Born: Italy
Primarily active in: United States of America

1936-2024

Nick Sabatini

Pilot and Safety Advocate

Nicholas "Nick" Sabatini, a respected leader and champion of aviation safety, was born in Vasto, Italy, in 1936, before immigrating to the United States at the age of 2. 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 career began with the US Army in 1958, serving at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He joined the New York Police Department (NYPD) in August 1958. He transitioned to the aviation unit in 1966, where he served until retiring in 1976.

He joined the US Customs Drug Interdiction Air Unit in Brooklyn before joining the FAA in 1978 as an operations inspector in Charleston, West Virginia. During his 30-year career with the FAA, Sabatini rose through the ranks in aviation safety. He served as Flight Standards Division Manager for the Eastern Region in New York before heading to FAA headquarters.

In 2001, he was appointed to the role of FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety. For more than seven years, he oversaw the certification, production approval and continued airworthiness of aircraft — impacting nearly 7,300 commercial airlines and air operators. Through his leadership, he transformed the aviation safety organization, implementing International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification, enhancing customer service and championing voluntary safety programs. Sabatini’s focus on creating a seamless, integrated approach to aviation safety benefited the entire aviation community.

Sabatini earned type ratings in the Cessna Citation CE-500, Douglas DC-9, Embraer EMB 110 and Bell 206. He logged more than 7,000 flight hours during his aviation career and was a certified flight instructor (CFI) in both fixed-wing and rotarywing aircraft.

Even after retirement, Sabatini 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.

In 2018, Sabatini 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. His collaborative approach to addressing critical safety issues earned him recognition andawards, including nominations for the Aviation Week & SpaceTechnology Laureate Award and the International Air Transport Association's "Nuts and Bolts" award.

Nicholas “Nick” Sabatini, passed away Nov. 26, 2024, at the age of 88, leaving a profound legacy within the aviation community.

Society Updates: In Memoriam, Vertiflite, January/February 2025