News
First annual Conklin scholarship awarded at 2008 NBAA

Oct. 10, 2008, 2008, Orlando, FL – Conklin & de Decker in association with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), announced the first annual Alan H. Conklin Business Aviation Management scholarship will go to Carly Butwell of Newburgh, New York. The award will be presented at the 2008 NBAA Annual Meeting and Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Carly Butwell is a junior at Daniel Webster College in Nashua, New Hampshire, majoring in Aviation Management.  She obtained her private pilot license in May of this year, is now working towards her instrument rating and has a 3.67 GPA. Carly is also active in the local chapter of Women in Aviation and has been active in Junior Air Force ROTC. Her long term goal is to start and run a flight school.

This annual scholarship honors Alan H. Conklin, founder of Conklin & de Decker, a US Air Force veteran, author, father, husband and business aviation leader for more than 60 years who died November 2006.  The $6,375 scholarship is awarded to a student attending a University Aviation Association (UAA) affiliated college and who is specializing in aviation management. 

Alan Conklin was an active member and supporter of NBAA for many years and served on the Operations Committee until his retirement in 2003.  His aviation career spanned more than six decades.  After flying as an instructor pilot in the US Army Air Corps and as a USAF transport pilot in Korea, Conklin’s career took him to business aviation where he sold aircraft for several companies before meeting Bill de Decker and creating the first Aircraft Cost Evaluator program. Then in 1984 he founded what became Conklin & de Decker.

“On behalf of the family of Alan Conklin and the entire staff at Conklin & de Decker, we congratulate Carly as the first recipient of this scholarship,” commented Bill de Decker, President and co-founder of Conklin & de Decker and long time friend of Al Conklin.  “I was very impressed with the young aspiring business aviation professionals that applied for this award and it was a very difficult decision,” added de Decker. “In the end, Carly Butwell impressed us the most and we wish her all the best that our industry has to offer.”  

Conklin & de Decker specializes in aviation research, consulting and education with offices in Orleans, Massachusetts, Arlington, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona.  Founded in 1984, the company focuses on fixed- and rotary- wing aircraft operating costs, performance and specification databases, and maintenance management software.  Conklin & de Decker consults with numerous corporations, government agencies and aircraft operators worldwide on financial management, fleet planning, market research and aviation tax issues. In addition, Conklin & de Decker deliver valuable industry seminars regarding finance, cost, tax and management subjects. More information on their products and services, copies of published articles, and a unique “Members Only” section can be found on their website, www.conklindd.com.