Foundation to Honor Former Astronaut and Space Shuttle Commander Charlie Precourt at BASS 2025

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — Flight Safety Foundation will honor former astronaut and space shuttle commander Charlie Precourt with the Foundation’s 2025 Business Aviation Meritorious Service Award during the 70th Business Aviation Safety Summitt (BASS), May 6–7 in Charlotte, N.C.

Precourt, a retired U.S. Air Force test pilot who flew four space shuttle missions, serving as pilot and commander, and later was an aerospace industry executive, is being recognized in his role as chairman of the CJP Safety Committee for leading development, testing, and implementation of the Citation Jet Pilots (CJP) Safe to Land initiative to address runway excursions. He also is being honored for his work with other aviation organizations and for his efforts to remind the aviation community about the dangers posed by the normalization of deviance and the risk of complacency.

“Charlie’s work with CJP and other organizations, such as the National Business Aviation Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association, has had a demonstrable positive impact on Citation Jet operators and on business aviation more broadly, and we are happy to be able to honor him with this award,” said Foundation President and CEO Dr. Hassan Shahidi.

The Business Aviation Meritorious Service Award has been presented annually since 1975 to recognize outstanding service and contributions to business aviation safety. This year’s award will be presented on Tuesday, May 6, during a special ceremony on Day 1 of BASS 2025, which is being held at Le Meridien Charlotte.

The theme of BASS 2025 is “Bridging Divides: Elevating Safety Through Communication.” For more information on the summit and to register, please click here. The last day to reserve a room at Le Meridien Charlotte at the special conference rate is Monday, April 21, so don’t delay.

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About Flight Safety Foundation (flightsafety.org)
Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, international organization engaged in research, education, and communications to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to connect, influence, and lead global aviation safety.

Media Contact:
Frank Jackman
Director, Communications and Research
+1 703.739.6700, ext. 116
jackman@flightsafety.org