The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has confirmed the death of John White, a former board member and prominent business aviation advocate who died on 16 October. White spent more than 25 years with Union Pacific Resources before joining Valero Energy Corporation’s flight department, where he became vice-president of aviation and advanced safety and operational efficiency through flight-data-monitoring technology.
White served on the NBAA board from 2010 to 2016 and worked to protect general aviation airports and strengthen industry representation, particularly in Texas. After retiring from Valero in 2016, he helped establish Texans for General Aviation, a statewide advocacy organisation for operators, airports and aviation businesses.
His career at Union Pacific Resources progressed from pilot and mechanic to director of aviation. At Valero, he led the flight department from 2004 and ultimately became vice-president of aviation. His professional flying included more than 17,000 hours across all 50 US states and five continents.
White held an airline transport pilot certificate with nine aircraft type ratings, an airframe and powerplant mechanic certificate and a commercial glider pilot certificate. NBAA did not provide his age, cause of death or details of funeral or memorial arrangements.