The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Maintenance Committee, at its recent meeting in Washington, DC, announced the renaming of its scholarship travel fund to the James Sullivan Travel Fund, in honor of the former committee member and past award recipient who passed away unexpectedly this summer. Sullivan was 32.
The fund offsets travel and lodging costs for AMT Maintenance Scholarship winners. Each year more than two dozen training courses are awarded to students and professionals interested in aircraft, engine, and avionics maintenance training.
A pilot since 16, Sullivan was a 2014 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University graduate, held an Airframe & Powerplant Certificate with Inspectors Authorization and was a multi-rated air transport pilot. Sullivan had an extensive career as a pilot, technician and business owner. Most recently, he was a 757/767 first officer for Delta Airlines while operating his own company, SullivAir, LLC, a contract maintenance and management services provider for operators in the Los Angeles area.
With everything that Sullivan was involved in, he never forgot the impact being a two-time award recipient of the NBAA AMT Maintenance Scholarship had on him and his career. He paid that forward as an active committee volunteer who consistently shared his passion and advocacy, the committee said.
Longtime committee member and former chair Jim Huntoon said he was honored to be one of Sullivan’s mentors while a student at ERAU and as he started his career.
“From the first time I met James in 2011, he stood out. He came up after a scholarship presentation and started asking questions,” Huntoon said. “James’s energy for everything was apparent, and he impressed me as I watched him grow personally, professionally, and as a leader. He had an amazing wit, and his smile was contagious.”
As part of the Maintenance Committee, Sullivan was a co-chair of the Workforce Development (WFD) Committee Secondary Education Subcommittee.
“James was more than all his accolades in aviation, and he had bounties of them. The ones that meant the most were his personal connections with others. How he touched people’s hearts with his kindness, generosity, and willingness to show up and be present,” said subcommittee co-chair Melissa Raddatz.
WFD Subcommittee Chair Bryan Maloney said he knew instantly that Sullivan would be an excellent addition to the group. “I could tell early on that James was passionate about business aviation, and his involvement could be infectious,” Maloney said. “His passion was evident, and I truly enjoyed his commitment, involvement, and contribution. He made a lasting impression on me and will truly be missed.” Huntoon added: “James was one of a kind, and his life and career impacting all of those who had the privilege of knowing him, and he will never be forgotten. James is soaring above all of us, and it is an honor to carry his memory and spirit forward with the NBAA James Sullivan Travel Fund, so others can grow and soar as he did.”
