The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced that the SpaceX Polaris Dawn Mission set the latest NAA space record during their 5-day mission in orbit. Among them, the crew reached an apogee of 875 miles, which set a national record for Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon as the farthest any women have flown from Earth.

As the official custodian of aviation and aerospace records in the United States, the NAA certifies all new U.S. records. The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) further solidifies these achievements by ratifying those that qualify as world records. The NAA and FAI have a unique and valuable partnership, established since their foundations in 1905, that ensures the highest standards in record certification.

Polaris Dawn is a private crewed spaceflight operated by SpaceX on behalf of Jared Isaacman. It is the first of three planned missions in the Polaris Program. On September 10th, the four-person crew launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center into orbit. Jared Isaacman, Scott “Kidd” Poteet, Sarah Gillis, and Anna Menon flew in an elliptical orbit that took them the farthest from Earth since NASA’s Apollo Program. 

Read the full press release.

The National Aeronautic Association is pleased to announce our newest corporate members.

Aviation Tax Consultants: Aviation Tax Consultants focuses exclusively on providing consulting services designed to maximize income tax savings and minimize sales and use tax for aircraft operators. ATC brings expertise that goes well beyond traditional accounting services and works within the strict mandates of the Federal Aviation Administration Regulations. 

Belcan:  Founded in 1958, Belcan is a global supplier of design, software, manufacturing, supply chain, information technology, and digital engineering solutions to the aerospace, defense, space, government services, automotive, and industrial markets. Belcan engineers better outcomes for customers – from jet engines, airframes, and avionics to heavy vehicles, automobiles, and cybersecurity.

Hillwood: Part of the Perot family of companies, Hillwood is a premier real estate investment and development company founded on a culture of integrity, respect, excellence, and teamwork. For more than three decades, Hillwood has delivered on the promises made to customers, partners, and communities.

Howmet: A global leader in engineered metal products, Howmet Aerospace provides differentiated technologies transforming the aerospace and commercial transportation industries.

Hogan Lovells: One of the world's top law firms advising on corporate, finance, litigation, regulatory, and IP law at the intersection of business and government. Hogan Lovells is driven by a clear vision: a global leader who delivers exceptional legal services in highly regulated sectors, achieving results for our clients and society.

Having a lifetime of achievement, test-pilot, astronaut, and engineer, Joe Engle is to be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on March 6, 2025, at 11:00 am ET.

In a press release issued after his passing on July 10, 2024, NAA Chair, Jim Albaugh shared, “Joe was not only an astronaut, but one the finest engineers I ever worked with. He was a giant in the industry and a friend to everyone he met.”

Details for Major General Engle's funeral.

Read the full press release.

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA), is thrilled to announce our latest platinum members:

Nicole Alexander,

Vicky Benzing,

Daniel Cheung,

Julie Clark,

Ted Ellett,

Joan Higginbotham,

Travis Holland,

Susan Mallett,

Greg Principato,

James Schenck,

Amy Spowart,

Carley Walker,

Barbara Walter-Phillips, and

Bobbi Wells.

And, our most recent gold members:

Bart Gray,

Sierra Grimes,

Paul Lange, and

Peter Stewart.

And, our recent silver members:

David Akcin,

Keith McKenzie,

Todd Reynolds,

Justin Rizor,

Jeff Sinason, and

Peter Teahen.

Interested in making a difference and supporting the NAA in a meaningful way?

Join the NAA here.

The successful first supersonic flight of Boom’s demonstrator aircraft, XB-1, took place on January 28, 2025 at the Mojave Air & Space Port in California. Boom designed, built, and flew the world’s first independently developed supersonic jet—the first civil supersonic jet made in America.

Flown by Boom Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, XB-1 entered the supersonic corridor and reached an altitude of 35,290 feet before accelerating to Mach 1.122 (652 KTAS or 750 mph)—breaking the sound barrier for the first time. Historically, supersonic aircraft have been the work of nation-states, developed by militaries and governments. XB-1’s supersonic flight marks the first time an independently developed jet has broken the sound barrier. 

Read the full Press Release

photo courtesy of Boom Supersonic

Cirrus announced the delivery of its 600th Vision Jet, a major milestone for the company and a defining moment in the evolution of personal aviation. As the world’s first and only single-engine jet to receive FAA certification, the Vision Jet has redefined personal aviation by combining advanced technology, exceptional safety features, and outstanding performance in a light, sleek design. 

The delivery of the 600th Vision Jet marks a significant achievement not only for Cirrus but for the entire personal aviation industry. Since its introduction in 2016, the Vision Jet has become the best-selling jet in all of general aviation, and this milestone demonstrates the growing demand for innovative, accessible and safe personal aviation solutions.

Read the full Press Release

photo courtesy of Cirrus

Honda Aircraft has achieved a key step in developing the Echelon light jet: the inauguration of the advanced systems integration test facility (ASITF) at its Greensboro, North Carolina headquarters. The ASITF is a development simulator replicating many aspects of the aircraft with actual hardware components and computer hardware and software.

According to the company, “There is a lot that goes into it, but it is important to stress that this is a development simulator. That means that, while it uses some real aircraft hardware and flight computing systems, it is built to a unique set of specifications for a unique purpose...to facilitate the maturation of the HondaJet Echelon systems.”

Read the full Press Release

photo courtesy of HondaJet

On March 6th, Aviation Week will be hosting the 67th Annual Laureate Awards in Washington, DC.

Several NAA Members are recognized this year:

Commercial Aviation

Airbus A321XLR

Airbus received EASA certification of the CFM International LEAP-1A-powered version of the A321XLR and delivered the first aircraft to launch operator Iberia in November.

Embry-Riddle Safety Center

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's safety center has established itself as a center of excellence for advancing research, education, and industry collaboration on topics critical to improving aerospace safety globally.

Defense

Airbus Racer High-Speed Compound Rotorcraft

Just seven flights into its test program, Airbus’ Rapid and Cost-Effective Rotorcraft demonstrator raced past its initial 220-kt. speed target. Racer’s aim is to prove higher cruise speeds can be achieved for rotary-wing aircraft without significantly higher operating cost or training burden. 

Business Aviation

Bombardier Aerospace

In a bid to lead sustainability in business aviation, Bombardier in in April, became the first business jet manufacturer to disclose the scientifically analyzed environmental impact of its entire aircraft fleet.

Wright Trophy Recipient Russ Meyers

In the almost 50 years since he was named chairman and CEO of Cessna Aircraft, Russ Meyer Jr. has been a leader and advocate for the general aviation industry. Now chairman emeritus, his efforts were instrumental in the passage of the 1994 General Aviation Revitalization Act.

MRO

Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services

Facing full hangars and rising demand, Embraer's Nashville, Tennessee, heavy maintenance facility shortened airframe check times by going paperless. Turning task cards into digital files has streamlined communication on issues that took days into hours.

Full List of Recipients

The Academy of Model Aeronautics (ANA) is in need of a dynamic executive director to lead the drive to increase visibility, improve member awareness, and grow the brand of the world’s largest aeromodeling organization.

In addition to directing a 50-person staff, the executive director will be responsible for working with an active president and Executive Council (board of directors) to create member growth and retention initiatives, review and improve member services, and lead marketing, advocacy, and outreach programs. The executive director will represent AMA’s aeromodeling community to national and local governmental regulatory bodies and agencies, other stakeholder organizations, donors, funders, supporters, and the general public.

More information here.