Bunday named state Flight Instructor of the YearMarch 16, 2010 KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University's aviation program has received yet another accolade. Program Manager Robert Bunday was recognized for "significant contributions to aviation safety" by industry sponsors and the Federal Aviation Administration during a statewide General Aviation Awards Program event last month in Novi, Mich. Bunday received the Flight Instructor of the Year award for Michigan, an honor that allows for potential future recognition at the regional or national level. The awards annually recognize outstanding individuals in the fields of avionics, flight instruction and maintenance, highlighting those who promote aviation safety, education and professionalism. Bunday has been a program manager at WMU for five years, and he earlier taught flying to British Airways, Aer Lingus and Emirates airlines cadets as senior instructor in an international pilot training initiative in the University's College of Aviation. Prior to coming to WMU, he flew air cargo and passenger charters, and he was an airline pilot for a regional airline. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate as well as a Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate. He is the fourth individual at WMU to win the state General Aviation Award. Previous winners include Tom Deckard in the late 1980s, Dominic Nicolai in 1996 and Tom McLaughlin in 2005. Media contact: Deanne Puca, (269) 387-8400, deanne.puca@wmich.edu WMU News |