The Ultimate Arbiter of Aerospace Excellence

As the official and definitive validation authority for the United States, the National Aeronautic Association stands as the central pillar of American aerospace achievement. Beyond our mandate to certify and preserve historic records of flight, the NAA administers the nation’s most comprehensive and prestigious portfolio of aviation and space awards.

Our trophies and recognitions define the absolute zenith of human capability and technical innovation. From monumental engineering breakthroughs and unmatched military valor to profound humanitarian service and next-generation educational leadership, the NAA formally documents, honors, and enshrines the milestones that define the trajectory of flight.

The Portfolio of Honors

The Legacy Trophies

These pinnacle awards represent the highest honors in global aerospace, recognizing technical breakthroughs and lifetime contributions of monumental, enduring value.

• The Robert J. Collier Trophy* – Awarded annually for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, focusing on performance, efficiency, and safety thoroughly demonstrated by actual use in the preceding calendar year.

• The Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy* – Awarded to a living American for significant public service of enduring value to aviation over a lifetime of career achievement.

• The Frank G. Brewer Trophy* – The nation’s premier honor for aerospace education, recognizing individuals or organizations that have made monumental contributions to developing the next generation of aerospace talent.

*Permanently housed and displayed at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Service, Statesmanship, and Humanity

These honors recognize leaders, visionaries, and organizations utilizing aerospace as a powerful force for policy leadership, strategic advancement, and humanitarian good.

• The Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesman & Stateswoman of Aviation Award – Recognizes Americans who have made significant, high-stature contributions to aeronautics over a multi-decade career, reflecting immense credit upon the nation.

• The Bruce Whitman Trophy – Awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to aviation while actively working with cultural institutions to preserve and promote the legacy and sacrifices of aerospace pioneers.

• The Public Benefit Flying Awards – Presented in formal partnership with the Air Care Alliance, these honors recognize volunteer pilots and charitable organizations executing critical medical, environmental, or disaster-relief flight missions.

Technical Achievement and Valor

These specialized categories honor extraordinary acts of bravery, operational leadership, and champions of diversity within dedicated flight disciplines.

• The Mackay Trophy* – Jointly administered by the United States Air Force and the NAA, this historic trophy recognizes the most meritorious flight of the year executed by Air Force personnel.

• The Katherine & Marjorie Stinson Trophy – Recognizes a living person for an outstanding, enduring contribution to the role, advancement, and empowerment of women in aviation, space, and related sciences.

• The Clifford W. Henderson Trophy – Awarded to a living individual or group whose strategic vision and executive leadership have significantly advanced the promotion and public appreciation of aviation or space activity.

*Permanently housed and displayed at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Global Recognition & FAI Medals

As the exclusive National Air Sport Control (NAC) representing the United States on the global stage, the NAA holds the distinct privilege of nominating exceptional Americans for the highest international medals awarded by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI):

• The FAI Gold Air Medal – Awarded to individuals who have contributed fundamentally to the international development of aeronautics through activity, work, or significant devotion to the field.

• The FAI Gold Space Medal – The international zenith of space flight recognition, awarded to astronauts who have made outstanding contributions to the exploration of space.

• The Sabiha Gökçen Medal – Awarded to recognize the year’s most outstanding, high-performance female achievement in any competitive air sport discipline.