In order to stay connected to our members and friends during these challenging times, NAA is introducing a biweekly "newsbite" to feature the latest NAA news, highlight some of the projects and initiatives that our team is working on, and share announcements from NAA member organizations and the broader aviation community. We hope that you find these short news spotlights informative and uplifting.
At the end of April,
NAA announced that Dorothy Cochrane had been selected as the recipient of the 2020 Katharine Wright Trophy
for "devoting over 40 years as a curator at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, collecting and preserving historical aviation artifacts that educate and inspire the general public about the importance of flight." Cochrane joined the Smithsonian Institution in 1977 as one of the first female curators and throughout her career has become most notable for her acquisition of priceless aviation artifacts as well as the creation of entire galleries in the aeronautics department. NAA looks forward to presenting Dorothy with this well-deserved recognition at a future date.
NAA recently approved an impressive Speed Over a Recognized Course record set by pilots Travis Holland, Mark Ranz, and the late aviation pioneer Joe Clark
. On January 20, 2020, the crew took off from Fort Lauderdale, FL in a Gulfstream V and landed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 13 hours and 47 minutes later, averaging 540 mph. At 7,449 miles, it was also the longest route certified in a Gulfstream V. NAA hopes that this record will serve as a tribute and testament to Joe Clark and his remarkable career.
Many of NAA's corporate member organizations have risen to the challenge in the fight against COVID-19, and we couldn't be more proud of their efforts.
Cirrus Aircraft
has assembled and donated over 31,500 face shields to the medical community and plans to create 850 hood and coupler assemblies for Powered Air Purifying Respirators, which protect healthcare workers from contaminated air.
Raytheon Technologies
, the recently merged company consisting of Raytheon Company and United Technologies, has deployed over 100 machines in 50 company locations to produce 10,000 medical face shields in 23 days. We applaud the contributions and support that Cirrus Aircraft and Raytheon Technologies are providing to first responders and front line healthcare professionals during this crisis.
In other good news, the National Aviation Hall of Fame and PBS affiliate Think TV have partnered to create an educational program:
Discovering Flight,
Learning with the National Aviation Hall of Fame
.
The STEAM-based curriculum will use standards-aligned videos and interactive lesson plans for young learners as well as teachers and parents working to support and inspire the next generation of aerospace legends. The Discovering Flight program allows elementary and middle school students to explore aerospace science and history with the Wright Brothers. Students will travel alongside the historic brothers to share in the discoveries they made while interacting with other famous pilots to deliver fun, educational experiences for online and classroom learning. The result is a better understanding of the practical wonders of flight and encouragement to participate in the incredible future achievements in America's remaining air and space frontiers.
Finally, the global generosity movement, Giving Tuesday, has launched #GivingTuesdayNow, a day of unity taking place today, May 5th, as a response to the need caused by COVID-19. The aviation industry has been greatly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and NAA is no exception. Your support will help us to weather the storm and continue to advance the art, sport, and science of aviation in the United States.
Sincerely,
The NAA Team
