Defining the Excellence That Powers the Next Century of Flight.

We Are The National Aeronautic Association

For more than a century, the National Aeronautic Association has stood at the forefront of American aerospace achievement. Today, we advance the art, sport, and science of flight, shaping the future of aerospace by inspiring next-generation innovation, validating historic records, and ensuring a vibrant future in which aviation and spaceflight thrive.

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The Authority in American Aerospace Achievement.

Founded in 1905, the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is the oldest national aviation organization in the United States. A non-profit institution and a founding member of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the NAA advances the art, sport, and science of aerospace. As the official custodian of United States flight records, the NAA validates milestones across air sports, general aviation, business aviation, commercial aviation, and space exploration that power the next century of flight.

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Fuel the Next Century of Flight.

The National Aeronautic Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art, sport, and science of aerospace. While membership, event attendance, and award nominations drive our vibrant community forward, philanthropic support is vital to scaling our mission.

Your tax-deductible donation directly empowers the NAA to inspire next-generation innovation, validate historic record-breaking achievements, and preserve the legacy of American aerospace excellence. Partner with us today to shape what is possible tomorrow.

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Be Part of the Legacy. Power the Future.

From the Wright brothers to the next generation of autonomous and commercial spaceflight, the National Aeronautic Association has stood at the center of American aerospace achievement. Membership is your invitation to join this proud legacy.

As a member, you become a vital stakeholder in our mission to advance the art, sport, and science of flight. Join a community dedicated to inspiring next-generation innovation, honoring historic milestones, and defining the excellence that powers our next century in the skies.

Governing the Pinnacle of American Air Sports The National Network of Precision, Skill, and Innovation

As the official United States representative to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the NAA proudly serves as the governing authority for nearly half a million air sports competitors, enthusiasts, hobbyists and innovators nationwide.

Through our member Air Sport Organizations (ASOs), we sanction, regulate, and validate the full spectrum of competitive flight from the precision of aerobatics, aeromodeling, and gliding to the thrilling boundaries of ballooning, paragliding, and parachuting.

Together, we champion the elite disciplines that push the limits of human and technical capability in the skies.

10

Disciplines

500K+

Members Nationally

48

U.S. States

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Recent News Stay Up to Date.

October 15, 2026

Artemis II Astronauts Receive their Official FAI World Record Certificates in Houston

The four Artemis II mission astronauts – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen and Christina Koch – each received official FAI World Record certificates for their achievements on 30 September 2026 at a public event in Houston, USA. The framed certificates describe the FAI Astronautic World Records attained by the crew during the mission in April 2026 to the far side of the Moon, in which they voyaged further into space than humans have ever previously traveled: FAI Astronautic Record for Altitude above the Earth while in Earth orbit: On 2 April 2026, the Artemis II crew reached 70 149...

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September 1, 2026

The National Aeronautic Association Announces 2026 Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen of Aviation

WASHINGTON, September 1, 2026 —The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced today the 2026 class of Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen of Aviation. Established in 1954, this prestigious honor recognizes outstanding Americans who, through their dedicated efforts over many years, have made enduring contributions to aeronautics and spaceflight. “The Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen of Aviation recognition reflects a lifetime of leadership, passion, and dedicated service to our nation’s aerospace community,” said Amy Spowart, President and CEO, NAA. “Each member of this elite class has left an indelible mark on aviation, whether through safety advocacy, world-record achievements, workforce protection, or sport development. Their...

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August 20, 2026

The National Aeronautic Association Announces 2026 Humanitarian Awardees

Recipients recognized for extraordinary dedication and contributions to public benefit flying. WASHINGTON, August 20, 2026 —The National Aeronautic Association announced the recipients of the 2026 Public Benefit Flying Awards. In collaboration with the Air Care Alliance, a nationwide network of flying organizations, these awards honor the significant contributions of volunteer pilots, non-pilot volunteers, and organizations leveraging general aviation for humanitarian service. “Combining a love of flying and selfless devotion to humankind, pilots and other volunteers involved in Public Benefit Flying make a profound and significant impact on communities and individuals in need,” said Amy Spowart, President and CEO, NAA. “This...

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August 13, 2026

National Center for Aviation Training to Receive the 2026 Frank G. Brewer Trophy

WASHINGTON, August 13, 2026— The National Aeronautic Association announced today that the National Center for Aviation Training, the main campus of Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, is selected as the recipient of the 2026 Frank G. Brewer Trophy. The Brewer Trophy, established in 1943, is awarded annually for significant contributions of enduring value to aerospace education in the United States. The National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) at Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) is selected for its exceptional track record in establishing scalable, industry-aligned career pathways, training thousands of aerospace...

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