2021
No trophy awarded.
2020
No trophy awarded.
Harmon Aeronaut Trophy
Nomination Period: April 15, 2024 – July 15, 2024 for the (performance) year of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
About the Trophy:
In 1926, Colonel Clifford B. Harmon, an early balloonist, and aviator established international trophies to be awarded annually to the world’s outstanding aviator, aeronaut (balloon or dirigible) and astronaut.
Today, the NAA continues to uphold the tradition by giving out the aeronaut (ballooning) trophy, awarded for the most outstanding international achievement in the art and/or science of aeronautics (ballooning) for the previous year.
Nomination Guidelines for the Harmon Trophy:
Please use the following guidelines when submitting a nomination for NAA’s Harmon Aeronaut Trophy. Nominations that do not fall within the specifications listed below may not be considered during the selection process.
Criteria:
The Harmon Aeronaut Trophy for the most outstanding international achievement in the art/or science of aeronautics (ballooning) for the period covering July 1 through June 30, with the art of flying receiving first consideration.
Nomination Format:
The nomination must be submitted in PDF format. The nomination is limited to three (3) pages, not including the citation; page layout, size, and type of font may be of the writer’s choosing. Attachments, reprints of articles, etc., will not be considered unless incorporated into and made part of the three pages. The citation may be placed on a separate page. The nomination should contain the name of the person making the nomination, including address, telephone number, and e-mail address. The nominee(s) are to be fully identified, along with mailing, telephone, and e-mail addresses. All nomination materials will become the property of NAA.
The body of the nomination should include information justifying why the nominee is worthy of this award; give complete and concise details with such background information as considered pertinent, along with any other relevant information that would assist the Selection Committee in determining the worthiness of the nominee with particular attention to the “Criteria” above.
Citation:
A formal statement in 30 words or less that captures the essence of the achievement for which the nominee’s name has been submitted.
Submitting a Nomination:
All nominations must be received at the NAA’s office between April 15 and July 15 (if July 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the NEXT business day); nominations received after the deadline will not be accepted. Nominations, in PDF format, should be emailed to [email protected] with the “Harmon Nomination” in the subject line.
Presentation:
The award is presented at an appropriate ceremony as determined by the President of the National Aeronautic Association.
For additional information, e-mail us at [email protected].
2019
No trophy awarded.
2018 – Nicolas Tièche and Laurent Sciboz (Fribourg Freiburg Challenge Team)
For their impressive achievement during the Americas Challenge 2017, where they piloted a gas balloon 2,280 miles from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to just outside Labrador City, Newfoundland in 59 hours and 19 minutes.
2017
No trophy awarded.
2015 – Troy Bradley & Leonid Tiukhtyeav (Two Eagles Balloon Fight)
For the World Record distance and duration flight of the Two Eagles gas balloon across the Pacific Ocean from Saga, Japan to Baja California, Mexico
2014
No trophy awarded.
2013
No trophy awarded.
2012
No trophy awarded.
2011 – John Petrehn
For the most outstanding international achievement in the art and/or science of aeronautics (ballooning) for the previous year.
2010
No trophy awarded.
2009
No trophy awarded.
2008
No trophy awarded.
2007 – David Hampleman-Adams
For setting a new World Record in the AX-5 Hote Air Balloon reaching a height of 32,480 feet or 9900 meters launching at Red Deer, Albert Canada on January 14, 2007.
2006
No trophy awarded.
2005 – Richard Abruzzo & Carol Rymer Davis
For achieving an 1802 km flight over Europe winning the 48th Coupe Aeronautique Gordon Bennett, the oldest aviation competition in the world.
2004 – David Hampleman-Adams
For his exceptional skills and courage as a balloon pilot that helped him overcome the mental and physical challenges of a solo trans-Atlantic balloon flight in a wicker basket gondola from New Brunswick, Canada to Blackpool, England. September 26, 2003 through September 29, 2003.
2003 – Richard Abruzzo
For exceptional planning and piloting skills during a solo non-stop transcontinental balloon flight from San Diego, California, to Waverly, Georgia, setting a U.S. national and FAI world distance record of 2,074 miles. AA-6 category Gas Balloons February 2 thru February 5, 2003.
2002 – J. Stephen Fossett
Pilot of the Spirit of Freedom, for the most outstanding international ballooning achievement in the year 2002 by being the first person to circumnavigate the earth solo in a balloon.
2001 – Richard Abruzzo
For demonstrating Outstanding Ability, Physical Endurance, and Mental Strength as the Solo Pilot of a Gas Balloon Flight Between Albuquerque, NM, and Crawfordville, GA, Setting a New World Record for Endurance in Class AA-6 Balloons of 80 Hours and 18 Minutes.
2000 – David Hampleman-Adams
For the first solo flight in a Roziere balloon, the Britannic Challenger, from Spitsbergen, Norway to the North Pole and return, May 28th through June 3rd, 2000.
1999 – Breitlinger Orbit Team
1998 – J. Stephen Fossett
Contact Us
National Aeronautic Association
Reagan Washington National Airport
Hangar 7, Suite 226
Washington DC 20001-6015
Phone: (703) 416-4888
