Originally published in 1997
The City of Waco honored Gardner by declaring February 13, 1997 “Jim Gardner Day”. This honor was bestowed upon him because he has been named 1996 Aviation Safety Counselor of the Year by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
A national honor, the Aviation Safety Counselor of the Year award is presented to one individual per year and recognizes the efforts of more than 4,000 safety counselors across the country.
Gardner, active in many community programs has been a strong proponent of safe aviation in Central Texas. Besides serving as corporate pilot for the Texas Farm Bureau, he is the secretary of the Waco Aviation Safety Committee. This committee produces pilot safety seminars under the sanction of the FAA’s Accident Prevention Program.
Tommy Miller, president of Waco Aviation Safety Committee, said “Jim has done a great deal to advance the cause of safe aviation in the Central Texas area. The pilots who fly here are grateful for his efforts.”