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Advancing the art, sport, and science of aviation since 1905 | |
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO | |
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Members and Friends,
It has been a remarkable year at the NAA. Transitioning from one CEO to another, hosting the FAI General Conference, and meeting with NAA members individually have been professional highlights since assuming this role in September.
Personally, I am empowered and invigorated by the NAA Leadership. Being part of a supportive Board representing all of aviation feels incredible. Our Board of Directors has varied backgrounds and experiences that truly symbolize the future of our industry. I applaud my predecessor, Greg Principato, for working hard to build a team unlike any other.
The next big thing for the NAA is that 2024 will be the Year of the Member. We will work with committees to review and ensure all aerospace sectors have a home at the NAA. As the oldest national aviation organization in the U.S., remaining relevant and impactful for our membership is imperative. We value our corporate, individual, Air Sports, Aero Club, and affiliate members and want to ensure they feel valued by the NAA.
If you are a member and have advice for us, please feel free to contact me directly.
The NAA is proud to be the leader in recognizing and driving excellence in the future of aerospace. Therefore, we appreciate that it's vital for us to find our role in the sustainability of aviation. Our Sustainability Advisory Committee comprises representatives from the best in business and general aviation, thought leaders, and key stakeholders, and they are ready to help guide the NAA to understand how we can support the industry's future. I cannot wait to share their strategy for the NAA with you soon.
Finally, a private donor has offered to match donations and new memberships up to $50,000 as their end-of-year gift. Because of the generosity of our members, we can continue to drive excellence with recognition through awards such as the Collier, Mackay, Brewer, and the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophies, sanction and bestow authority to Americans representing the best in International Air Sports and promote and foster an appreciation for the art of flying and strengthen the aerospace business. Please consider making a year-end gift to the NAA, joining the NAA, or gifting a membership to the NAA.
Thank you in advance for your consideration and support!
With warmest wishes for a fantastic 2024,
Amy
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Why Donate to the NAA?
We oversee the advancement of the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight by fostering opportunities to participate in aviation activities and promote public understanding of the importance of aerospace in the U.S.
Donating to the NAA means you support where aviation has been and believe in driving its future.
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Why Join the NAA?
We serve to develop opportunities to strengthen the mutual objectives of the NAA’s membership and recognize and reward those who make outstanding contributions to the advancement of aviation.
Joining the NAA means you align with our mission to encourage and promote aeronautics in all forms
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KRIS KRINGLE'S ORIGINAL PILOT LICENSE | |
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Did you know that the National Aeronautic Association was the first organization to issue pilot licenses in the USA? The first 5 sporting licenses were issued to Glenn Curtiss, Frank Lahm, Louis Paulham, Orville Wright, and Wilbur Wright.
Recently, we received a message from Kris Kringle letting us know that he received pilot license number 00. He plans to set an official record for most town-to-town flights in 24 hours, as well as an astronautic record for the International Space Station.
Are you planning a mythical or out-of-this-world record?
Then be sure to apply for your sporting license today!
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The National Aeronautic Association is excited to announce that Santa's attempt (should he succeed) be certified with an NAA Sustainable Wings designation for his use of
Sustainable Reindeer Fuel. Records attempted with Sustainable Aviation Fuel can be certified with the Sustainable Wings certification.
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NAA.AERO 2.0...launching this winter!
Our members have shared that our website needs to be faster in taking donations, accepting membership/renewals, and issuing sporting licenses.
We heard you, and we are taking action.
Watch for our news that the team at Made by JetPack has created and launched a brand new naa.aero experience!
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COLLIER NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN | |
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The Robert J. Collier Trophy is awarded annually with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year.
Santa wondered if his sleigh would qualify for this year's Collier Trophy. Completely home-built and environmentally friendly, this one-of-a-kind sleigh can reach up to 700 miles per second.
Want to take on Santa's sleigh? Then be sure to send in your nominations by January 31st. More information can be found here.
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Ross Perot, Jr. Receives the 2023 Bruce Whitman Trophy | |
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) proudly shares that Ross Perot, Jr. received the 2023 Bruce Whitman Memorial Trophy at the FAI Awards Dinner in Dayton, OH, on October 25, 2023.
Perot is recognized for his commitment to preserving, recognizing, and sharing the impact of America’s military heroes for the inspiration of aviators to come.
Perot served as Chair of the Air Force Memorial Foundation and led a 14-year effort to build the United States Air Force Memorial in Washington, DC. The enduring structure pays tribute to the men and women of the USAF and its predecessor organizations.
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Robert Crippen Receives 2023 Wright Brothers Trophy | |
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is pleased to share that Robert “Crip” Crippen received the 2023 Wright Brothers Trophy on December 15, 2023 at the Aero Club of Washington's Wright Memorial Dinner.
Crippen is 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.
Established by NAA in 1948 to honor the memory of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to a living American for significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States.
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JOIN US!
Sisters of the Skies to Receive the Henderson Trophy at Gala
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The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) will present the 2023 Henderson Trophy to the Sisters of the Skies™ at their Annual Scholarship Gala.
Registration for the event is open to the public. Click here to reserve your seats today!
Sisters of the Skies, Inc. is honored for their commitment to growing awareness of the opportunities in aviation and expanding the number of Black female pilots who are introduced, celebrated, and supported through their scholarship, mentorship, professional development, and outreach programs.
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.
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SAVE THE DATE! Julie Clark to Receive the
2023 Katharine Wright Trophy at the
WASP Reunion & Airshow
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Join us in Sweetwater, Texas, on April 26 and 27 at the WASP Homecoming and Airshow, where Julie Clark will receive the 2023 Katharine Wright Memorial Trophy.
Read the Full Release Here
The National WASP WWII Museum is dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of the Women Airforce Service Pilots and preserving the legacy of Avenger Field on which most of them trained.
The Katharine Wright Trophy is awarded annually in partnership with the Ninety-Nines, International Organization of Women Pilots to an individual who has contributed to the success of others or made a personal contribution to the advancement of the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight over an extended period.
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Mackay Trophy to be Presented to
Major Stephen Keck in January
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The Mackay Trophy will be presented to Major Stephen Keck, USAF, by the Chief of the Air Force, General David W. Allvin, in January at Nellis AFB.
The CSAF chose Major Keck to receive the prestigious recognition for his leadership and skill as an Airman. The CSAF said, “As Weapons Assistant Director of Operations and Evaluator Pilot, 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Undisclosed Location, Southwest Asia, 16 June 2022, Major Keck was the Defensive Counter-Air Team Lead, supporting a special operations team in contested enemy territory.”
Read the Full Release Here
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Cassandra Bosco announced as recipient of 2023 Brewer Trophy | |
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is pleased to announce that Cassandra Bosco has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Frank G. Brewer Trophy. Bosco is recognized for a lifetime of leadership and service as an effective advocate for shaping and cultivating the next generation through aviation education.
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 in the United States.
Read the Full Release Here
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The National Aeronautic Association Recognizes the Best in Humanitarian Flying | |
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is thrilled to announce the 2023 Public Benefit Flying Awards recipients.
Created in partnership with the Air Care Alliance (ACA), a nationwide league of humanitarian flying organizations, the Public Benefit Flying Awards recognize volunteer pilots, other volunteers, and organizations engaged in flying to help others and those supporting such work.
This year's recipients are:
Distinguished Volunteer Pilot-Dennis Phelan
Distinguished Volunteer- Dave Brubaker
Teamwork Award- All General Aviation Pilots Involved in the Maui Relief, represented by Rainbow Helicopters
Outstanding Achievement in Advancement of Public Benefit Flying- Jim Hesseman
Champion of Public Benefit Flying- Lightspeed Aviation
Read the Full Release Here
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NEWS & UPDATES FROM OUR MEMBERS | |
Electra Completes World’s First Hybrid-Electric
eSTOL Aircraft Flight
Electra's technology demonstrator aircraft took to the skies for the first time for an all-electric test flight on November 11 and a hybrid-electric flight on November 19. The first hybrid flight lasted 23 minutes, reached an altitude of 3,200 feet, and covered approximately 30 miles.
Video of eSTOL Technology Demonstrator First Flight
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Gather, Connect, Learn, and Celebrate with the
Global Helicopter Industry
Celebrate the vertical aviation industry at the Anaheim Convention Center in California at HAI HELI-EXPO 2024! Enjoy endless networking opportunities and hundreds of education courses with 14,000 industry professionals and 600+ exhibitors.
Learn More or Sign Up TODAY
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EcoPulse Aircraft Demonstrator Makes
Its First Hybrid-electric Flight
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EcoPulse, the hybrid-electric distributed propulsion aircraft demonstrator jointly developed by Daher, Safran, and Airbus to support aviation’s decarbonization roadmap, has successfully performed its first flight test in hybrid-electric mode. The demonstrator flew with its ePropellers activated, powered by a battery and a turbogenerator.
EcoPulse took off from Tarbes Airport on November 29 at 10:32hrs CET for a test flight that lasted approximately 100 minutes. During the flight, the crew engaged the electric propellers. It verified the proper functioning of the demonstrator's flight control computer, high-voltage battery pack, distributed electric propulsion, and hybrid electric turbogenerator.
Read Full Release Here
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MedAire Builds on Medical and Security Expertise | |
MedAire, a leading aviation industry medical and security partner, continues to expand its services to offer custom security advisory and medical concierge services.
The tailored security service was developed when increasing protests by environmental activists creating increased airport security challenges, and coupled with rapidly changing political and military activities and the impacts of the global climate change.
In response to specific customer medical risks when traveling around the world, the MedAire medical concierge services provides a medical professional familiar with a patient’s condition to travel with them to support and interact with foreign medical teams if necessary.
Read Full Release Here
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Boeing and U.S. Government Launch Initiative to Advance Sustainable Aviation Fuel among APEC Economies | |
Boeing and the United States are launching an initiative to catalyze sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development and use among Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member countries. SAF, which significantly reduces the lifecycle carbon emission of jet fuel, is key to achieving goals set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the civil aviation industry to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
SAF-certified for use today can reduce lifecycle CO2 by up to 85% and holds the most significant potential to reduce aviation emissions over the next 30 years. Still, the key challenges to greater use are a limited supply and high cost. Airlines' current use of SAF represents 0.1% of global jet fuel demand.
Read Full Release Here
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Make your End of Year Donation
to the NAA TODAY!
Your support of the National Aeronautic Association allows us to achieve the formal recognition of aviation achievement in the United States. Because of you, we can continue our mission to advance the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight by fostering opportunities to participate fully in aviation activities and by promoting public understanding of the importance of aviation and space flight.
The NAA is a 501(c)(3) that relies on the support of our members and donors like you. Please consider a tax-deductible gift today!
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Wichita Aero Club honors
Senator Jerry Moran at their Trophy Gala this February
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The Wichita Aero Club (WAC) has announced that United States Senator Jerry Moran will receive the 2023 Wichita Aero Club Trophy.
The Wichita Aero Club Trophy was created to recognize contemporaneous accomplishment or a lifetime of achievement. WAC will celebrate Sen. Moran at its annual gala on February 3, 2024.
Be sure to book your seat for this gala TODAY!
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Academy of Model Aeronautics Life Member Shares His Inspiration
Mark Radcliff penned a heartfelt letter to the NAA about how the love of his modeling hobby allowed him to compete internationally, share his passion with others, and impact the future on the AMA Board and with the FAI.
With his permission, you can read Mark's letter here.
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United States Parachute Association to host
ISC Conference in Orlando, Florida
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The United States Parachute Association will host the 74th ISC Plenary Meeting, held on February 3-4, 2024, in the beautiful resort city of Orlando, Florida.
The ISC Open Meetings will occur on Wednesday/Thursday, January 31st and February 1st. The Closed Meetings are on February 2nd, and the Plenary is on February 3-4.
As a bonus, a trip to the site of the International Skydiving Museum and Hall of Fame has been planned for the afternoon of Friday, February 2nd.
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On December 18th, the
United States Hang Gliding &
Paragliding Association (USHPA) celebrated 50 years. Happy Birthday!
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AVIATION EVENTS (JAN - MARCH) | |
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January 31 - February 5: FAI Skydiving Commission hosted by USPA (Orlando, FL)
February 3: Wichita Aero Club Trophy Gala honoring Senator Moran (Wichita, KS)
February 3: Sisters of the Skies Gala (Charlotte, NC)
February 6 - 10: FAI World Paramotor Slalom Championship (Doha, Qatar)
February 6 - 7: ACI-NA CEO Forum (San Antonio, TX)
February 15 - 16: NGPA Industry Expo (Palm Springs, California)
February 20 - 25: Singapore Air Show
February 22 - 24: FAI Microlight & Paramotor Commission (Kaunas, Lithuania)
February 27 - 29: HAI HeliExpo (Anaheim, California)
February 28 - March 1: NASAO Washington Conference (Washington, DC)
March 1 -2: FAI Gliding Commission (Toulouse, France)
March 8 - 9: FAI General Aviation Commission (Funchal, Portugal)
March 14 - 15: ACI-NA/AAAE Washington Legislative Conference (Washington, DC)
March 15 - 16: FAI Ballooning Commission (Lausanne, Switzerland)
March 21 - 23: WAI Conference (Orlando, Florida)
March 22 - 23: FAI Rotocraft Commission (Lausanne, Switzerland)
March 23 - 26: FAI F1D World Championship for Indoor Model Aircraft (Slanic Prahova, Romania)
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The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is the oldest national aviation organization in the United States. It is dedicated to advancing the art, sport, and science of aviation in the United States. We encompass all areas of flight, from skydiving and models to commercial airlines, military aircraft, and spaceflight.
The NAA is the official record-keeper for United States aviation. Recognized, official records are set through our Contest & Records Board.
The NAA administers the nation’s most prestigious aviation awards, including the Collier Trophy and the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy. The Awards & Events Board oversees nominations and selections year-round.
We are able to achieve our mission because of our members; thousands of individuals, organizations, and corporations representing all segments of American aviation.
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