WASHINGTON, DC, April 12, 2004 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) joined with others in the aviation industry to congratulate the four winners of the 2004 General Aviation Awards Program. This year’s winners include: the 2004 National Certificated Flight Instructor for the Year – Douglas Stewart of North Egremont, Massachusetts; the 2004 National Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year – Gary Stephen Goodpaster of Cincinnati, Ohio; the 2004 National Aviation Safety Counselor of the Year – Walter Schuyler Schamel of Winter Haven, Florida; and the 2004 National Avionics Technician of the Year – Keith Bryan Lewis of Spartanburg, South Carolina.

“These four winners have all distinguished themselves in their respective fields as skilled aviation professionals and GAMA is proud to be a part of this important industry awards program,” said GAMA President and CEO Ed Bolen.

The General Aviation Awards Program is a cooperative effort between the Federal Aviation Administration, GAMA and numerous industry groups. FAA Administrator Marion Blakey will present the winners with their awards as part of “Theater in the Woods” at the 2004 AirVenture. Information about the General Aviation Awards Program, as well as applications for next year’s general aviation awards, is available on the GAMA website at www.GAMA.aero.