News

January 21, 2025

SpaceX Polaris Dawn Mission Recognized for Record-Breaking Flight

Historic firsts include the farthest women have flown from Earth and the first commercial spacewalk Washington, D.C. – Jan. 22, 2025 – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced that the SpaceX Polaris Dawn Mission set the latest NAA space record during their 5-day mission in orbit. Among them, the crew reached an apogee of 875 miles, which set a national record* for Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon as the farthest any women have flown from Earth. As the official custodian of aviation and aerospace records in the United States, the NAA certifies all new U.S. records. The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale...

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December 18, 2024

National Aeronautic Association Announces New Members of its Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dec. 18, 2024 – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA), the oldest aviation organization in the United States, today announced its 2025 Board of Directors, which comprises a diverse mix of global industry leaders with deep experience in the aviation ecosystem. The new Board members will leverage their expertise to help the NAA enhance its value to members and find new ways of helping to chart the future flight path of aviation and space flight. “It’s an honor to welcome these dynamic leaders to NAA’s board, and we look forward to their contributions as we continue to support aviation’s...

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October 25, 2024

The National Aeronautic Association Announces Recipients of 2024 Public Benefit Flying Awards

2024 recipients recognized for outstanding dedication and contribution to public benefit flying Washington D.C. – October 25, 2024- The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced today the 2024 Public Benefit Flying Awards recipients. Created in partnership with the Air Care Alliance (ACA), a nationwide league of humanitarian flying organizations, the NAA’s Public Benefit Flying Awards recognizes individual volunteers and volunteer organizations who utilize aviation for humanitarian actions. Combining a love of flying and selfless devotion to humankind, pilots and other volunteers involved in Public Benefit Flying make a meaningful impact on communities and individuals in need. This altruistic form of aviation...

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October 10, 2024

Aviation Education Pioneer to Receive National Recognition

Glendon Fraser Recognized for Dedication to Youth Programming and Outreach Washington, D.C. – October 10, 2024 – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced that Glendon Fraser is the 2024 Frank G. Brewer Trophy recipient. The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced today that it is awarding the 2024 Frank G. Brewer Trophy to Lt. Col. Glendon Fraser, U.S.A.F. (ret.), Senior Airline Captain, aviation program pioneer, aerospace educator, and non-profit board member. Established in 1943, the Frank G. Brewer Trophy is awarded annually to an individual, a group of individuals, or an organization for significant contributions of enduring value to aerospace education...

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October 3, 2024

CSAF Names The Most Meritorious Flight of 2023

Pedro 11 Crews to Receive the NAA’s Mackay Trophy for Life-Saving Mission Washington, D.C. – October 3, 2024 – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced that Pedro 11 Flight from the 38th and 41st Rescue Squadron are the recipients of the 2023 Mackay Trophy. Clarence H. Mackay commissioned the Mackay Army Aviation Cup in 1911 to recognize the “most meritorious flight” of the year in military aviation. The achievements inscribed on the trophy’s mahogany base symbolize the growth of American military aviation from its beginnings to the present day. Today, the U.S. Air Force and the NAA continue to present...

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September 24, 2024

NAA Announces 2024 Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen of Aviation

Awardees to include astronaut, labor leader and Vietnam combat pilot Washington, D.C., September 24, 2024 – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced today the recipients of the 2024 Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen of Aviation Award, a diverse group whose backgrounds include air racing, air traffic control and Army Special Operations missions. One of the highest honors given in U.S. aerospace, the Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen Award has been presented annually since 1954 by the NAA to Americans who have made significant contributions to aviation for at least two decades “while exhibiting patriotism, integrity, and moral courage worthy...

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September 4, 2024

NAA to Recognize Aviation’s Most Talented and Accomplished People

The 2024 Fall Awards Highlight the Stars of Aeronautics WASHINGTON, D.C. -September 4, 2024- The National Aeronautic Association (NAA), America’s oldest national aviation organization, has announced that its Fall Awards event will be held on November 6th, 2024. The awardees, who span the entirety of the aerospace industry, represent military aviation, business leaders, general and business aviation, humanitarianism, and air sports. “Our 2024 recognition event will celebrate aviation excellence and achievement,” said Amy Spowart, NAA President and CEO. “These individuals highlight the innovative spirit of aviation, individual courage, and extraordinary selflessness. Their impact leaves a legacy that inspires and shapes the...

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August 15, 2024

Theresa Claiborne Selected as the NAA’s 2024 Katharine Wright Trophy Recipient

Trailblazer is recognized for historic impact and inspirational legacy Washington, D.C. August 15, 2024-The National Aeronautic Association is thrilled to announce that Theresa Claiborne is the 2024 Katharine Wright Trophy recipient. “Theresa is a courageous role model who overcame racial and gender barriers to start her career as the first black woman qualified as a Air Force pilot, KC-135 pilot, and Air Force flight instructor. She recently ended her commercial flying career with over 23,000 flight hours as one of the first black women commercial airline Captains,” said Amy Spowart, NAA President and CEO. “Theresa’s very essence motivates and inspires...

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July 3, 2024

Art Greenfield Elevated to Senior Vice President, Contest & Records

Dedicated aviation professional recognized for unwavering commitment to aeronautics Washington, D.C., July 3, 2024 – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is thrilled to announce the promotion of  Art Greenfield to Senior Vice President, Contest & Records. Greenfield, a leading voice at the NAA for over 30 years, is recognized for his exceptional leadership and influence in the international air sports community. His service to the United States National Air Sports Control and the entire international air sports community, marked by his exceptional management and recording of aviation records, earned him the prestigious Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) Silver Medal in 2012. “Understanding and applying...

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June 20, 2024

Aerospace Education Leader Joins the Oldest National Aviation Organization

Cosmosphere, Representing the Best in Education, Heritage, and Learning, Becomes the NAA’s First Institutional Member Washington, D.C., June 20, 2024 —The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is honored to announce that the Cosmosphere, a world-class aerospace educational resource, is the NAA’s first Institutional Member. This partnership strengthens the NAA’s mission and works to enhance the Cosmosphere’s educational resources and industry connections. “The NAA is the oldest national aviation organization in the US, with a mission of advancing the art, sport, and science of aviation and spaceflight,” said Cosmosphere President and CEO Jim Remar. “Given the Cosmosphere’s mission of inspiring the future through...

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