During this course you met each of the 2020 National Honorees, hear about their contributions to our industry, and learn about their top safety recommendations.
Here's some information on each of the 2020 General Aviation Awards National Honorees:
CATHERINE ELIZABETH CAVAGNARO of Sewanee, Tennessee is the 2020 National Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year. Dr. Cavagnaro has a B.S. and a PhD in mathematics and is Professor of Mathematics and former Chair of the Mathematics Department at Sewanee: The University of the South. She has developed and implemented courses in aerodynamics, differential equations and mathematical modeling. She owns and operates the Ace Aerobatic School in Sewanee, Tennessee. During 2004-2008, Professor Cavagnaro served as a test pilot, spin demonstration pilot, researcher, and visiting professor of aviation systems at the University of Tennessee Space Institute. In 2018, she was inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame. She is an Airline Transport Pilot (ASEL), a Commercial Pilot (ASES, AMEL, glider) and a Flight Instructor (ASE, AME, instrument). She is lead representative for the FAA Safety Team, Nashville FSDO, and was honored as 2018 FAASTeam Representative of the Year. She also serves as a DPE. Catherine is a monthly contributor to AOPA Pilot Magazine on safety, proficiency and technical aspects of aviation. catherine@aceaerobaticschool.com
DENNIS ROBERT WOLTER of Cincinnati, Ohio is the 2020 Aviation Technician of the Year. At 15, Dennis started an airplane washing business that supported his flight training. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1969 with a B.S. in Industrial Design, taught engineering and aviation maintenance at Cincinnati State Technical College, and received his mechanic airframe rating, powerplant rating, and inspection authorization. In 1973, he founded Air Mod, which focuses on state of the art aircraft modifications. He holds an STC and numerous FAA field approvals. He has presented at AirVenture, Sun ‘n Fun, AOPA, American Bonanza Society (ABS) conventions, and Cessna Pilots Association (CPA) fly-ins. He has written nearly a hundred articles for the ABS and CPA magazines and served as a technical representative for both. He writes monthly articles for Cessna Flyer and Piper Flyer magazines. Dennis has served as a technical and design consultant to Cessna and Beech, worked with AmSafe on airbag passenger restraint installations, and with Skandia on superior soundproofing materials for piston GA airplanes. drwolter@airmod.com
GARY MICHAEL BROSSETT of Midland, Georgia is the 2020 National FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year. Gary’s focus is managing and mitigating GA accidents, incidents, pilot deviations, and runway incursions. He has hosted more than 84 training events in his area and over 208 in the Georgia district. Gary served in the U.S. Air Force as a mechanic, engine shop supervisor, lead engine mechanic, engine maintenance supervisor, aircraft maintenance supervisor, and technical school administrator and instructor. He then joined Pratt & Whitney, where he serves as a Senior Quality Engineer and Maintenance Instructor. Gary holds an M.S. in Aviation/Aerospace Education from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and another in Quality Management fromEastern Michigan University. Gary is an A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization, private pilot, and remote pilot for small UAS. He is a five-time Master Aviation Educator with Master Instructors. He is a life member of EAA, AFA, AEHS, VAA, AOPA, ASQ, and BFA. He earned BFA certification as Basic Aeronaut and Master Crew Chief, and in 2019 was honored as National Crew Member of the Year. brossettg@gmail.com
PHIL BOYER Course Host - Flying has always been a part of Phil Boyer's career. He earned his private pilot certificate at age 17. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in political science and earning a master’s degree in urban studies from Occidental College, he joined the public affairs consulting firm of Deaver and Hannaford, founded by two principal assistants to then California Gov. Ronald Reagan, Mike Deaver, and Peter Hannaford. He frequently flew Cessna Skyhawks and Skylanes and Grumman Tigers to client meetings in California and Arizona. He later bought a Cessna 172RG Cutlass.
