Foundation Recognizes Paolo Pettinaroli for Contributions to Safety

Miami, Florida, U.S., November 2, 2015 - In gratitude for and appreciation of his service to aviation safety and to the families of accident victims and survivors, Flight Safety Foundation today recognized the late Paolo Pettinaroli with the annual FSF President's Citation. The award was presented at the 68th annual International Air Safety Summit in Miami, Florida.

After the tragic death of Mr. Pettinaroli's son in the Oct. 8, 2001, crash at Linate Airport in Milan, Italy, he founded the survivor's group Comitato 8 Ottobre (October 8 Committee), which focused on aviation safety. In 2010, he was elected to the FSF Board of Governors and had an immediate impact. He helped the Foundation host its International Air Safety Seminar that same year in Milan.

"Paolo brought a new perspective to the Foundation's board as the father of an airplane crash victim and as the founder of a survivors' group. His deep passion for safety and his strong and enduring voice for the victims and their families will be deeply missed," stated Jon Beatty, FSF president and CEO. "We miss his strong voice for the victims and their families. It is truly an honor to recognize him today with the President's Citation."

The FSF President's Citation was established in 1988 by the FSF Board of Governors to recognize individuals and groups for aviation safety accomplishments outside the criteria for other awards. The award honors those who have displayed "outstanding service on behalf of safety, whether it be valor, professionalism or service above and beyond normal expectations."

For the list of recipients, please go to the website here.