Priester Aviation and Mayo Aviation Name VP of Quality and Safety

5.23.23

WHEELING, IL (MAY 23, 2023) – Private aircraft management, charter and maintenance providers Priester Aviation and Mayo Aviation announce the promotion of recognized industry safety advocate Carl Bennett to the role of Vice President of Quality and Safety.

Since 2018, Bennett has served as Director of Safety for Colorado-based Mayo Aviation, which joined with Priester Aviation last year. His new role extends to both companies.

“Carl demonstrates exceptional leadership and a professional, safety-driven culture,” said Priester Aviation Chairman and CEO Andy Priester. “We are pleased to have him guiding the Priester Aviation and Mayo Aviation team and continuing our leading role among the top one percent of aviation companies that have earned all of the highest safety accreditations.”

Bennett is an accomplished aviation safety and regulatory expert with more than 35 years of experience in Part 135 on-demand passenger and cargo operations.

In 2021, Bennett was among a select group to receive the Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award, bestowed annually by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) to those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in support of aviation safety.

“I am honored to take on this expanded role for Priester Aviation and Mayo Aviation and to foster an ongoing, industry-leading commitment to safety, quality and professionalism,” Bennett said. “Our companies share an earnest desire to continually improve, to serve our customers and our fellow teammates and to remain in full compliance of all safety regulations and audit programs.”

Bennett also recognized his predecessor, Kurt Humm, who is retiring after more than 15 years with Priester Aviation. Humm was instrumental in achieving the highest IS-BAO Stage 3 safety accreditation for Priester’s operations, in addition to ARGUS Platinum, Wyvern and Air Charter Safety Foundation safety certifications.

“Kurt led by example in building a safety-driven operational culture and it’s my job to continue that leadership and direction for both Priester Aviation and Mayo Aviation,” he noted.

Bennett was also a founding board member of the Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA), a contributor to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 Aviation Rulemaking Committee and is a past Chairman of the Radiopharmaceutical Shippers and Carriers Committee (RSCC).

Additionally, Bennett will soon complete his Master of Science Program in Aviation Safety at the Florida Institute of Technology, where he was recently honored as Graduate Student of the Year. He is also a private pilot.

About Priester Aviation

Priester Aviation is among the world’s most experienced global private aviation companies, specializing in aircraft management and private travel solutions. With over 75 years of experience, Priester Aviation is among the elite private aircraft management companies that hold the highest safety accreditations including the ARGUS Platinum rating, Wyvern approval, IS-BAO Stage III and Air Charter Safety Foundation certifications. 

For more information, please contact Priester Marketing at 847-537-1133, or visit www.priesterav.com.

About Mayo Aviation

Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, Mayo Aviation is a national aircraft management, maintenance and charter service provider. Since 1978, aircraft owners have trusted Mayo Aviation, a Priester Aviation company, to effectively manage their assets and aviation services with industry-leading transparency. Mayo Aviation and Flight for Life Colorado have enjoyed a long-standing relationship serving the people in the Rocky Mountain West for over 41 years.

For more information, visit mayoaviation.com.