Six Certified Aviation Manager Scholarships Awarded at NBAA-BACE

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today announced at its Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) that six scholarships have been awarded to current and aspiring Certified Aviation Managers (CAMs). These scholarships, which are given annually, promote professional development in business aviation by providing financial support for qualified CAM exam candidates.

Jake Cartwright Leadership Scholarship

The Jake Cartwright Scholarship, which is underwritten by Solairus Aviation, funds the CAM certification costs for candidates who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities. The scholarship is named in honor of Solairus Vice Chairman Jake Cartwright, a highly respected business aviation leader and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who has championed the industry for decades. This year’s recipients is:

  • Thomas Smallen, Senior Captain and Training Officer for Tyson Foods, said that by obtaining his CAM certification, he aims to validate his decision to dedicate his career to business aviation and continue to foster individual growth in this industry.

Certified Aviation Manager Scholarship

The Certified Aviation Manager Scholarship was established in 2014 to benefit individuals seeking to become CAMs, as well as current CAMs in the process of renewing their certification. The scholarship promotes professional development in business aviation by providing financial support for qualified CAM exam candidates and current CAMs. This year’s recipients are:

  • Case May, the General Manager, Managed Aircraft for Airshare, said that completing a CAM certification would allow him to qualify his experience in business aviation leadership roles. Case looks forward to continuing to involve himself in the industry to help promote the wide variety of career opportunities business aviation offers.
  • Patrick Beuerlein, Flight Coordinator, Outpost International, said that the CAM Certification will help him reach his goals of expanding his industry and job knowledge to help him along the path of becoming a Director of Aviation in the industry someday.
  • Bradley Brittell, Maintenance Supervisor, Solairus Aviation, said it is critically important to achieve the CAM Certification to ensure he is operating at the highest level he can be to attain his long term career and management goals in business aviation.
  • Jessica Rowden, Customer Service Lead, Cutter Aviation, said the CAM Certification will work to help her maintain educational standards in business aviation that she is not currently working with on an everyday basis. She wants to continue down the path to become a well rounded and highly effective manager within the industry.

C&W Family Scholarship

NBAA Charities and the C&W Family annually awards up to $2,500 to one business aviation professional seeking continued professional development opportunities to advance their existing careers. The scholarship selection committee will focus on applicants that are able to express their dedication to furthering the business aviation industry. This year’s recipient is:

  • Edward Hurst, Aviation Captain and Training Manager, Sony Aviation, said that seeking the CAM Certification is part of his dedication to continued growth and education within business aviation. Achieving the certification will allow him to invest in his containing education and achieve his career goals of becoming a manager in the industry.

The CAM credential provides a clear industry standard for preparation and achievement in aviation management. The CAM program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and is the first program in the aviation industry to receive this recognition. The CAM exam is available throughout the year in a computer-based testing format. To be eligible for the exam, participants must be pre-qualified and approved through a formal application process. Learn more about the CAM Program.

NBAA Charities offers monetary and training scholarships for both students and aviation professionals, such as flight department managers, pilots, maintenance technicians, schedulers, dispatchers, flight attendants and flight technicians. These scholarships, which total nearly $100,000 annually, are administered by NBAA standing committees and would not be possible without the generous financial support of NBAA member donors. Learn more about scholarships offered by NBAA Charities.