On May 20, NAA announced that Major Eleanor Morgan, United States Air Force Reserve Officer and Pilot, was selected as the recipient of the 2021 Katharine Wright Trophy. The trophy was established in 1981 and 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 of time.” Major Morgan is being recognized for “… her diverse contributions to military aviation, her research and development efforts supporting the advancement of human space exploration, her extensive youth STEM outreach, and her mentorship activities in support of women in aviation and space.” NAA President Greg Principato shared, "Some years NAA awards are given for long careers of service. Some years they are given to young, tremendously accomplished people who have given so much and who we know will inspire others to do so as well. Major Morgan fits squarely in the second category. Already highly accomplished as an Air Force Officer, Major Morgan gives of herself tirelessly to mentor and inspire others. This award is about great accomplishment AND making those around you better. Major Morgan personifies this. I look forward to presenting her this prestigious and well-deserved award.”

The Katharine Wright Trophy will be presented to Major Morgan on a date and location to be determined.

For almost the entire history of powered flight, NAA has been the caretaker of many of the nation's and the world's most prestigious aviation awards. Part of NAA's mission is identifying and recognizing those who have contributed to the "art, sport and science of aviation and space flight to the United States." The nomination period is now open for the Distinguished Statesman and Stateswoman of Aviation Award, the Brewer Trophy, and the Public Benefit Flying Awards. The deadline to submit a nomination for these awards is August 31, 2021. Additional information, including award criteria, nomination guidelines, and a list of past recipients, is available on the NAA website.

Join the Aero Club of Atlanta for a complimentary webinar on May 27 featuring guest speaker Jack Pelton, CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), whose mission is to inspire people to fly, build, and engage in flight. During the webinar presentation, Pelton will share his personal insights about the upcoming EAA AirVenture 2021, career highlights, changes in the industry, and the future of flight in the post-COVID era. Webinar registration is now open on the Aero Club of Atlanta website.

Last week, EAA's The Green Dot Podcast, sat down with Warbirds of America President Jim “Zack” Olzacki, International Aerobatic Club President Jim Bourke, and Vintage Aircraft Association President Susan Dusenbury to talk about what’s new in each division, what visitors can expect to see from them at AirVenture this year, and how to join in on the fun! The Green Dot is a podcast created by aviation enthusiasts for fellow aviation enthusiasts. The podcast features EAA and aviation news, general aviation topics, history, personal experiences from hosts and guests, and plenty more.

The Aero Club of Southern California will host their Howard Hughes Memorial Award Virtual Event on June 17 at 5:00 p.m. PT. The event will honor the 2021 award winner Richard "Dick" Rutan, a retired United States Air Force officer and fighter pilot, test pilot, and record-breaking aviator who in 1986 piloted the Voyager aircraft on the first non-stop, non-refueled around-the-world flight. The virtual event is free to attend for all Aero Club of Southern California members and open to all aviation aerospace professionals, students, and enthusiasts.