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Ross Perot Jr Named Recipient of 2023 Whitman Trophy

September 19, 2023

Ross Perot Jr Named Recipient of 2023 Whitman Trophy

Record-setting aviator awarded for significant and impactful support of U.S. military service members. Washington, DC, September 18, 2023 – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is pleased to announce that Mr. Ross Perot, Jr. has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Bruce Whitman Memorial Trophy. Perot is being honored for his commitment to preserving, recognizing, and sharing the impact of America’s military heroes for the inspiration of aviators to come. A native of Dallas, graduate of Vanderbilt University, and former USAF Air Force fighter pilot, Perot is also the first person to circumnavigate the world in a helicopter. Not...

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Robert Crippen Selected to Receive the 2023 Wright Trophy

September 12, 2023

Robert Crippen Selected to Receive the 2023 Wright Trophy

Aviator and astronaut recognized for enduring public service and advancement of American aerospace. Washington, DC, – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is pleased to announce that Captain Robert “Crip” Crippen, USN, Ret., has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy. Crippen is being recognized 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. After completing a degree in aerospace engineering, Crippen joined the USN and was selected for the USAF Manned Orbiting Laboratory. In 1981,...

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Sisters of the Skies Named Recipient of 2023 Henderson Trophy

August 24, 2023

Sisters of the Skies Named Recipient of 2023 Henderson Trophy

Pioneering organization recognized for their support of future Black aviators. Washington, DC, August 23, 2023 – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is pleased to announce that Sisters of the Skies™ is chosen as the recipient of the 2023 Clifford Henderson Award. The Henderson Trophy, founded in 1960, is named after Clifford W. Henderson, an enthusiastic aviation proponent. The Trophy is awarded annually to a living individual, group of individuals, or an organization whose vision, leadership or skill made a significant and lasting contribution to the promotion and advancement of aviation and aerospace. Nominees are proposed by the NAA President and...

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Captain Julie Clark Named Recipient of 2023 Katharine Wright Trophy

August 16, 2023

Captain Julie Clark Named Recipient of 2023 Katharine Wright Trophy

Aerobatic Aviator recognized for inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in aviation. Washington, DC, August 16, 2023 – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and the Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots are pleased to announce that Julie Clark has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Katharine Wright Memorial Trophy. “The Katherine Wright Award means so much to me because I love to inspire and encourage young aviators,” said Clark. “I know that Katherine Wright was a true supporter of her famous brothers’ endeavors, and always put their activities ahead of her own. She was a real compassionate...

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Dr. Anita Sengupta Named Recipient of 2022 Stinson Trophy

May 10, 2023

Dr. Anita Sengupta Named Recipient of 2022 Stinson Trophy

CEO recognized for inspiring the next generation Washington, DC, May 10, 2023 – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is pleased to announce that Dr. Anita Sengupta is selected as the recipient of the 2022 Katherine and Marjorie Stinson Trophy. As shared in her nomination package, Dr. Sengupta is being honored in part “for two decades as an engineering innovator in the fields of space exploration and aviation, and for providing mentorship and aerospace education to women and underrepresented groups, inspiring them to reach for the stars.” “To receive the Stinson Trophy for my work in aerospace is an incredible honor,”...

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James Webb Space Telescope Team Earns the 2022 Robert J. Collier Trophy

April 5, 2023

James Webb Space Telescope Team Earns the 2022 Robert J. Collier Trophy

Aviations greatest award will be given to ground-breaking space observatory WASHINGTON, DC April 5, 2023—It is with great excitement that the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) shares that the James Webb Space Telescope Team has earned the 2022 Robert J. Collier Award. “The James Webb Space Telescope is one of the greatest achievements in aerospace history. In a matter of months, Webb has changed our understanding of the universe, and many more discoveries lie ahead,” said Kathy Warden, Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President at Northrop Grumman. “We dedicate the Collier Trophy to the Northrop Grumman employees and our industry partners...

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National Aeronautic Association Selects Amy Spowart as Present and CE0

March 22, 2023

National Aeronautic Association Selects Amy Spowart as Present and CE0

Spowart brings a record of achievement to the nation’s most historic aviation association WASHINGTON, DC March 22, 2023 — The Board of Directors of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Spowart as its new President and CEO. Spowart brings considerable association leadership experience and a track-record of developing proactive initiatives. “Amy comes to the NAA with a background of visionary leadership and the ability to cultivate and strengthen strategic alliances. We have no doubt she will take the NAA to a new level of national relevance,” said board chair Jim Albaugh. In her most...

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Greg Principato to retire from the National Aeronautic Association

March 8, 2023

Greg Principato to retire from the National Aeronautic Association

President and CEO leaves a solid foundation and legacy of public service WASHINGTON, DC, March 8, 2023 – Following a long career of public service, the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced today that President and CEO, Greg Principato, will retire from the association effective on September 15, 2023. Principato has served the NAA since 2016. “On behalf of the Board of Directors I want to thank Greg for all he has done for the NAA,” said Board Chair Jim Albaugh. “Greg not only successfully built a strong foundation for the NAA’s next chapter, he also provided impressive strategic leadership during...

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NAA Announces Postponement of Pulitzer Electric Aircraft Race

January 27, 2023

NAA Announces Postponement of Pulitzer Electric Aircraft Race

Washington, DC, January 27, 2023 – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced today that the Pulitzer Electric Aircraft Race is being postponed from May 2023 to a later date yet to be determined. The Pulitzer Electric Aircraft Race was introduced at the 15th Annual Electric Aircraft Symposium as a 1000 nautical mile cross-country air race for zero-emission electric propulsion aircraft of all types including fixed wing airplanes, rotorcraft and innovative multi-rotor aircraft designs emerging from the Advanced Air Mobility sector. The race is intended as a resumption of the Pulitzer air races first held by the NAA in the early...

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The National Aeronautic Association announces appointment of 9 new board members

December 19, 2022

The National Aeronautic Association announces appointment of 9 new board members

Washington, DC, December 19, 2022 – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is pleased to announce the addition of nine new board members to its Board of Directors: Ted Ellett, Jana Denning, Sierra Grimes, Nicole Alexander, Matt Byrd, Ben Kowalski, Martiqua Post, Stacey Rudser and Patty Wagstaff. Elected at the Board of Directors meeting Friday December 16, these individuals will begin serving in January 2023. Each member of the board brings unique experiences and expertise to the table further promoting the future of aeronautics. “The executive committee and I are proud to welcome nine new board members to elevate NAA to...

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