Bombardier has recognised Atlanta, Georgia-based home improvement retailer The Home Depot Aviation Department senior manager, aircraft maintenance Martin G Grier for his exceptional commitment to aviation safety at the 22nd annual Safety Standdown seminar in Wichita, Kansas. Since 2012, the Safety Standdown award has been presented to pilots, safety board members, directors of safety and safety advisors but Grier is the first-ever maintenance professional to be recognised.

“Marty truly embodies aviation professionalism,” says North Carolina communications company CommScope chief pilot and director of aviation Jeff Wofford. “His depth of experience in aircraft maintenance, modifications, specification and completions is directly tied to how he leads, nurtures and grows a strong safety culture. He sets an exceptional example for others to follow.”

Nominated by his peers for his impeccable commitment to aviation maintenance and safety, Grier has more than 40 years of experience in the aviation business, including three decades in business aviation maintenance. Having held multiple positions of increasing responsibility, he has distinguished himself as a leader of high-performance technical teams. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he volunteers to help military personnel ease the transition back into civilian life and workforce through the American Corporate Partners Mentoring Programme.

More than 500 aviation professionals attended workshops and general sessions at this year's Safety Standdown seminar. The increasing number of attendees demonstrates the expanded focus within the industry to engage and develop aviation professionals to continuously seek safety knowledge, integrate new information into everyday operations and share new findings and best practices with their industry peers.

“For over two decades the Safety Standdown seminar has attracted a growing number of aviation professionals, eager to acquire the most up-to-date tools and information to reduce aviation safety risks,” adds Bombardier Business Aircraft vice president, customer support Andy Nureddin. “Year after year, Bombardier is proud to support aviation safety and professionalism through knowledge-based pilot safety training and the promotion of high standards and best practices for the industry.”

Next year's Safety Standdown seminar will be held from 30 October to 1 November, 2019 in Dallas, Texas.