During his time, he has been a staunch general aviation advocate, helping to create and then co-chairing the General Aviation Caucus. He was the architect of the first-ever standalone title in an FAA reauthorization bill—the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024—dedicated to general aviation. NBAA also touted his advocacy to secure additional funding for the nation’s air traffic control system and his work behind the ALERT safety bill.

“Chairman Graves has been among the most effective and consequential legislators in the history of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. His record as a legislator is legendary, and his legacy stands as a testament to bipartisan problem-solving,” said NBAA interim COO Dan Hubbard. “He has been a strong and committed ally of business aviation, and his impact on our industry and the broader aviation community will be felt for generations to come.”

Separately, NBAA recognized Carr with the Pillar of the Association Award. Carr retired in August after 28 years with NBAA, most recently as senior v-p of safety, security, sustainability, and international operations. The association presented the award during its Military Connect program at BACE as a nod to Carr’s six years of service with the U.S. Navy.

NBAA credited Carr for helping to strengthen business aviation safety, preserve access to airspace and airports, and support operators flying internationally over the years.

“Doug’s work is woven into the fabric of NBAA,” Hubbard said. “Whenever our members faced a security challenge, questions about compliance with a complex safety rule, or a barrier to international operations, Doug brought the expertise and persistence needed to find a workable path forward. This award recognizes the lasting difference he has made for NBAA and the people it serves.”

Carr joined the association in 1998 as manager of domestic operations after serving with the National Air Transportation Association. Over the years, he spearheaded both domestic and international issues, serving at the forefront of interactions with safety and security agencies both in the U.S. and abroad.

This included contributions to the FAA’s work on flight and rest requirements, as well as the framework for fractional aircraft ownership. He further led the agency’s Takeoff and Landing Performance Assessment aviation rulemaking committee and helped develop safety management system (SMS) standards for business aviation, as well as the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO).

He played an integral role not only in establishing NBAA’s Security Council, but also in developing a security program that restored general aviation access to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA).