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Advancing the art, sport, and science of aviation since 1905 | |
MESSAGE FROM NAA PRESIDENT & CEO | |
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Twenty-five years ago, as a young historian working at the National Aviation Hall of Fame, I took oral histories from some of the most incredible aviation legends. I sat with Joe Engle, Scott Crossfield, Chuck Yeager, and Fitz Fulton, to name a few. While several memories remain with me from the 1.5 hours I shared with each of them, none mean more to me than my time with Robin Olds. Not only was he engaging and fascinating, but he followed up our time with a handwritten thank you note that I still have in my possession.
Receiving thanks from someone who knew so many and was admired by everyone impacted how I see gratitude. Today, in this role, I have an abundance of joy because of the people I work with and engage with because of the global presence of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). From our staff to our Board and all the volunteers who work on committees promoting and expanding the reach of the NAA, I am blessed beyond measure. Thank you to everyone who chose to be a part of our NAA family, especially those who invest and align with us as a member.
For the year ahead, we plan to enhance our long-term strategy and build on our already expanding membership program. We seek to streamline processes, identify new revenue opportunities, and ensure we are on solid footing with our FAI team so that American Air Sports organizations and athletes have the NAA support they need to thrive as part of Team USA.
It's not too late to make an end-of-year gift for the NAA's current work and in support of our united future goals. To donate today, please visit our website here.
Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday and the happiest of New Years!
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The National Aeronautic Association Honors Legacy of Ben Baldanza at Wright Trophy Dinner | |
Bottom Row (Left to Right): Jim Albaugh, Sam Magill, Marcia Baldanza, Enzo Baldanza, Ted Ellett, Matt Byrd
Top Row (Left to Right): Yvette Rose, Leda Chong, James Viola, Darby Becker, Mary Miller
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On December 13, 2024, the National Aeronautic Association was honored to present the Wright Memoral Trophy to the incomparable (late) Ben Baldanza at the Aero Club of Washington Wright Trophy Dinner. Accepting from NAA’s Board Chair, Jim Albaugh, was Ben’s family, his widow Marcia and son Enzo.
His legacy includes an indelible mark on commercial aviation. Ben’s creativity and passion not only paved the way for millions of people who never thought they could afford air travel, but also inspires the way aviation leaders think about our industry.
In 1948, the NAA established the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy in honor of the significant impact that the Wright Brothers had on aviation. This prestigious annual award recognizes an individual for “significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States”. Recipients of this honor have made lasting contributions to aviation, representing a legacy of excellence and innovation.
Read more about Ben's legacy in this press release.
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Act Fast: NAA Lifetime Platinum Membership Increase Ahead! | |
In 2025, the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) Lifetime Platinum Membership will increase to $1,905, in recognition of NAA’s founding as the Aero Club of America in 1905.
Don’t miss the opportunity to lock in your National Aeronautic Association Lifetime Platinum Membership at the current price of $1,000. Join today!
By joining the NAA this holiday season, you not only support the future of aviation recognition, but also double your impact! Thanks to a generous board member, all donations and memberships will be matched up to $10,000!
Special Bonus: Join now as a lifetime member for a chance to win a free seat at the Collier Dinner in June 2024! All new Platinum Members who joined in the past quarter will qualify for this special drawing.
Current members can upgrade to a Platinum Membership by contacting us at admin@naa.aero before December 31.
Interested in giving NAA lifetime membership as a gift or exploring payment plans? Contact us directly at admin@naa.aero
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National Aeronautic Association Announces New Members of its Board of Directors | |
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA), the oldest national aviation organization in the United States, has announced its 2025 Board of Directors, which comprises a diverse mix of global industry leaders with deep experience in the aviation ecosystem.
Beginning January 1, 2025, the NAA Board of Directors includes:
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Ivon Aheart, Legal Affairs Analyst, Office of the General Counsel, Airlines for America.
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Rob Balzano, Chief Executive Officer of Citation Jet Pilots Association and the CJP Safety and Education Foundation.
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Albert Berchtold, Executive Director, United States Parachute Association.
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Lauren Beyer, President, Cargo Airline Association.
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Jim Bourke, President, International Aerobatic Club.
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James Darcy, Founder and CEO, Darcy Strategic.
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Mark Kleinhans, Vice President, Safety, Courseware & Regulatory Affairs, FlightSafety International.
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Ben Marchionna, Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer, State of Michigan.
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Paul McNeill, Vice President, Industry & Government Relations, Click Bond.
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Jim Remar, President and CEO, The Cosmosphere.
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David Richardson, Immediate Past President, Aero Club of Washington (2024).
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Alan Stolzer, Dean, College of Aviation, Daytona Beach Campus, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Press Release
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Nominations are open for both the Robert J Collier Trophy as well as the Katherine and Marjorie Stinson Trophy.
The Collier Trophy represents a timelime of the greatest achievements and innovations in American aeronautics. Nominations for the Collier are due January 31st. Click here for more information.
Nominations for the Stinson Trophy is due December 31st. The Stinson Trophy is awarded annually to a living person for an outstanding and enduring contribution to the role of women in the fields of aviation, aeronautics, space, or related sciences.Click here for more information.
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NEWS FROM OUR CORPORATE MEMBERS | |
Skyryse One Completes World’s First Fully Automated Takeoff With Swipe of a Finger | |
Skyryse®, the creator of SkyOS™, the world's first universal operating system for flight, today announced, after seven years of hard work, the recent completion of the world’s first fully automated hover at the swipe of a finger in a fully-conforming production aircraft.
While not the first time Skyryse has achieved hover with the swipe of a finger – having accomplished it countless times in test aircraft, it is the first time it’s been achieved in a fully-conforming, triply-redundant production unit without any backup conventional controls in the cockpit.
Full Press Release
photo courtesy of Skyryse
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NASA Administrator Bill Nelson Flies Aboard Electra’s Ultra Short Hybrid-Electric Aircraft During Visit to Electra HQ | |
Electra announced that NASA Administrator Bill Nelson flew aboard Electra’s hybrid-electric EL2 Goldfinch Ultra Short prototype aircraft, experiencing firsthand the aircraft’s unique ability to take off and land in soccer field-sized spaces to make sustainable point-to-point travel a reality. The flight also marks the first ever by a U.S. government agency head on a next-generation Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft.
The 24-minute flight on Electra’s two-seat fixed-wing aircraft showcased its Ultra Short capabilities, completing a series of takeoffs and landings with just 150 feet of ground roll made possible by Electra’s proprietary blown-lift technology. The flight demonstrated both hybrid-electric and quiet battery-only operations, with an acoustic signature of just 55 dB at 500 feet—the equivalent of a normal conversation. Electra Chief Test Pilot Cody Allee piloted the aircraft during the December 8 flight, departing from Electra’s headquarters at Manassas Regional Airport.
Read full press release here.
photo courtesy of electra.aero
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Boom Supersonic Successfully Completes 10th Test Flight | |
On December 19, 2024, XB-1 successfully completed its 10th test flight, reaching a new top speed of Mach 0.95 and pushing further into the transonic regime – the speed range just below supersonic.
An aircraft enters the transonic regime when flying between approximately Mach 0.8 and Mach 1.2.
During the approximately 46-minute flight piloted by Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, XB-1 reached a new maximum altitude of 32,417 feet and a new top speed of Mach 0.95 (553 knots true airspeed). At XB-1’s new top speed, it flew faster than the cruising speed of a Boeing 787 or Airbus A380, which is about Mach 0.85. XB-1’s new top altitude positions the aircraft near the altitude at which it will fly supersonic speeds, which is approximately 34,000 feet.
Press Release
photo courtesy of Boom Supersonic
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Bombardier Celebrates 200th Delivery of Industry Defining Global 7500 Aircraft | |
Bombardierannounced that it has delivered the 200th Global 7500 business jet to a customer in December. The Global 7500 business jet has transformed business aviation with its refined design, unsurpassed performance and outstanding technological advancements.
With a top speed of Mach 0.925 and a range of 7,700 nautical miles (14,260 km), the Global 7500 allows customers reach more essential destinations. It also reduces fuel burn, lowers emissions and produces excellent short-field and high-speed performance. Since its entry-into-service in December 2018, the Global 7500 business jet has proven to be the highest-performing business aircraft, boasting a fleet dispatch reliability of more than 99.8%.
Press Release
photo courtesy of Bombardier
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Gulfstream Produces 1,000th Aircraft Wing in Savannah | |
Gulfstream Aerospace announced it has manufactured its 1,000th aircraft wing since bringing production to its Savannah-based manufacturing facility in 2012. All wings for the Gulfstream G800, Gulfstream G700, Gulfstream G650ER, Gulfstream G600, Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G400 are produced at Gulfstream’s headquarters in Savannah. The 1,000th wing shipset will be installed on a G600.
Building on the innovations introduced with the G650, Gulfstream developed its next-generation fleet with manufacturing and design commonalities, along with purpose-built production facilities, resulting in new standards of precision manufacturing. In 2022, Gulfstream announced the expansion of its wing production facility as well as an expansion of G600, G500 and G400 manufacturing to meet growing customer demand.
Press Release
photo courtesy of Gulfstream
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Former President & CEO Greg Principato Elected President of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale | |
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During the 118th FAI General Conference, former President and CEO Greg Principato was elected as President of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI).
Representing the United States, the National Aeronautic Association is the largest member of FAI and is the sole authority for overseeing and certifying all aviation records in the United States.
Greg is the 37th FAI President, joining fellow Americans Jackie Cochran, Godfrey Cabot, William Enyart, and Clifton von Kann, who have also held this prestigious role.
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Consider donating 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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NEWS FROM OUR AFFILIATE MEMBERS | |
ALPA Member Achieves Record-Setting Flight from Venice to New York | |
Capt. James “Jet” Black (Delta) recently secured his place in aviation history once again by breaking his own international speed record on an airline route. He originally made aviation history in 2004 as a first officer by earning a speed record for a flight from Venice, Italy, to New York City, N.Y. Earlier this year, Black surpassed his previous achievement by flying the same route even faster, thanks to advancements in aircraft technology and optimized flight management techniques.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Black credited improvements in turbulence avoidance systems, wind optimization strategies, and more advanced flight management systems (FMS) as key contributors to his success.
Since its founding in 1905, the NAA has celebrated records and achievements that showcase the essence of flight, fostering both innovation and professional excellence. To participate in the NAA’s aeronautic records program, pilots must first obtain an FAI Sporting License. Once licensed, pilots can challenge an existing record or establish a new one, either during regular performance of their professional piloting duties or while engaged in off-duty personal aviation activities.
Get your sporting license here and set records today!
Read more about Capt. Black and his record breaking flight.
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NEWS FROM OUR AERO CLUB MEMBERS | |
Wichita Aero Club Hosts On-Air Summit with Institutional Members Cosmosphere and Kansas Aviation Museum | |
On December 11th, the Wichita Aero Club hosted their On-Air Summit with Ben Sauceda (Kansas Aviation Museum), Adam Smith (Exploration Place), and Jim Remar (Cosmosphere).
During the event, the President/CEOs of 3 of the leading aviation & science museums in the United States shared how their organizations invest in education and STEM to inspire the next generation of aviation enthusiasts.
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Aero Club of Washington Celebrates its Persons ofthe Year at the Wright Brothers Dinner | |
On December 13th, the Aero Club of Washington celebrated its Persons of theYear at the Wright Brothers Trophy Dinner. This year's awardees honored the primary authors of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 – Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO) and Rick Larsen (D-WA) (the Chairman and Ranking Member, respectively, of the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee), and Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) (the Chair and Ranking Member, respectively, of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee).
Press Release
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January 6-10: 2025 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition - Orlando, FL
January 14: ALPA HIMS Regional Meeting - Atlanta, GA
January 15 - 17: ACI-NA Risk Management Conference - Jacksonville, FL
January 19 - 23: AIAA 35th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting - Kaua'i, HI
January 27 - 28: AIAA CTO Summit (Invite Only) - Washington, D.C.
January 27 - 29: NBAA Leadership Conference - Amelia Island, FL
February 4 - 6: ACI-NA CEO Forum - Tuzson, AZ
February 11 - 13: 2025 NBAA International Operators Forum - San Juan, PR
February 18 - 20: AUVSI Xponential Europe - Dusseldorf, Germany
February 26 - 27: AIAA ASCENDxTexas 2025 - Houston, TX
February 26 - 28: NASAO DC Conference - Washington, D.C.
February 26: 2025 NBAA Orlando Regional Forum - Orlando, FL
March 2 - 4: ACI-NA Air Cargo Conference - Arlington, TX
March 3 - 5: ACI-NA/AAAE Airport Customer Experience Symposium - Halifax, NS
March 4: ATCA empowerHER forum - Westlake, TX
March 10 - 13: VAI Verticon - Dallas, TX
March 19 - 20: 2025 ACI-NA/AAAE Washington Legislative Conference - Washington, D.C.
March 24 - 27: 2025 ACI-NA Airports@Work Conference - Houston, TX
March 25 - 27: 2025 NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC2025) - New Orleans, LA
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INSTITUTIONAL AND AERO CLUB MEMBER EVENTS | | |
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The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is the oldest national aviation organization in the United States and is dedicated to advancing of 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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