Adam Boyd, Beau Hardison, and Josselyn Slagle Discuss their Aviation Experiences

The General Aviation Awards Program, in partnership with the FAA and the broader aviation industry, has announced its 2025 national award recipients, recognizing three standout professionals for their contributions to instruction, maintenance, and safety in general aviation.

Since its founding in 1962, the program has celebrated excellence in aviation by selecting individuals through a nomination and judging process at both the district and national levels. This year’s honorees were named national representatives in their respective categories.

Adam Boyd of Cabot, Arkansas, was named National Certified Flight Instructor of the Year. Boyd began flying at 16 and earned his private pilot certificate while still in high school. He was an Air Force pilot for 20 years before becoming president of Wildwood Aerospace in Cabot.

“The one thing I never stopped doing was flying in GA,” said Boyd.

Samuel “Beau” Hardison, of Mountain View, Arkansas, was recognized as Aviation Technician of the Year. Hardison is both a pilot and a highly qualified repairman in nondestructive testing, holding Level 3 certifications along with avionics credentials. He is the President of Aircraft Structural Inspections LLC and a member of the Aviation Maintenance Technician Society (ASDM) and the American Society for Nondestructive Testing.

“It starts with safety and ends with safety for me,” said Hardison.

FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year went to Josselyn Slagle, from New Castle, Pennsylvania. She studied at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) and currently serves as the president of her local EAA chapter. She is currently the chief flight instructor for Haski Aviation at the New Castle Municipal Airport.

“I never dreamed of being here, but I dreamed along the way,” expressed Slagle.

The General Aviation Awards honor individuals who exemplify leadership and dedication in their fields and highlight the critical role of education and safety in the aviation community. The program continues to spotlight those who go above and beyond in promoting safe and professional practices within general aviation.

FMI: www.faa.gov