GAMA Mourns the Passing of Bruce Whitman

Washington, DC –– The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) mourns the passing of Bruce Whitman, Flight Safety International Chairman, President and CEO, and GAMA board member. Whitman served on the GAMA Board of Directors for 14 years.

“Bruce’s work touched every aspect of the aerospace industry,” said GAMA Chairman and Garmin Aviation Executive Vice President and Managing Director Phil Straub. “His passion for aviation was unmatched, and his energy permeated all of his tremendous work. While we deeply mourn his passing, we also celebrate his remarkable career and the legacy he leaves behind in our industry.” 

“A respected industry veteran and longtime business partner, Bruce made it his lifelong mission to promote aviation safety,” said GAMA Vice Chairman and Gulfstream Aerospace President Mark Burns. “He leveraged his insight, innovation and dedication to advance and elevate this industry. On behalf of the entire Gulfstream team, I extend my deepest condolences to Bruce’s friends, family and colleagues.” 

“Bruce was a giant within the aviation industry, and I was privileged to work closely with him in his role on the GAMA Board of Directors,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. “However, beyond his professional role in the industry, Bruce was constantly giving back. Following his service in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve, Bruce dedicated a large portion of his philanthropic efforts toward the military and veterans. He served as Chairman Emeritus of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, as a trustee of the Air Force Academy Falcon Foundation and as a trustee and founding member of the Board of the National World War II Museum. He devoted his life to educating and fostering patriotism among young people. We will miss him dearly, and are thinking of his family at this time.”

For additional information, please contact Sarah McCann, GAMA Director of Communications, at +1 (202) 637-1375 or smccann@gama.aero.

GAMA is an international trade association representing over 100 of the world's leading manufacturers of general aviation airplanes and rotorcraft, engines, avionics, components and related services. GAMA's members also operate repair stations, fixed based operations, pilot and maintenance training facilities and manage fleets of aircraft. For more information, visit GAMA's website at www.GAMA.aero.