RAA VP- Safety, Operations and Regulatory Counsel Stacey Bechdolt named to Civil Air Patrol Board of Governors

Washington, DC, June 23, 2016—The Regional Airline Association (RAA), an aviation industry association with members operating more than 45 percent of our nation’s daily flights, is proud to announce the selection of RAA’s Stacey Bechdolt to the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Board of Governors. Bechdolt currently serves as RAA’s Vice President, Safety & Operations and Regulatory Counsel.

“As a private pilot working on my commercial certificate, I have an enduring love of aviation and want to do all I can to inspire and support a new generation of pilots. I have long held a genuine appreciation of the Civil Air Patrol and its important work,” stated Ms. Bechdolt. “The opportunity to serve CAP and its mission is a tremendous honor.” 

The RAA has actively engaged in support of the Civil Air Patrol, advocating that the important work CAP is undertaking should receive enhanced support. Programs like CAP’s cadet scholarship fund, designed to help students work towards their private pilot certificates, provide a substantial and vital source of assistance for aspiring pilots. The RAA also applauds CAP’s focus on diversity. While only about 5 percent of all U.S. commercial airline pilots are female, the CAP cadet program is 20 percent female. 

“Stacey has been a tireless advocate, both within our organization and during her personal time, of young people entering the pilot profession. Her new position on the CAP board of governors will perfectly position her to expand on this role, as she works with CAP to carry out their mission.” Black continued: “Many of RAA’s member airline executives are pilots who attribute their own interest in aviation to participation in or exposure to CAP programs when they were younger. It is a remarkable program and the RAA is proud to be part of CAP’s leadership team.”

“It’s hard to think of another organization more perfectly aligned with my professional and personal objectives than the Civil Air Patrol,” noted Bechdolt. “Thanks to CAP, children as early as kindergarten age are experiencing aviation in ways they could not do if these programs didn’t exist. They are getting first-hand exposure to aviation, as well as support and a meaningful foundation for the pursuit of flying for themselves. I am grateful for the chance to serve on the CAP board, which presents an exciting way for our industry to contribute to the outreach, inspiration, investment, and support of pilots and their careers,” she stated. 

Ms. Black concluded: “RAA and its members are proud of Stacey. Through service to the CAP, we know Stacey can amplify her efforts to support and encourage young aviators at every step, from inspiring first dreams of flight to supporting their journey and ultimately helping pave the way for more CAP cadets to pursue a rewarding commercial airline pilot career.”