Click Here to View This Page on Production Frontend
Click Here to Export Node Content
Click Here to View Printer-Friendly Version (Raw Backend)
Note: front-end display has links to styled print versions.
Content Node ID: 429099
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) honored numerous industry luminaries for their excellence in and contributions to aviation and aerospace. Holding its 2025 Fall Awards event on November 6 in Washington, D.C., NAA recognized outstanding achievements across humanitarian aviation, aerospace education, and military aviation. “The evening was a powerful display of energy and appreciation for the extraordinary people and organizations in our industry,” said NAA president and CEO Amy Spowart.
Among the recognitions were the FAI Tissandier Diploma awarded to Gulfstream Aerospace president and CEO Mark Burns, and the 2025 Bruce Whitman Trophy to William R. Harris, Jr., who is the executive director of the Army Aviation Association of America.
The 2025 Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen of Aviation awards honored Lisa Anderson Spencer, Nia Gilliam, Rebecca Lutte, Mike McGowan (earlier recipient), Robert Sumwalt, Barbara Walters-Phillips, and Holly Woodruff Lyons.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Public Benefit Flying Awards were presented to: Daniel Cheung (Champion of Public Benefit Flying), Hogan Brian Brooks (Distinguished Volunteer Pilot), Jeffrey Kahn (Outstanding Achievement in Public Benefit Flying), Operation Helo (Outstanding Achievement in Public Benefit Flying), and Lifeline Pilots and Angel Flight East (Public Benefit Flying Teamwork Award).
The 2024 Marjorie and Katherine Stinson Trophy recognized U.S. Air Force technical sergeant Jessica Grant; the 2024 Katharine Wright Trophy was awarded to Theresa Claibourne; the 2025 Katharine Wright Trophy went to Kimberly Dell; the 2025 Frank G. Brewer Trophy honored Doug Matthews.
Other awards included the 2025 Mackay Trophy (recipient was DUDE 61 Formation) and the 2025 Pulitzer Trophy for the inaugural Pulitzer Electric Aircraft Race (recipients: Tyler Prather, Gold Medallion, Pulitzer Trophy; Jakki Galella, Silver Medallion; and Henry Stanley, Bronze Medallion).
Finally, NAA honored Frank Culbertson, commander of the STS-51 Discovery, and Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, chief test pilot at Boom Supersonic.
“The 2025 Fall Awards brought together the very best of our aviation community,” said Jim Albaugh, NAA chair. “It was truly inspiring to honor individuals whose work spans from humanitarian missions to cutting-edge aerospace innovation.”