Longtime aviation safety advocate Nick Sabatini flies west Former New York Police Department Aviation Unit officer served as the FAA’s associate administrator for aviation safety. Nicholas “Nick” Sabatini, a respected leader and champion of aviation safety, passed away Nov. 26, 2024, at the age of 88, leaving a profound legacy within the aviation community. Serving as the associate administrator for aviation safety at the FAA until his retirement in 2009, Nick significantly advanced safety standards throughout the industry. Nick was born in Vasto, Italy, before immigrating to the United States at a young age. His journey embodied the quintessential American dream. Settling in the Bronx, New York, he was instilled with strong moral values by his loving parents and inspired by the authority and dedication of law enforcement officers. His remarkable career began with the US Army, where he served at Fort Knox, Kentucky, from 1956–1958. After fulfilling his military duties, he joined the New York Police Department (NYPD) in August 1958. He transitioned to the NYPD Mounted Division in 1960, and later the prestigious Aviation Unit in 1966, where he served until retiring in 1976. After serving with honor in law enforcement, his commitment to aviation safety began to flourish. In pursuit of a career that balanced his professional drive with family life, Nick joined the FAA, ultimately ascending to the role of associate administrator for aviation safety on Oct. 15, 2001. For more than 7 years, he adeptly oversaw the certification, production approval, and continued airworthiness of aircraft—impacting nearly 7,300 commercial airlines and air operators. Through his visionary leadership, he transformed the aviation safety organization, implementing International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification, enhancing customer service, and championing voluntary safety programs. Nick’s focus on creating a seamless, integrated approach to aviation safety benefited the entire aviation community. Even after retirement, Nick remained active in promoting aviation safety, starting his own consulting company. He also served on the Standards Board for the Helicopter Association International (now Vertical Aviation International, or VAI) Accreditation Program of Safety. As a respected mentor, he inspired others to pursue their dreams, embodying the belief that success is an ongoing journey. In 2018, Nick received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in recognition of more than 50 years as a pilot. The award celebrated his technical expertise, professionalism, and contributions to aviation safety. Nick’s dedication to aviation was grounded in his extensive experience, which included various roles in management and operations within the FAA’s Eastern Region. He held an airline transport pilot certificate and multiple ratings. His collaborative approach to addressing critical safety issues earned him recognition and awards, including nominations for the Aviation Week & Space Technology Laureate Award and the International Air Transport Association’s “Nuts and Bolts” award. “Nick Sabatini leaves behind a legacy defined by innovation, dedication, and a profound commitment to aviation safety,” says James Viola, VAI president and CEO and a close friend of Nick. “Colleagues and friends throughout aviation will remember his impact, and I hope they will find comfort in knowing that he lived life with passion and purpose, embodying his high values and standards.” Above all, Nick cherished his family, embarking on adventurous vacations and sharing a love for travel and music, particularly with ties to his Italian heritage. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his son, Stephen Sabatini of West Palm Beach, Florida; his son, Christopher Sabatini of Warwick; and two grandchildren. Vander Plaat Funeral Home of Wyckoff, New Jersey is arranging the funeral services. A visitation will take place Thursday, Dec. 5, from 3:00–7:00 pm eastern (UTC-5) at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, with funeral services at 11:00 am on Dec. 6 at Our Lady of Mercy RC Church in Park Ridge.
