Bill Frist Accepts NBAA’s Al Ueltschi Award

Frist credited his brother, with whom he shares four major passions -- aviation, medicine, business and philanthropy -- with inspiring him and his family to fly. He likened business aviation to his surgical knife as the instrument with which he can treat people who otherwise would not have access to health care. “Aviation causes those barriers in this shrinking world to just disappear,” Frist said.

NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen said, "From piloting his own aircraft throughout Sudan to giving surgical care, to using aviation to reach and treat victims days after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the senator and doctor truly 'walks the walk' in assisting those most in need of help. He exemplifies the humanitarian spirit that's always been a part of business aviation, and we are honored to recognize his pioneering work with this award."

NBAA established the award in honor of Al Ueltschi, who was instrumental in developing ORBIS, a non-profit organization that uses business aviation to prevent blindness around the world.