sandya Narayanswami stated: “It is an honor to announce the names of the 2023 General Aviation Awards National Honorees. These important, historic awards highlight the critical role played by accomplished individuals in building a culture solidly based on aviation safety and education. The Board and our many sponsors are pleased that these outstanding aviation professionals will receive public recognition before their peers at AirVenture.”

FMI: www.generalaviationawards.com