General Tom Stafford Honored With

Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy

   More than 700 aviation enthusiasts attended the 2011 Wright Memorial Dinner on December 16, 2011 to honor this year's recipient Lieutenant General Thomas Patten Stafford (USAF, Ret.). Former Wright Trophy recipients Gene Cernan (2007), Norm Mineta (2006), John Glenn (2003) and Neil Armstrong (2001) were on hand to honor General Stafford;  Aero Club of Washington President Monte Belger served as master of ceremonies.

Astronauts (left to right) Eugene Cernan, John Glenn and Tom Stafford with NAA Chairman Walter Boyne and NAA President and CEO Jonathan Gaffney.

   Captain Gene Cernan, a close friend and colleague of Stafford, gave an eloquent testimonial of Stafford's amazing contributions to aerospace. "I don't know of anyone in modern times who more exemplifies what the Wright Memorial Trophy stands for," Cernan said. "Tom is a leader who inspired others to major achievements as well."

   Cernan and Stafford flew twice in space together - once orbiting the earth and second time on a flight to the moon.

   "Over 40 years together we've had some hair-raising experiences," added Cernan. "I am humbled to be honoring Tom Stafford for what he has done for this nation then and now for over 50 years. From when your mother crossed the plains of Oklahoma in a covered wagon to this podium tonight, Tom, you certainly have traveled quite a journey. You are a pioneer, a visionary and a hero."

   NAA President and CEO Jonathan Gaffney reviewed the history of the Wright Memorial Trophy and the contributions of prior recipients, among them the most famous of aviation and aerospace pioneers, innovators and inventors who have received one of aviation's most prized honors. The Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy represents "the legacy of the Wright Brothers and the passion they have instilled in those who followed in their footsteps. Tom is joining a very exclusive club," Gaffney noted.

NAA Chairman Walter Boyne presents the Wright Trophy to General Tom Stafford

   NAA Chairman Walter Boyne then presented the  trophy to Stafford for his "pioneering achievements which have led the way to the moon, to greater international cooperation in Space and to a safer America."

   Stafford gave an eloquent overview of a career that spanned 50 years. He has been a fighter pilot, flight instructor, distinguished test pilot, pioneering astronaut, aerospace record setter, author, and advisor to federal agencies and U.S. Presidents. He career path leads directly from the Gemini missions to the International Space Station (ISS), also a Collier Trophy recipient

   His Apollo X mission was a pathfinder that laid the foundation for the successful lunar landings. Today's international cooperation and partnership in space was forged upon the historic handshake he offered his (then) Soviet counterpart during the Apollo-Soyuz mission.

   As an advisor to NASA, he had a profound influence on the team that successfully repaired the Hubble Space Telescope, thereby providing a treasure trove of data and spectacular pictures, forever altering our understanding of the universe.

   While serving as Commanding General at Edwards Air Force Base, he presided over the development of some of the most important military aircraft in recent history including the B-1A and F-15. As the U.S. Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development and Acquisitions, he conceived of and urged the development of the stealth aircraft technology which later led to the F-117, B-2 and F-22 Raptor.

   In all, Tom Stafford has lived an exemplary life which has been of significant public service and of enduring value to aviation, aerospace and to the security and safety of the United States of America.

Military and Civilian Aviation Leaders to

Speak at NAA Luncheons in 2012

   The NAA Luncheon Series has a tradition of bringing many of the leading figures connected with aviation to a forum where they can share their views and insights with NAA members and others in the aviation industry.

Rear Admiral Kenneth Floyd

   This month, the 2011-12 NAA Luncheon series continues with its strong lineup of military and civilian speakers.

   At the January Luncheon on Thursday, January 19, 2012, Rear Admiral Kenneth Floyd, USN, Director, Air Warfare Division (OPNAV88) will provide an update on Naval Air Warfare. Click here to register to attend.

   In February, attendees will hear about the current and future plans of the U.S. Air Force on Thursday, February 16, 2012 from Lieutenant General Herbert J. "Hawk" Carlisle, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements. Click here to register to attend.

Lieutenant General Herbert Carlisle

   The March Luncheon is the NAA Annual Spring Awards Program, to be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2012. The NAA Collier Selection Committee will have selected the winner of the 2011 Collier Trophy the day before the luncheon, and the selection will be announced at the event. NAA will also honor the Most Memorable Aviation Records of 2011 and these memorable record setters will share comments on their achievements. 

FedEx President and CEO David Bronczek

Click here to register.

   On Tuesday, April 10, 2011, FedEx Express President and CEO David Bronczek will shed light on the aviation side of FedEx. Click here to register.

   The June Luncheon date and speaker will be announced at a later date; this closing lunch of the season will also feature the presentation of the 2012 Henderson Trophy.

   All luncheons begin with a reception at 11:30 a.m., lunch at Noon, speaker remarks at 12:45 p.m., and adjournment no later than 1:30 p.m. All luncheon events are held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway (corner of 15th & Eads Streets), Arlington, VA.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Sets Speed,  

Distance Records

   Boeing has established two world records with its 787 Dreamliner, setting new marks for both speed and distance for the airplane's weight class.

   According to Boeing, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is the first airplane to provide both long distance capabilities with mid-size capacity (210-250 passengers in a three-class seating), allowing airlines to open new, nonstop routes preferred by the traveling public. The airplane is 20 percent more fuel efficient than similarly sized airplanes.

   The 787, ZA006, powered by General Electric GEnx engines, departed from Boeing Field in Seattle at 11:02 a.m. on December 6, 2011 and set the record for Distance in its class (440,924 < 551,155 lbs.) with a 11,894 mile flight to Dhaka, Bangladesh. The previous record of 10,501 miles was set with the Airbus A330-200 in 2002.

   Following an approximately two-hour stop for refueling in Dhaka, the airplane returned to Seattle, landing at 5:28 a.m. on December 8, 2012, setting a new record for Speed Around the World, Eastbound, at 541 mph, with a total elapsed time of 42 hours and 25 minutes. There was no previous around-the-world speed record for this weight class.
    Kris Maynard, a member of the NAA Contest and Records Board was on board to serve as the Official Observer.