The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced the five aeronautic innovations competing for the 2024 Collier Trophy, the most prestigious award in aeronautics and astronautics.

Since 1911, the coveted award has been presented annually for “the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America 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.”

The finalists for the 2024 Collier Trophy are:

• Blue Condor (Perlan Project) for “opening the door to a future of zero-carbon emission turbine aircraft and documenting hydrogen contrails that may have significant positive climate impacts.”
• Gulfstream G700 (Gulfstream Aerospace) for “pioneering model-based certification, elevating performance, advancing 100% Neat SAF and refining next-generation manufacturing.”
• Parker Solar Probe Team (NASA/Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory) for “the extraordinary accomplishment of creating the first spacecraft to operate and deliver science from within the Sun’s corona through revolutionary advances in aerospace and defense technology.”
• Skyryse One (Skyryse) for developing “the world’s first fully-conforming production aircraft to accomplish a fully automated hover at the swipe of a finger.”
• X-37B (U.S. Space Force/Boeing) for “pioneering sustained space maneuver with a novel aerobraking maneuver that allowed the vehicle to operate across multiple orbital regimes with a single spacecraft in a safe, fuel-efficient manner.”

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On February 6th, the National Aeronautic Association visited corporate member Embraer at their U.S. headquarters in Melbourne, Florida. This visit served as a key opportunity to strengthen ties and collaboration between the two organizations. NAA President & CEO Amy Spowart and Senior Vice President, Contest & Records Art Greenfield were welcomed by Brad McKeage, Vice President of Flight Operations at Embraer.

Founded in 1969 in Brazil, Embraer is recognized as one of the premier aerospace companies in the world, known for its innovation in commercial, executive, and defense aircraft. Over the decades, the company has developed a reputation for engineering excellence, delivering high-performance, fuel-efficient aircraft that serve a global market. Today, Embraer plays a crucial role in shaping the future of aviation with a strong focus on sustainability, next-generation aircraft design, and advanced manufacturing processes.

The National Aeronautic Association is pleased to announce our newest members:

• RTX Corporation is a major American aerospace and defense company specializing in advanced systems, including missile defense, avionics, and cybersecurity. Formed in 2020 through the merger of Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation, it operates across commercial and military sectors with divisions such as Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace.



• Angel Flight West is a nonprofit organization that provides free air transportation for people in need of medical care, humanitarian aid, and other essential services. Volunteer pilots donate their time and aircraft to help passengers who cannot afford or safely access commercial flights. Based in the western United States, the organization connects communities with critical healthcare and emergency relief.

ANA Holdings, Inc. announced the decision to order 77 aircraft at the board of directors meeting.

In anticipation of future growth in passenger demand, including strong inbound demand, ANA has decided to proactively introduce competitive, technologically advanced aircraft for sustainable growth over the medium to long term. 

For ANA-branded international routes, in anticipation of strong Asia-North America demand and the re-expansion of Narita International Airport, ANAHD will order 18 Boeing 787-9 aircraft (with GE engines).

For ANA-branded domestic routes, in order to adapt to future changes in the business environment, ANAHD will order 20, 100-seat class Embraer E190-E2 aircraft (15 confirmed orders and 5 options) for the first time in Japan. In addition to the above, ANAHD will place an order for 14 additional Airbus A321neo aircraft and 12 Boeing 737-8 aircraft (8 confirmed orders and 4 options) to update the current fleets.

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Spreading scientific culture in schools, to support the construction of younger generations’ future. This is the aim of the new webinar cycle launched by Leonardo as part of STEMLab, the program focused on STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and technological innovation, designed to promote scientific citizenship and the transfer of knowledge from workplace to school.

“The science of vertical flight” is the title of a series of five webinars, conducted by professionals working in Leonardo’s Helicopters business area, designed to introduce and guide high school students to the world of rotary wing aircraft and its products and technologies, and to introduce them to the basic skills required in this sector. By registering on the Digital Education platform, teachers can allow their students to access the webinars.

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Honda Aircraft Company officially began production of the first HondaJet Echelon test unit with the start of assembly of the aircraft’s wing structure in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Honda Aircraft Company’s production department began introducing specialized assembly lines early in 2024, with tooling installation completed at the end of the year. With work on the first major subassembly of the HondaJet Echelon underway, the program has entered its next development phase.

The HondaJet Echelon is planned to become the first light jet with a range capable of nonstop transcontinental flight across the United States, offering 40% better fuel efficiency than some midsize jets. The new aircraft will introduce product features previously unseen in the HondaJet line, while still building on the high performance and operational efficiency of the original HondaJet.

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In early spring, the skydiving season for much of the country is just crawling out of hibernation. Most skydivers don’t jump through the cold months as often as they do in the summer, and their skills are a bit rusty. That’s when Safety Day comes. Safety Day is typically held on the second Saturday in March; however, some drop zones hold it on alternate dates. Established in 1997 from an idea by Patti Chernis, Safety Day provides a worldwide forum at local drop zones to prepare jumpers for the year ahead. Safety Day promotes safety programs, helps inform jumpers of new developments, and reviews important information and procedures. Activities typically include hands-on review and practice of safety procedures, seminars from skydiving operation professionals and experts, equipment evaluations, and more. Most days end with a social get-together. USPA encourages all jumpers of all experience levels to attend. 

Find your local dropzone safety day here.

Several scholarships are available from the Soaring Society of America. These applications are due on March 31st or April 1st.

• SSA Fulfillment Flight Training Scholarships: Awards of $2000 for post-solo SSA Member Glider Student Pilots with completed written to complete ratings within six months. Deadline March 31st

• Gary Naber Professional Aviation Track Scholarship: Awards of up to $1500 for Glider Student Pilots and Pilots without a glider rating (Ages 14-30). Deadline March 31st.

• CFI-G Incentive Scholarships: Awards of $1500 for CFI G Training. (An Additional $500 from SSA Sponsoring Chapter) April 1st Deadline.

• SSA Flight Training Scholarships: Awards of up to $2000 for pre & post-solo SSA Member Student Pilots (Ages 13-25). March 31st Deadline.

• Bultman Youth Flight Scholarship: Awards of up to $1000 for post-solo SSA Member Student Pilots & Rated Glider Pilots (Ages 14-25). March 31st Deadline.

• Stoffel Flight Training Scholarship: Awards of up to $2000 for pre & post-solo SSA Member Student Pilots (Ages 13-25). March 31st Deadline.

• Heffernan/Costello Insurance Training Scholarship: Awards of up to $2000 for pre & post-solo SSA Member Student Pilots (Ages 14-22). March 31st Deadline.

• Dennis Purduski Training Scholarship: Awards of up to $2000 for pre-solo SSA Members (Ages 13-19). March 31st Deadline.

Click here for more information.