MESSAGE FROM NAA CEO/PRESIDENT |
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January has flown by but 2023 promises to be an amazing year for aerospace and aviation as new technologies are further developed and demonstrated, and as we continue to reach for the sky and the stars to explore.
Since 1905, NAA has existed to promote aviation, its people and its successes. When we were formed 118 years ago as the Aero Club of America, hardly anyone had seen an airplane and most people didn’t believe that heavier-than-air flight was possible. It was our job to convince a skeptical public that aviation was not only possible, but it was real and brought with it real benefits for our country and the world. We worked with other similar national organizations and founded the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) to do the same worldwide.
Today, everyone knows aviation is possible. Indeed, that is part of the challenge, aviation and its benefits are largely taken for granted; some even question the benefits in the first place. Aviation is finding it more and more difficult to fill critical positions of every kind throughout the industry. It is an important time for aviation worldwide.
It is more important than ever to call attention to aviation’s successes -past, present and those to come. We need to call attention to the successes of our companies, organizations and people, be they equipment manufacturers, air sport participants, airports, general aviation or any of the newer technologies that are rapidly being proven and developed.
We need to honor them, to make the public aware of them, and to use them to inspire the next generations. This newsletter will exist to help do exactly that.
We hope you enjoy this newsletter and the editions to come. Please feel free to share stories with us and perhaps are even involved in. Consider joining NAA and working with us to build an even better future. We were formed 118 years ago to ensure a future for this new technology. Aviation may no longer be new, though many of the technologies are. The future of aviation must continue to be earned.
One of my favorite quotes is “The future is not a gift, it is an achievement.” Let’s achieve together.
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NAA presents Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy to Colonel Eileen Collins |
On December 16, 2022, the Aero Club of Washington held its annual Wright Brothers Memorial Dinner. During this event, NAA presented the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy to Colonel Eileen Collins for her perseverance in the advancement of aviation and aerospace as a teacher, astronaut, and leader, and for serving as an inspiration for all those seeking to break barriers in their field.
The trophy is awarded annually to a living American for “significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States.”
Photo (left to right): Jana Denning, Colonel Eileen Collins, Jim Albaugh, Greg Principato
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NAA announces appointment of new board members |
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is pleased to announce the addition of nine new board members to its Board of Directors. Elected at the Board of Directors meeting Friday, December 26, 2022, these individuals will begin serving in January 2023: Ted Ellett, Jana Denning, Sierra Grimes, Nicole Alexander, Matt Byrd, Ben Kowalski, Martiqua Post, Stacey Rudser and Patty Wagstaff.
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NAA presents McDonald Statesman Award to Tony Mazzolini |
On January 21, the Wichita Aero Club held its annual Trophy Gala. During this event, NAA presented the McDonalds Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award to Tony Mazzolini for "demonstrating leadership and perseverance in securing and restoring an iconic B-29 aircraft as a tribute to the patriots whose commitment and sacrifice contributed to the preservation of freedom and peace during World War II and beyond".
Even more appropriate, the event took place in front of Doc, the B-29 Tony secured and restored.
Photo (left to right): Nicole Alexander, Tony Mazzolini, Duane Hawkins, Tina Wu, Dave Franson
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Nominations open for Katharine Wright Memorial Trophy |
Nominations are open for the Katharine Wright Memorial Trophy. Established in 1981 by the Gates Learjet Corporation, this trophy 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.
Deadline: March 31, 2023
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Pulitzer Electric Aircraft Race Postponed |
The Pulitzer Electric Aircraft Race is being postponed from May 2023 to a later date yet to be determined.
“The NAA remains fully committed to holding the Pulitzer Electric Aircraft Race as an exciting venue for the advancement of practical electric propulsion aircraft,” stated NAA President and CEO Greg Principato.
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Northrop Grumman and NASA partner for UAS Airspace Integration |
Northrop Grumman Corporation is collaborating with NASA to develop and test solutions for integrating large, uncrewed aircraft systems into the National Airspace System (NAS). The effort will focus on air cargo operations and is part of NASA’s Air Traffic Management-eXploration (ATM-X) Pathfinding for Airspace with Autonomous Vehicles (PAAV) subproject.
Under this partnership, Northrop Grumman and NASA will develop and test solutions for integrating large Unmanned Aircraft Systems into the national airspace system, with an emphasis on air cargo operations.
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Boeing Selected for NASA Sustainable Flight Demonstrator Award |
On January 18th, NASA selected Boeing and its industry team to lead the development and flight testing of a full-scale Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) demonstrator airplane.
The technologies demonstrated and tested as part of the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (SFD) program will inform future designs and could lead to breakthrough aerodynamics and fuel efficiency gains.
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U.S. Air Force Awards Electra Strategic Funding Partnership |
Electra, a next-gen aerospace company with a mission to help decarbonize aviation and open new air transportation markets was selected by the U.S. Air Force AFWERX innovation arm for a Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) award to develop a full-scale pre-production prototype electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft.
“This STRATFI award reinforces the Air Force’s commitment to dual-use eSTOL technology as a solution for national security and other government missions, and validates Electra’s aircraft design and engineering work to date,” said John S. Langford, Founder and CEO of Electra.
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Wichita Aero Club holds Trophy Gala honoring Dr John Tomblin |
On January 21, the Wichita Aero Club held its annual Trophy Gala. This year honoring Dr John Tomblin, Senior Vice President, Industry and Defense Programs; Executive Director, National Institute for Aviation Research; and Sam Bloomfield Distinguished Professor of Aerospace Engineering for Wichita State University.
Dr Tomblin has made significant industry contributions and helped elevate the Wichita community as the Air Capital of the World.
Photo (left to right): Dr Richard Muma, Dr John Tomblin, Ashley Bowen Cook, Nicole Alexander, John O'Leary
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Aero Club of Washington hosts luncheon on February 28th |
On February 28th, the Aero Club of Washington will be hosting a luncheon with guest speaker Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus.
NAA members receive Aero Club member discount for luncheons.
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SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES |
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Deadline: February 10th
Deadline: February 15th
Scholarship for current or aspiring business aviation maintenance technicians.
Deadline: February 15th
Scholarship for current or aspiring business aviation maintenance technicians and military personnel transitioning to business aviation.
Deadline: March 1st
Scholarship for students enrolled in a District of Columbia Metropolitan Area Public or Public Charter school headed to an accredited college, university, technical school or flight training program with a passion for aviation/aerospace. Applicants from the following counties and the District of Columbia are eligible to apply: Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Prince George’s and Montgomery.
Deadline: March 1st
The NATCA scholarship fund is established for the spouses, children, stepchildren, and legally adopted children of active, retired, and deceased NATCA members with continuous membership in good standing of at least two years. These scholarships are for full-time attendance at accredited colleges and universities within the United States and its territories for an undergraduate degree program.
Deadline: March 5th
Through the UAA Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship, NBAA Charities annually awards a minimum of $1,000 to up to five undergraduates studying aviation-related curricula at NBAA and University Aviation Association (UAA) member institutions.
Deadline: April 1st
Applicants must be Student Pilot Members for three months prior to the First Wings submission deadline and have logged five hours flight time within the preceding six months. Award is up to $6,000 for specific milestones as they are achieved. Instructions and application are available for 99s members only.
Deadline: April 14th
Awarded to a graduating U.S. high school senior who has been accepted to and will be enrolled in an aviation degree core program at the student’s chosen college/university.
Deadline: April 30th
High school students of color and girls of all races and ethnicities with aspirations to major in areas of study that focus on aviation, sciences, technology, engineering and math fields are encouraged to apply. Scholarships are limited to students who currently reside in the United States. The scholarship award may be applied toward any U.S. institution of higher learning.
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UPCOMING AVIATION EVENTS (FEB - APRIL) |
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