John White, a leader in business aviation and a general aviation advocate for more than 50 years, died October 16. White held an ATP certificate with nine aircraft type ratings and logged more than 17,000 flight hours. He also held an A&P mechanic certificate and a commercial glider pilot certificate.
White’s early career in aviation included advancing from pilot and mechanic to director of aviation at Union Pacific Resources, where he worked for more than 25 years. Valero Energy hired him for its flight department in 2004; he later served as the company’s v-p of aviation until 2016, when he retired.
He was appointed to NBAA’s board of directors in 2010 and also served on the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee. NBAA acting COO Dan Hubbard remarked on White’s commitment to the industry: “His leadership and advocacy for our industry helped strengthen our community and ensure its voice was heard.”
Steve Hadley, NBAA senior director of regional programs, said, “John was not only a respected aviation professional, but also a valued friend and someone our aviation community could always count on when we needed a strong and steadfast voice. He never hesitated to step forward, and his enthusiasm, generosity, and friendship will be greatly missed.”
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