National Aeronautic Association Honors Aviation’s Finest at 2025 Fall Awards
WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 11, 2025 – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) celebrated excellence in aviation and aerospace at its 2025 Fall Awards presented by Howmet Aerospace on November 6, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The sold-out event brought together aviation leaders, pilots, and industry professionals to recognize outstanding achievements across humanitarian aviation, aerospace education, and military aviation excellence.
“The evening was a powerful display of energy and appreciation for the extraordinary people and organizations in our industry,” said Amy Spowart, President and CEO, NAA. “It was a celebration of excellence, honored by the attendance of illustrious guests including FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau and former NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, and supported by impactful associations like GAMA, NBAA, NATCA, Boeing, United Airlines, and Gulfstream.”
The evening featured the presentation of several prestigious awards, including:
· FAI Tissandier Diploma:
- Mark Burns, President and CEO, Gulfstream Aerospace.
· 2025 Bruce Whitman Trophy:
- William R. Harris, Jr., Executive Director, Army Aviation Association of America.
· 2025 Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen of Aviation:
- Lisa Anderson Spencer
- Nia Gilliam
- Rebecca Lutte
- Robert Sumwalt III
- Barbara Walters-Phillips
- Holly Woodruff Lyons
· 2024 Public Benefit Flying Awards:
- Daniel Cheung – Champion of Public Benefit Flying
· 2025 Public Benefit Flying Awards:
- Hogan Brian Brooks – Distinguished Volunteer Pilot
- Jeffrey Kahn – Outstanding Achievement in Public Benefit Flying
- Operation Helo – Outstanding Achievement in Public Benefit Flying
- Lifeline Pilots and Angel Flight East – Public Benefit Flying Teamwork Award
· 2024 Marjorie and Katherine Stinson Trophy:
- Technical Sergeant Jessica Grant, USAF
· 2024 Katharine Wright Trophy:
- Theresa Claibourne
· 2025 Katharine Wright Trophy:
- Kimberly Dell
· 2025 Frank G. Brewer Trophy:
- Doug Matthews
· 2025 Mackay Trophy:
- DUDE 61 Formation
· 2025 Pulitzer Trophy for the inaugural Pulitzer Electric Aircraft Race:
- Tyler Prather – Gold Medallion, Pulitzer Trophy
- Jakki Galella – Silver Medallion
- Henry Stanley – Bronze Medallion
The NAA also recognized Frank Culbertson, Commander STS-51 Discovery, and Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, Chief Test Pilot at Boom Supersonic.
“The 2025 Fall Awards brought together the very best of our aviation community,” said Jim Albaugh, Chair, NAA Board of Directors. “It was truly inspiring to honor individuals whose work spans from humanitarian missions to cutting-edge aerospace innovation. These award recipients embody the values that make aviation such a remarkable field—dedication, innovation, and a commitment to serving others.”
The NAA extends its gratitude to the event sponsors: Howmet Aerospace, Gulfstream Aerospace, The Boeing Company, Bill Harris, United Airlines, Robinson Helicopters, NATCA, Aviation Tax Consultants, Air Care Alliance, Boom Supersonic, Cargo Airline Association, GAMA, International Council of Airshows, RTX, and NAA Vice-Chair Sam Magill.
