Awards
Dr. Paul Whelan Aviation Educator Award
Dr. Paul Whelan had the distinct honor of being appointed as the first Chair of the Council of Aviation Accreditation (CAA, now doing business as the Aviation Accreditation Board International) based on his distinguished career as both as a military aviator and aviation academic. Dr. Whelan served in this role from 1988 until 1992, leading to the inception of collegiate aviation accreditation. During this time the original by-laws and standards were developed and the Board of Trustees was formed.
Dr. Whelan served in the United States Air Force for 25 years retiring at the rank of colonel. During his military career he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star and the Air Medal for the combat missions he flew in Korea and Vietnam. In addition to flying, he also earned his doctorate in history from Saint Louis University and served as a professor of history at the United States Air Force Academy, chair of the Air Force Institute of Technology history department and was on the staff at the Air War College.
After retiring from the USAF, Dr, Whelan had an equally impressive career as an aviation educator and administrator. He served as a Dean at both Spring Hill College and Dowling College, a Vice President at Parks College of St. Louis and President at Lewis University. During his academic tenure he also served on the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airway Science Curriculum Committee.
This award was established to pay tribute to an individual, such as Dr. Whelan, who has made a significant contribution to AABI and the advancement of collegiate aviation through accreditation.
Richard Taylor Aviation Industry Award
Richard “Dick” Taylor served as the first Boeing appointed industry representative to the Council on Aviation Accreditation (CAA, now doing business as Aviation Accreditation Board International) was one of the first industry members of the Board of Trustees. Since the inception of aviation accreditation, Boeing has been dedicated industry member helping to solidify the importance of industry interaction during the accreditation process.
Mr. Taylor graduated from Purdue University in 1942 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He participated in the school’s ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) program and was commissioned as a Field Artillery officer upon graduation. After completing Artillery flight training in Pittsburg, Kansas, he served in Europe as a liaison pilot with the 417th Field Artillery Group, United States Army.
In 1946, Taylor was hired by the Boeing Company to design performance instrumentation for the B-47 Stratojet and serve as a flight test engineer for the aircraft. Over the course of his career, he contributed to the design and testing of several Boeing aircraft, including serving as Director of Engineering on the B-737. He also worked with the FAA to develop new airline regulations, such as the Two-Person Flight Crew certification and ETOPS (Extended Range Twin Engine Operations). He retired from Boeing in 1991 as a vice president and continued to act as a company consultant until 1996.
Taylor was involved in numerous aviation organizations throughout his life, including the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association), the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. He also served as a trustee of The Museum of Flight (Seattle, Washington).
This award was established to pay tribute to an individual, such as Mr. Taylor, who has made a significant contribution to AABI and the advancement of collegiate aviation through accreditation and industry collaboration.
AABI Chairperson’s Award
Recipients of this award are nominated and selected by the AABI Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and immediate Past Chairperson. This award is given to an individual who has gone above and beyond in regard to contributions to helping to strengthen and build AABI as an organization.
Rudy Frasca Award for Professional Excellence
Awarded to an Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) industry or educator member who, in the spirit of Rudy Frasca, has gone “above and beyond” as an accreditation visiting team member or committee member. The recipient demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and a true passion for aviation education through participation in the accreditation process and encouraging and supporting students to embrace safety as they reach “higher than their dreams.”
This award was established by AABI in memory of Rudy Frasca who was committed to supporting aviation education particularly through the UAA and CAA (AABI). Rudy was dedicated to the positive transfer of training and built quality and fidelity into every simulator. Rudy was a man of “passion for the right reasons”; he valued students, innovation, and safety of flight.