News

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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June 17, 2024

Ben Baldanza Selected to Receive the 2024 Wright Trophy

Aviation leader recognized for making flight accessible to millions FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE National Aeronautic Association Contact: Amy Spowart [email protected] Washington, D.C., June 17, 2024 —The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is pleased to announce that Ben Baldanza is the recipient of the 2024 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy. Baldanza, who has nearly four decades of experience in the airline industry, is considered a leading visionary for introducing the ultra-low-cost model to the United States, which expanded air travel access to millions of Americans. In 1986, Baldanza began his career at American Airlines and helped to develop the first hub-and-spoke and frequent flier...

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June 17, 2024

The National Aeronautic Association Recognizes Lockheed Martin with Prestigious Collier Trophy

The Collier Trophy celebrates the greatest American achievements in aeronautics and astronautics. Washington, D.C., June 17, 2024 —The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) honored Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] with the prestigious 2023 Robert J. Collier Trophy on June 13 in Washington, D.C. for the team’s work on NASA’s OSIRIS-REx sample return mission. The OSIRIS-Rex team includes Lockheed Martin, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Johnson Space Center, the University of Arizona, and KinetX, among many others. The highest honor in aviation and aerospace, the Collier Trophy is awarded by the NAA each year for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in...

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May 14, 2024

Irene Trowell-Harris to Receive Stinson Trophy

History-making Trailblazer Earns NAA Recognition for Enduring Impact on Aviation. Washington, D.C., May 14, 2024—The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) proudly announces that Major General Irene Trowell-Harris, USAF (Ret), is the 2023 Katherine and Marjorie Stinson Trophy recipient. Trowell-Harris was selected for a career distinguished by groundbreaking achievements and lasting impact on aviation. Established in 1997, the Stinson Trophy stands as a beacon of honor, celebrating the achievements of legendary aviation pioneers Katherine and Marjorie Stinson. The Stinson’s, two of the first American women to earn pilot’s licenses, revolutionized aviation in 1915 by opening the Stinson School of Flying, the first...

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