The International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) at its 47th annual convention tonight awarded Jim Peitz its highest honor, the Sword of Excellence, tonight in Las Vegas in front of nearly 1,000 air show industry professionals attending the event’s chairman’s banquet.
Peitz, owner of JP Aerosports and Capital City Air Carrier based in Pierre, and an accomplished solo aerobatics expert, served six years on the ICAS board of directors, two as chairman, where he quietly demonstrated principled, common sense decision-making to guide the industry through a period of difficult issues and into a new era.
His father taught him how to fly on the prairie outside of Pierre, S.D. Since 1975, Jim has amassed more than 8,000 hours of flight time and 90 different aircraft models. Jim’s love of aviation has led him to multiple avenues that allow him to fully enjoy its full spectrum. In 1992, Peitz taught himself aerobatic flight by reading it out of a book. He holds commercial, instrument and multi-engine licenses and is FAA and ICAS certified for aerobatics.
According to Peitz’s colleagues, when he was asked to serve on the ICAS board, he brought with him a principled belief that he should leave his self-interests at the door. In every decision he made during his time on the Board, his personal litmus test was, “Is it good for ICAS and the air show industry?”
“For nearly 20 years Jim has exemplified the leadership qualities and selfless contributions to the air show business we expect from our Sword of Excellence honorees,” said John Cudahy, president of ICAS. “He continues to serve the industry as an unparalleled performer and quiet leader who demonstrates a commitment to the entire industry above and beyond his own interests, and for that, I and the entire air show industry owe him thanks.”
Currently Peitz is helping ICAS develop a new nonprofit subsidiary that will focus on raising money to finance air show industry initiatives such as STEM education and philanthropic endeavors.
Since 1981, ICAS has awarded the Sword of Excellence to recognize outstanding service and personal contributions to the air show industry. Over the last three decades, ICAS has honored 40 Sword recipients for their leadership, service, innovation, vision, commitment and selfless contributions to the air show business. Selection for the Sword of Excellence recipient is made by the unanimous decision of a committee comprised of a member of the board of directors, two past award recipients, and two at-large members, each of whom has at least 10 years of air show industry experience.
About the International Council of Air Shows
Headquartered in Leesburg, Va., ICAS was founded in 1968 as a trade and professional association by industry professionals to protect and promote their interests in the growing North American air show marketplace. ICAS is dedicated to building and sustaining a vibrant air show industry to support its membership. The organization was created to maintain safety, to serve as an information resource on air show issues for those within and outside the industry, to provide for the training and continuing education needs of ICAS members and air show professionals generally, and to promote the air show industry to the media, corporate North America and the general public.
Media Contact
Matt Warnock, International Council of Air Shows
703-779-8510
