Bill was Editor-in-Chief of Business & Commercial Aviation from 2000 to 2020. During his stewardship, the monthly magazine received scores of awards for editorial excellence.
He is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement in Journalism Award from the National Business Aviation Association; the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Aerospace Media Awards; the Aviation Journalism Award from the National Air Transportation Association; and an Aerospace Journalist of the Year Award for Business Aviation.
Previously, Bill served as Managing Editor of Aviation Week Television. He was the top editor for both Flying and Professional Pilot magazines, as well as a member of the senior editorial staff at Reader's Digest. He also managed communications for FlightSafety International.
Bill has authored or co-authored three aviation books, was an essayist for National Public Radio, wrote aviation documentaries for The Discovery Channel and has written for numerous publications including The New York Times, Smithsonian Air & Space, Popular Mechanics and The Associated Press, among others.
An active aviator, Bill holds a Commercial Pilot license, along with multiengine, instrument, seaplane and glider ratings.
•Robinson Helicopter Co. has delivered its 500th R66, just 3.5 years after the FAA awarded certification to the five-place helicopter, the Torrance, Calif., manufacturer’s first turbine-powered machine. •Officials of SyberJet, the latest iteration of the SJ30, a light-jet project that seemed permanently stalled since its launch in the 1980s, are planning a grand opening ceremony May 1 at its completions and delivery center in Cedar City, Utah.
Many of the advances in aerospace can be traced to those who serve or once served in their country's military. The fact is that national defense has been a key impetus to technological achievement throughout the industry's history, and its practitioners have helped provide welcome security from external threats as well as inspiration for the people under their protection.
The persistent drought in the western U.S. is very much part of the national consciousness; many are wondering about the impact on food pricing and availability. Rest assured that individuals like Robert Blair and Jim Hirsch will do their best to keep the ambered grain waving and the plains well fruited.
