The world of aviation lost one of its greatest advocates last Wednesday when Ed Stimpson died from lung cancer – even though he was never a smoker.
The NBAA, GAMA and others have issued statements describing Ed as “a great statesman”, “a leader”, “a mentor” and “a friend”. Ed was indeed all of these things and throughout his career of 40 years with the FAA, GAMA,the ICAO (as US Ambassador) and Flight Safety, he played pivotal roles in initiatives that have shaped the world of aviation as we know it today.
I met Ed for the first time at the NBAA conference in 2006 and had a chance to have breakfast and walk to halls with him as we headed to the next meeting of the day. At least half a dozen people came to our breakfast table to shake hands and talk to Ed briefly during breakfast, and probably another half-dozen must have shook hands with him as we walked. It seemed like everyone in aviation knew Ed and Ed knew everyone. We were then just a business plan on paper with no track record, but Ed still spent time with us and offered simple, unique and invaluable insight. He was a true gentleman – he will truly be sorely missed.
Gad Barnea – CEO – FlyMiwok, Inc.
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