Foundation Recognizes Excellence in Business Aviation Safety

Palm Harbor, Florida, April 30, 2008 — Ambassador Ed Stimpson, Chairman of the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF), presented the Business Aviation Meritorious Service Award to George Saling today during a brief ceremony at the 53rd annual Corporate Aviation Safety Seminar (CASS). This award is presented annually to an individual whose work has enhanced safety in business aviation.

"George Saling exemplifies the ideal recipient of this award. As director of aviation services for Philip Morris and Altria, he implemented corporate flight operational quality assurance (C-FOQA) programs and developed safety management systems that have become the best practice standard for the National Business Aviation Association," said FSF President and CEO William R. Voss. "His list of accomplishments is longer than we can cover, and it is an honor to recognize him for the work he has done."

Saling also was instrumental in establishing the NBAA Maintenance Committee and the Forum for Enhanced Reliability and Maintainability Standards (FERMS), a Web-based tool that provides real-time information about business aircraft performance and maintenance.

The award was presented this morning at the opening session of the 2008 CASS. More than 400 people are attending the meeting this year. They represent corporate and business aviation from around the world.

Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, international organization engaged in research, auditing, education, advocacy and publishing to improve aviation safety. The Foundation's mission is to pursue the continuous improvement of global aviation safety and the prevention of accidents. www.flightsafety.org