Jay White, former president and current general counsel of the California Pilots Association (CalPilots) was named the winner of AOPA’s Joseph R. Crotti award Oct. 12. White was lauded for his efforts in the past 30 years to protect California’s general aviation airports and fight for pilots’ flight privileges.
In 1974, White, a commercial airline pilot, singlehandedly saved the organization, then known as the California Aviation Council, when no one came forward to assume leadership.
As the new leader, White worked tirelessly on GA matters within the state, subsequently developing an excellent working relationship with the California Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics. This valuable relationship is still in place. He also applied his law degree to better understand state aviation regulations, and deal with some of the state’s airport sponsors who rejected the aeronautic division’s handbook on appropriate land usage around their airports.
The Crotti Award for GA advocacy in California is named in honor of the late Joe Crotti, longtime AOPA regional representative and former chief of the state’s Division of Aeronautics. The award was presented during AOPA Aviation Summit in Palm Springs, Calif.
November 4, 2012
Mr. Craig Fuller, President
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
421 Aviation Way
Frederick, MD 21701
Dear Craig:
Thank you for honoring me with the Joe Crotti Award. I knew Joe well and worked with him on numerous aviation issues. He was truly an aviation advocate and strong supporter of AOPA. It is a distinct honor having my name associated with his.
On many occasions I commented to Joe that but for the efforts of AOPA, General Aviation as we know it would not survive. I am still firmly of that belief.
Although I flew my last flight two years ago at age 85 I have not lost my interest in General Aviation as a critical segment of the nation’s transportation system. I live on a hill near San Carlos Airport. It is with considerable nostalgia that I watch aircraft takeoff and land..
Best wishes in your continued vital work.
Jay White
Past President
California Pilots Association
