Anne Bridge Baddour to be Awarded the 2018 Katharine Wright Trophy
On August 9th, NAA announced that Anne Bridge Baddour had been selected as the recipient of the 2018 Katharine Wright Trophy. The trophy was established in 1981 and is awarded annually to an individual who “…has contributed to the success of others or made a personal contribution to the advancement of the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight over an extended period of time.”
Baddour is being recognized for “… her lifelong personal commitment to the advancement of all who pursue aviation careers and her tireless efforts in educating the aviation community and general public.”
F or the past 64 years, Baddour has dedicated herself to aviation. She has experience as a pilot in 42 types of aircraft and for 20 years, worked as a research pilot for Lincoln Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology – the first female pilot employed by the Lab. She was assigned to programs for the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration, including work as an early tester of the Global Positioning System (GPS). Baddour has competed in 16 air races, beginning in 1954, and set 27 world speed records between 1985 and 1991.
She has served as an active leader and helped to establish scholarship programs at variety of aviation organizations, including the Society of Experimental Test Pilots, the Aero Club of New England, the Ninety-Nines, the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, and Daniel Webster College. Throughout her work with these organizations, Baddour has stood behind countless individuals, helping them to achieve their career goals by leading them through inspiration, scholarship, and guidance.
“I think Katharine Wright, and indeed all members of the Wright family, would be delighted by the selection of Anne Bridge Baddour to receive this award,” stated Greg Principato, President and CEO, NAA. “The essence of this award is not only great achievement in one’s own right, but recognition of the extra effort it takes to make all around you better each day. Anne exemplifies what this award means.”
“I want to thank the National Aeronautic Association for selecting me to receive this prestigious national award. I am truly honored,” said Baddour. “We must do all we can to assist those who follow us to achieve their aviation ambitions.”
The Katharine Wright Trophy will be presented at the NAA Fall Awards Ceremony at a date and location to be determined.
