Nick Sabatini to receive AEA Industry Partnership Award

The Aircraft Electronics Association will recognize Nick Sabatini, FAA associate administrator for aviation safety, with the AEA Industry Partnership Award at the annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Palm Springs next month.

The AEA Industry Partnership Award is being given in recognition of Sabatini's efforts in implementing the FAA Customer Service Initiative. The CSI has been well received by AEA membership, and Sabatini has played a vital role in the creation and success of this program.

The FAA's Customer Service Initiative addresses AVR customer service expectations — what FAA's customers can expect from the FAA when conducting business with any AVR office, and what FAA asks of them in return. The goal is to promote a positive environment between the regulators and industry. By using the CSI procedures, industry is encouraged to use a special review checklist in handling disagreements with its regional regulators without fear of retribution. Since its inception in 2003 by Sabatini, positive feedback has been received from AEA members in working with the initiative.

Sabatini has been the FAA associate administrator for aviation safety since 2001. He oversees a work force of more than 6,100 employees in the FAA's Washington headquarters, nine regional offices and more than 125 field offices throughout the world. He is responsible for the certification, production approval, and continued airworthiness of aircraft, and the certification of pilots, mechanics and others in safety-related positions. Sabatini also is responsible for certification of all operational and maintenance enterprises in domestic civil aviation; development of regulations; civil flight operations; and the certification and safety oversight of nearly 7,300 U.S. commercial airlines and air operators.

Prior to joining the FAA, Sabatini was a pilot for the U.S. Customs Service in New York. From 1958 to 1976, he was a police office and helicopter pilot for the New York City Police Department. He holds an airline transport pilot certificate and several ratings and certificates.

Nick Sabatini will be recognized with the AEA Industry Partnership Award at the annual AEA Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 21, at the AEA Convention in Palm Springs. For more information about the annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show, visit www.aea.net or call (816) 373-6565.

The Aircraft Electronics Association represents nearly 1,300 aviation businesses, including repair stations that specialize in maintenance, repair and installation of avionics and electronic systems in general aviation aircraft. AEA membership also includes manufacturers of avionics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers,test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, and educational institutions.