January 2008 - Secretary of Transportation Taps PIM Aviation Insurance President for Aviation Advisory Committee
Wichita, Kan. – Timothy K. Bonnell, Sr. has been appointed to the Kansas State Aviation Advisory Committee (KSAAC). Bonnell, president and founder of PIM Aviation Insurance, received the notification from Deb Miller, Kansas Secretary of Transportation. She underscored the significance of the appointment stating, “Your input can help shape the future of aviation in Kansas.”
The KSAAC supports the Secretary of Transportation, responding to requests for information and advice. It explores airport infrastructure-related topics and considerations as well as issues affecting the state’s aviation system, state and federal legislation, aviation’s economic impact in Kansas, aviation education and promotion. The committee’s work leads to specific recommendations in these areas.
“I consider it a great honor and privilege to serve, especially at such a pivotal time,” said Bonnell. “The Department of Transportation faces tremendous challenges and opportunities as we work to ensure our state’s continued leadership role in the aviation industry and to provide a 21st-century aviation infrastructure that promotes economic growth and ever-greater efficiencies.”
The state’s Comprehensive Transportation Program (1999-2009) is drawing to a close. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) recently completed a long-range planning process and is working with the Governor’s T-Link (Transportation – Leveraging Investment in Kansas) taskforce. A plan for the Kansas aviation system launched in 2008.
The KSAAC worked diligently to promote the 2008 All Kansas Air Tour, held last April. It celebrated the 80th anniversary of a seven-day, 25-aircraft tour “to spread the air gospel” throughout the state. The 1928 tour began in Wichita and the fleet touched down in a total of 21 communities. The anniversary tour took place last April with small aircraft touring cities across the state.
“This aspect of committee service appeals to me greatly,” says Bonnell, who also serves as president of the Kansas Aviation Museum’s executive board. “I’ve been a lifetime champion of our state’s aviation heritage and this gives me a greater platform from which to do it.”
About Tim Bonnell Sr.
Tim Bonnell Sr. founded Professional Insurance Management (PIM) Aviation Insurance in 1982 and continues to serve as president. The company is recognized as a leader in its field, serving business, pleasure and commercial clients nationwide. Bonnell started flying at the age of 2 with his father in Piper J-3 and Cessna 140 aircraft. As he grew up in Wichita in the ’60s the family operated a Piper Comanche 250 and later a Cessna 210H. While in high school Bonnell took a job with the local Piper dealer in line and sales service, earning his private license at age 19, then going on to earn his commercial and instrument ratings. He attended Wichita State University and while there served two years as president of the WSU Flying Club. Bonnell entered the aviation insurance business in early 1975 with aviation specialty agency pioneer Don Flower Associates, a subsidiary of Rollins Burdick Hunter. Bonnell holds a certified insurance counselor (CIC) professional designation and serves as a contract risk manager for a large US Air Carrier. He has written numerous articles published in major aviation and insurance publications. Bonnell has served as president of the Aviation Insurance Association (AIA) and is president of the Kansas Aviation Museum’s executive board.
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