The NAA’s Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy

2025 – Joan Sullivan Garrett

For visionary leadership and dedication that have enhanced aviation safety for over four decades, permanently raising industry standards and saving countless lives. View Press Release

2024 – Ben Baldanza

For his 38 years of dedicated service to the U.S. airline industry and his visionary leadership in introducing the ultra-low-cost model to the United States, which has expanded access to air travel to tens-of-millions of Americans. View Press Release

2023 – Captain Robert “Crip” Crippen

For his devotion to public service and the advancement of American aerospace; his achievements as an aviator, astronaut, and leader; and his selfless dedication to the future of humankind. View Press Release

2022 – Colonel Eileen Collins

For her perseverance in the advancement of aviation and aerospace as a teacher, astronaut, and leader, and for serving as an inspiration for all those seeking to break barriers in their field. View Press Release

2021

No Trophy Awarded

2020 – Major General Charles Bolden

For his impassioned commitment to public service in aviation and aerospace as an aviator, astronaut, and leader and his dedication to excellence for the advancement of all humanity.

2019 – Michael Collins

For his lifelong dedication to aerospace and public service in the highest order, both as a pioneering astronaut and inspired director of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.

2018 – General Lloyd “Fig” Newton

For his extraordinary achievements as a history-making, military aviator and his continuing contributions to the advancement of aviation education and advocacy.

2017 – General J. R. “Jack” Dailey

For his courageous and dedicated service to the country and his commitment to sharing the history and technology of aviation and space flight with present and future generations.

2016 – Colleen Barrett

For dedicating nearly 50 years to aviation, including serving as President of Southwest Airlines, where she devoted herself to creating a unique, service-oriented corporate culture which made her one of the most successful leaders in U.S. airline history.

2015 – Burt Rutan

For his work as a world-renowned aerospace engineer noted for his originality in designing light, strong, and energy-efficient aircraft, including the record-breaking Voyager and Spaceship One.

2014 – Bob Hoover

For distinguished service as a military and test pilot, for advancing safety and precision in the art of flying, and for providing an unsurpassed, inspiring example to generations of pilots worldwide.

2013 – Marion Blakey

For her distinguished career as a dedicated public servant whose work in aerospace has enhanced the safety of the traveling public, advanced national security, supported our men and women in uniform, and strengthened the economy.

2012 – Robert J. Stevens

For his dedication, leadership, and major contributions to the security of the United States.

2011 – Lt General Thomas Stafford, USAF (IRET)

For pioneering achievements that led the way to the moon, to
greater international cooperation in Space, and to a safer America.

2010 – Harrison Ford

For his engaging our nation’s youth in aviation and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders, innovators and enthusiasts to secure a strong future for all of aviation.

2009 – Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy

For innovative aerospace business practices, improved aircraft design, piloting skills and selfless philanthropy ensuring preservation of our aerospace history.

2008 – Norman R. Augustine

For his legendary and inspirational aerospace leadership in both industry and government.

2007 – Captain Eugene Cernan, USN

For his extraordinary lifetime of achievement as an Astronaut, Naval Aviator, and Ambassador for Aerospace.

2006 – Norman Y. Mineta

For more than 40 years of dedicated, accomplished public service to the community, the nation, and the world, and a myriad of lasting accomplishments to the world of transportation and aviation.

2005 – Edward C. “Pete” Aldridge, Jr.

2004 – Robert L. Crandall

Crandall was a pioneer following government deregulation of the airlines, and he defined and shaped the industry as it exists today.

2003 – John Glenn

For his service as a military pilot, NASA astronaut and U.S. Senator from Ohio. Glenn led the United States’ efforts in exploring outer space, becoming the first American to orbit the Earth.

2002 – Paul H. Poberezney

For devoting his life to making aviation accessible to all Americans, improving aviation safety and promoting the entire aviation community while protecting our precious national aviation heritage.

2001 – Neil A. Armstrong

For a lifetime of public service as a Navy pilot, a civilian test pilot, a NASA Astronaut commanding Gemini 8 and Apollo 11, the first person to step on the Moon, an engineer, an educator and a business leader.

2000 – Herbert D. Kelleher

For building Southwest Airlines’ revolutionary and successful model for low fares, innovative customer service and employee recognition; a model emulated throughout the world. Commercial aviation will forever be enriched.

1999 – Delford M. Smith

For exceptional achievements in creation of worldwide aviation enterprises, lifelong commitment to national security and humanitarian concerns, highest integrity and leadership standards, and preservation of aviation history for future generations.

1998 – Edward W. Stimpson

For uniquely effective leadership in the field of general aviation, dedicated public service, and active involvement in creating career opportunities for young men and women.

1997 – Charles H. Kaman

For more than 50 years of contributions to the development of rotary-wing aviation, and a lifetime of service to his country as an engineer, entrepreneur, visionary, and humanitarian.

1996 – Frederick W. Smith

For his unique and lasting contributions to aviation and public service worldwide and his leadership, moral values, and pioneering spirit which represent in the best sense the traditions of the Wright brothers.

1995 – Russell W. Meyer, Jr.

For leadership in the revitalization of general aviation, effective public service, and active involvement in the creation and support of innovative aviation-related programs and opportunities for the disadvantaged and disabled.

1994 – A. L. Uetschi

For advancement of worldwide aviation safety through sophisticated training methods, and use of aviation to deliver state-of-the-art health care to people otherwise deprived of such high quality medical service.

1993 – Gerhard Neumann

For extraordinary achievement, creative effort, and inspired leadership in the design and development of aircraft engines and their applications for tens of thousands of commercial and military aircraft in worldwide use.

1992 – Senator Jake Garn

In recognition of a lifetime of public service in government and active participation in all segments of U.S. aviation, as a military and civilian pilot, astronaut, and as one of the U.S. Senate’s most effective aerospace spokesmen and legislators.

1991 – Benjamin A. Cosgrove

For a lifetime contribution to commercial aviation safety and to the technology development of four generations of Boeing commercial jet transport aircraft.

1990 – Edwin I. Colodny

For a lifetime of meritorious service to air transportation as an airline executive and public servant.

1989 – Thomas V. Jones

For his achievements, over a period of 47 years, in guiding the development of advanced aircraft, electronic systems, and manufacturing technologies. Visionary, bold designer, planner, engineer, and manger, he has significantly enhanced the defense and air transportation capacity of the United States.

1988 – Dr. Sam B. Williams

For significant and enduring contributions to aviation and national defense over a period of 35 years. His invention and production of small, lightweight gas-turbine engines, and his leadership in the introduction and processing of new technology and new materials have provided major impetus to U.S. aviation progress.

1987 – Allen E. Paulson

For his outstanding and enduring contributions to aviation as a pilot, designer, entrepreneur, industry leader, and employer throughout a career spanning over 40 years.

1986 – Joseph F. Sutter

In recognition of a career in aviation, spanning more than four decades, during which his technical leadership and management skills were instrumental in the development of three generations of advanced transports which contributed significantly to U.S. preeminence in civil aeronautics.

1985 – Harry Combs

For over half a century of significant and enduring contributions to aviation as a pilot, an industrial leader, an author, and an advisor to government.

1984 – David S. Lewis

For his lifetime contributions to military aviation and national defense, and his untiring efforts in the design, development, and production of superior combat aircraft.

1983 – Jogn Leland Atwood

In recognition of his leadership in the development of air and space vehicles, spanning more than five decades, and his significant contributions in the public interest to the art of management in American industry.

1982 – Willis M. Hawkins

For his vision, imagination, and dedication in more than 40 years of public service to aviation through technical innovations and management leadership in the design, development, and production of military and commercial aircraft, space vehicles, and advanced missilery.

1981 – Dwane L. Wallace

Former chairman and CEO of Cessna Aircraft, for significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States.

1980 – Olive Ann Beech

Chairman of the Board of Beech Aircraft Corporation, for five decades of outstanding leadership in the development of general aviation.

1979 – T. A. Wilson

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Boeing Company. For distinguished and enduring contributions to the growth of American aviation as an essential element of national security and economic growth.

1978 – Senator Jennings Randolph

For his distinguished support of aviation in the U.S. by successful initiation and advocacy of major aviation legislation over more than three decades of service in Congress, and as an airline executive.

1977 – Ira C. Eaker

For 60 years of significant public service: as pioneer flyer, military leader, industry executive, and as a persuasive interpreter of aviation to the American people through the written and spoken word.

1976 – William Allan Patterson

For his contributions to the development of safe and efficient air transportation over the past half century.

1975 – Clarance L. (Kelly) Johnson

For his vital and enduring contributions over a period of 40 years to the design and development of military and commercial aircraft.

1974 – Dr. Richard T. Whitcomb

For his innovative research through the years which has led to major advancements in high speed flight and continued technological leadership of U.S. aviation.

1973 – Senator Barry M. Goldwater

For his leadership and inspiration to all elements of aviation in the United States, both military and civilian, and for serving as an articulate spokesman for American aviation and space in the Congress and throughout the world.

1972 – John H. Shaffer

In recognition of his outstanding leadership of the worldwide operations of the Federal Aviation Administration, which has greatly enhanced all aspects of U.S. aviation to the benefit and safety of the general public and of all who fly.

1971 – Senator Howard W. Cannon

For his continuing energetic advocacy of, and lasting contributions to, the development and use of aviation, both as a viable national transportation system and as an essential element in maintaining a strong military posture.

1970 – C. R. Smith

For significant public service of enduring value in development of military and civil air transportation and for his contributions as a dynamic leader and articulate spokesman for U.S. aviation progress.

1969 – William M. Allen

For significant public service in the development of commercial airlines, civil and military aircraft, and for outstanding leadership and foresight in establishment of policies and programs which have made possible United States’ preeminence in today’s dynamic aviation environment.

1968 – Senator Warren G. Magnuson

For more than two decades of dynamic leadership in developing national and international policy that has assured United States’ preeminence in aeronautics throughout the world and has contributed immeasurably to the health and vitality of America’s economic structure.

1967 – Dr. Igor I. Sikorsky

For public service of significant and enduring value to aviation through the design and production of the world’s first practical helicopter, the conception and construction of the first successful multi-engined aircraft, and the design and production of a series of amphibian aircraft that pioneered transoceanic air transportation.

1966 – Juan Terry Trippe

For significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States. Through his vision and practicality, he has played a unique role in helping to revolutionize air travel and promote international commerce and goodwill. More than any other man, he pushed the U.S. into international air transportation, where it is now the model for progress, efficiency and safety. Through his 40 years of leadership, he has pioneered flight technology and accelerated the development of new aircraft, from the famous China Clippers of the Pacific routes to the supersonic jets of tomorrow.

1965 – Jerome Lederer

Aviation’s extraordinary safety record to a significant degree is a result of his tireless and devoted efforts. For 35 years, he has worked unceasingly to improve all elements of the flight safety spectrum and concentrated on making compatible the primary elements of flight, the man, the machine, and the ground environment, to ensure maximum safety. In accomplishing this objective, he has taken the leadership in correlating, coordinating, and improving the flight safety activities of the many varied organizations and agencies comprising world aviation. For these selfless and inspired contributions, he has received virtually every national and international safety award.

1964 – Harry F. Guggenheim

For almost half a century, he has devoted a very considerable part of his time to advancing the science and practice of flight. The Daniel Guggenheim Fund for the Promotion of Aeronautics, which he administered, sponsored schools of aeronautics at New York University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, Georgia School of Technology, and others. The Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Foundation, through his personal leadership, sponsored and supported jet propulsion centers at California Institute of Technology and Princeton, and for more than a decade, was the sole financial supporter of Professor Robert H. Goddard, father of modern rocketry.

1963 – Donald W. Douglas, Sr.

For his many services to the nation and contributions to the advancement of aviation as a public servant. Probably best known for his role as the “father” of the famous DC-3 transport, the plane which ushered in a new era of air travel comfort and convenience during the mid-1930s, carried the logistics of global war during World War II and, today, still serves as a feeder airline and business aircraft.

1962 – Jogn Stack

For his outstanding career and reputation for spearheading advancement into the supersonic flight regimes.

1961 – A. S. Mike Monroney

For more than three decades of public service dedicated to the advancement, safety, and equitable regulation of aviation in this country, first as a member of the House of Representatives, then as a member of the United States Senate. Some examples of his aviation leadership are: his continuous emphasis on air safety, his pressure for further advancement in the art of air navigation and traffic control, his leadership in the fields of air cargo development, and the foresight that has put him in the vanguard of airport development throughout the country for over a decade.

1960 – Frederick C. Crawford

Nationally-known engineer and industrial leader who has served the United States government on many occasions and a number of years, he was a member of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (now known as NASA) and served as Chairman of NACA’s Committee on Power Plants for Aircraft. Currently, he is Chairman of the TRW Corporation which offers talented scientific services to the nation.

1959 – William P. Maccracken, Jr.

A pioneer in aviation legislation, he has been a driving influence in the evolution of the air and has, throughout his life, worked with great vision and ability in providing a sound legal foundation for the development of civil and commercial aviation in America. His long period of unselfish service is truly significant and of enduring value to aviation. His notable contributions fully qualify him for the award of the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy.

1958 – Dr. John Francis Victory

In the building of the organization (NACA) that was selected to be the nucleus of the new National Aeronautics and Space Administration, he has exerted a driving influence to advance the progress of aeronautics in America and to promote the public interest. This he has done quietly and effectively with, at times, extraordinary courage, vision, and ability. His long record of unselfish service as a civilian to aeronautics is indeed significant and is of enduring value to aviation.

1957 – Senator Stuart Symington

For significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States. Based upon his distinguished career of pubic service in the field of aviation, a career that began early in 1941. His belief in aviation, the energy and perseverance with which he has consistently fought for air power objectives, his high statesmanship, and his outstanding public service all combine to make him a most deserving recipient of the trophy.

1956 – Dr. Edward P. Warner

For continuous achievements over a broad range of aviation since 1917.

1955 – Dr. Hugh Dryden

For his pioneering work in the field of supersonic research. His studies of turbulence in wind tunnels and of the mechanics of air flow within the boundary layer made contributions of enduring value to aviation in the United States. He has had a distinguished career devoted entirely to the public service.

1954 – Dr. Theodore Von Karman

For laying the groundwork for the development of supersonic aircraft and guided missiles. No other man has had a greater influence on the development of high speed aircraft in the United States.

1953 – The Honorable Crl Hinshaw

For his service as a Member of the House of Representatives in fostering the sound and consistent growth of aviation in all its forms, so that it might become a deterrent to war and that it might increasingly become an important carrier of the people and the commerce of the world.

1952 – Lt Gen James Doolittle, USAF

For his service in a civilian capacity which contributed to the progress of American aviation, dating back to his 1924 graduation from M.I.T. with an aeronautical engineering degree. For development of fog-flying equipment and making the first successful flight, including takeoff and landing, while in a completely covered cockpit of an airplane. He organized AFA and was the first president of that organization.

1951 – Dr. Jerome C. Hunsaker

For his long career in public service in the field of aviation dating back to 1913. He established the first course of instruction for aeronautical engineers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and also designed and built a pioneer wind tunnel for educational and research purposes. He was a founder and first president of the Institute of the Aeronautical Sciences. He has been chairman of NACA continuously from 1941 to present.

1950 – Grover Leoning

Who, over a period of more than 40 years, has served aviation as a student, a pilot, an engineer, a manufacturer, an author, a consultant, and an advisor.

1949 – Charles A, Lindbergh

For his long and selfless career in aviation.

1948 – Dr. William F. Durand

Dean of American Aeronautical engineers who developed the basic theories for aircraft propeller design and primary force in the establishment of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.