WATERFORD, Michigan – Pentastar Aviation’s Mike Baker, Vice President of Safety & Compliance, has been named a recipient of the Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
The award recognizes aviation professionals who have demonstrated a continuous history of extraordinary participation in, or in support of, professionalism in business aviation. This is the inaugural year for the award.
Created to honor Dr. Tony Kern, a cofounder of Convergent Performance, a distinguished U.S. Air Force veteran and author of five books on human performance, the award recognizes individuals who excel in leadership in the following areas: Professional Ethics, Vocational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, Professional Image and Selflessness.
There were 19 recipients in the inaugural class.
“We are impressed by the number and caliber of the nominations that came in,” said Mark Larsen, NBAA senior manager of safety and flight operations. “These 19 men and women perfectly meet what Kern defined as ‘professional.’ These folks are doing their jobs with the utmost professionalism.”
Baker is a seasoned aviation professional with decades of hands-on leadership and senior management experience with 14 CFR Part 145/EASA 145 Repair Station Operations and 14 CFR Part 135 On-Demand Air Carrier Operations utilizing turbine powered corporate aircraft. His impeccable operational integrity exceeds the award criteria.
“Throughout his 34-year career at Pentastar Aviation, Mike has demonstrated a high level of commitment and leadership, continuously delivering personal and professional excellence, integrity, engagement, and mentoring to the next generation in support of Pentastar’s business objectives” said Pentastar Aviation President & CEO Greg Schmidt. “We are grateful to have Mike as a pillar in our organization, upholding our tradition of aviation excellence.”
As a member of Pentastar’s executive team, Baker was instrumental in numerous organizational improvements and safety accomplishments, including successful achievement of Pentastar Aviation’s ARG-US Platinum, Wyvern Wingman and IS-BAO Stage Two Certifications.
Nominations for the award were vetted by a panel of NBAA Safety Committee Professionalism Working Group members.