Bruce Whitman, chairman, president, and CEO of FlightSafety International, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 85. Whitman joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Connecticut’s Trinity College in 1955, earning ratings as a pilot, navigator and bombardier before being appointed Assistant to the Commander at Homestead Air Force Base in 1957. He started at FlightSafety International in 1961 and was promoted to CEO in 2003.
“All of us with FlightSafety are deeply saddened by Bruce’s passing …” read a statementfrom the company. “We are deeply indebted to Bruce for his many contributions to the aviation industry, his service in the United States Air Force, support of our veterans and those who currently serve, his contributions to Orbis International, and dedication to educate and foster patriotism among young people. We are thankful for his outstanding leadership of FlightSafety and especially for his friendship, guidance, and vision.”
Whitman served in many advisory and leadership positions in aviation groups including the National Business Aircraft Association, Flight Safety Foundation, National Air Transport Association’s Air Charter Safety Foundation, General Aviation Manufacturers Association and National Aeronautic Association. He was Chairman Emeritus of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation and a Director Emeritus of the Civil Air Patrol and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. He was awarded the Living Legends of Aviation Lifetime Aviation Industry Leader Award in 2013.
