Luncheon Series Closes with Gene Cernan;

Set to Blast Off in September with Elon Musk

   NAA closed the 2011-2012 Luncheon Series in late June with guest speaker Captain Eugene Cernan (USN, Retired), who spoke passionately to a crowd of aerospace industry representatives about the need for America to return to space, re-engage young people in the dream of "going where no man has gone before," and restoring our national pride and leadership in space exploration.  

   He views his last walk on the moon as the culmination of an era when the United States "wrestled the leadership of space from the Soviet Union. Now, a half century later, we have come full circle and given back that leadership at some cost. That does indeed bother me," he said.

   "In 2012 we find ourselves on a mission to nowhere in outer space. This is unacceptable to me and unacceptable to the American people. I hope you can help us turn that around. Currently we can't even put an American in space in American hardware," he lamented. "Forty years ago we were going to the moon every 60-90 days. We weren't afraid to fail.

   "Are we going back again? You bet your life we are. I even predicted we would go to Mars by the end of the 20th century. It's not as important when we go but what direction this country takes [in space exploration] toward the future." (Read more of Cernan's remarks here.)

   Following his remarks, NAA presented Captain Cernan with an NAA Leather Flight Jacket and a replacement of the Wright Brothers Trophy he received in 2007. (View all photos from the June Henderson Trophy Luncheon here.)

   On September 27, 2012, NAA will kick off the 2012-2013 Luncheon Series with guest speaker Elon Musk, founder and CEO/CTO of Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX). SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches the world's most advanced rockets and spacecraft. Musk views space exploration as an important step in expanding-if not preserving-the consciousness of human life.

   In seven years, SpaceX has designed the family of Falcon launch vehicles and the Dragon mufti-purpose spacecraft from the ground up. NASA selected SpaceX to be part of the first program that entrusts private companies to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.In September 2009, SpaceX's Falcon 1 rocket became the first privately funded liquid-fueled vehicle to put a satellite into Earth orbit.

   On May 25, 2012, the SpaceX Dragon vehicle docked with the ISS, making history as the first commercial company to launch and dock a vehicle to the International Space Station.

    The September luncheon will be held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott with a reception at 11:30 am. Register now.

   Thank you to the NAA Luncheon Series Season Table holders: The Boeing Company, Cobham, DRS Technologies, Inc., EADS North America, GE Aviation, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Rolls-Royce North America, UTC/Pratt & Whitney, and Aurora Flight Sciences. Reservations for Season Tables are available now; for information, email [email protected].

Joe Lombardo Accepts

Henderson Trophy

   At the National Aeronautic Association June 2012 luncheon , Joe Lombardo, Executive Vice President of the General Dynamics Aerospace Group, accepted the 2012 Henderson Trophy for his outstanding record of success and leadership of the general aviation industry.

   "This is a very humbling experience for me," he said. "I would not be here except for all the many people who have advanced my career."

Joe Lombardo displays his personal trophy standing beside the permanent trophy, which is housed at the National Air and Space Museum.

   Lombardo spoke of the strong cooperative spirit throughout the aviation industry as it works toward its collective interest on common issues with what Lombardo called "civility."

   He is also proud that the industry "puts safety first" and added that it provides many jobs at a time when jobs are so important to the American economy.

   Lombardo, who joined Gulfstream in 1996 and served as President from 2007 until 2011, developed that company into one of the world leaders in the design, manufacturing, and servicing of business jets.        

   When Lombardo joined Gulfstream, it was a one-aircraft company (the GIV-SP); today it has a product line of seven distinct aircraft - the G150, G280, G350, G450, G500, G550, and the G650. In addition to building aircraft, he oversaw global expansion of top-rated product support (including opening Gulfstream's first factory service center in China this year) and managing the merger of Jet Aviation into Gulfstream. Also, in the midst of a severe recession in both the world economy and the general aviation industry, he carefully continued Gulfstream's growth and the company now employs more than 12,500 people.

   The trophy is permanently housed in the National Air & Space Museum and is inscribed with the names of previous winners including Scott Crossfield, Frank Borman, Barry Goldwater, Walter Boyne, Donald D. Engen, Admiral Wes McDonald, Spann Watson, Cliff Robertson, The United States Air Force Academy, and many other notable people and organizations.

Baumgartner Claims New Maximum

Vertical Speed Record for Skydiving

   Felix Baumgartner claimed a new Federation Aeronautique Internationale Maximum Vertical Speed Record for skydiving on March 15, 2012, when he jumped from a balloon at 71,615 feet above Roswell, New Mexico.

Felix Baumgartner (left) with Brian Utley.

   He achieved a velocity of 364.69 miles per hour in his jump, which was monitored and observed by Brian G. Utley, a member of the NAA Contest and Records Board. The time of free fall was 3 minutes and 40 seconds and covered 63,405 feet. The outside air temperature at the maximum velocity altitude was -76 degrees F.

This record was part of a planned series of three parachute jumps designed to ultimately establish three new FAI world parachuting records:

• Exit Altitude
• Vertical Distance of Freefall (without drogue or stabilization device)
• Maximum Vertical Speed (without drogue or stabilization device)

   It has been more than 50 years since Col. Joe Kittinger made his remarkable jump from 102,800 feet that has since been the benchmark for parachuting despite his record never having been homologated.

To achieve these objectives, Red Bull, the sponsor, and Baumgartner contracted with Sage Cheshire Aero of Lancaster, California to manage all aspects of the project, which faced a number of significant technical challenges, according to a report submitted by Utley and Jim Hayhurst, Director of Competition and Records for the United States Parachute Association.

   These challenges included designing a launch vehicle capable of ferrying the human challenger to a jump altitude well above 100,000 feet, providing safety and survival safeguards commensurate with the outer limits of the atmosphere, and incorporating measurement technologies that provide accurate and auditable results beyond the range of current human experience and covering all three of the desired objectives.

Fortunately, Southern California and New Mexico have a wealth of experienced resources long involved in high altitude and space research, enabling Sage Cheshire to assemble a first class team of experts to guide the development program. NASA also cooperated with the record jump because of the unique near-space experience involved. With NASA support, the space suit that Baumgartner wore was modeled after the EVA suits worn by astronauts and the suits worn by U-2 pilots for protection in case of emergency evacuation at the high altitudes normally flown.

   Roswell, New Mexico was selected as the launch site because of its long history in exploratory high altitude balloon launches and the large areas of uninhabited surrounding terrain ideal for recovery efforts.

   The next jumps in the series of three record attempts are scheduled for July and August 2012.  

Doug Matthews Resumes Aviation

Record Setting After Nearly 25 Years Off      

   Doug Matthews has been breaking aviation records for nearly 30 years. Flying everything from Learjets to WWII fighter jets, he has set 37 U.S. and world records, with performance speeds topping 500 mph.

An enthusiast, pioneer, and part of aviation history, Doug Matthews continues to fly today, breaking records through hard work, dedication, and the ability to overcome many mechanical and environmental obstacles.

   Matthews began setting records in 1984, flying a Learjet 35A. Within two days, he had already set 10 world records for speed over a recognized course. He then broke 19 more records during the next two years through the end of 1986.

   However, Matthews set no new records from 1987-2010, taking nearly 25 years off. Matthews says that he continued to fly during that time, but was focused on warbird flying (WWII fighters) and Reno racing, as well as private flying.

   In 2011, though, Matthews resumed setting records, and recently set seven new records, now with smaller WWII fighters and a Bombardier Canadair T-33 jet. "I remembered what a challenge it was to attempt these records and have always felt that there were 'collateral benefits' beyond just going into the record books," Matthews says. "Setting the records brings attention to NAA and aviation in general. During my time on the NAA board, we discussed these ideas."

   Of his 37 record-breaking achievements, Matthews is especially proud of the jet time-to-climb records, and a transcontinental San Diego-to-Savannah time record. He also thanks his crew that accompanied him on his round-the-world attempt, Bill Logan and Lou Nemeth, who together with Matthews set many point-to-point records that still stand 28 years later. The round-the-world records were particularly challenging since there was no GPS navigation - only Omega- so the Pacific Ocean legs were a navigation challenge.

   Truly an inspiration to pilots and record-setters everywhere, Matthews will likely continue to set records, and will be remembered for spearheading many record-setting endeavors in this critical time of aviation technology development.  

Set a World Record

Get a Leather Jacket to Prove It 

   From July 11, 2012 through September 30, 2012, aviators setting a World Record in a fixed wing aircraft will be eligible to receive a beautiful leather flight jacket (a $150 value) inscribed with the NAA Logo and words "World Record Holder." Qualifying Records must be set in weight class "F" and higher. Restrictions Apply - Contact Art Greenfield [email protected] for details. 

   New at setting records and eager to get started? Click here for a quick guide.

2012 Public Benefit Flying

Award Recipients Named

  The National Aeronautic Association, in partnership with the Air Care Alliance, a nationwide league of humanitarian flying organizations, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2012 National Public Benefit Flying Awards, which include:

 Distinguished Volunteer Pilots

      Susan Lapis, SouthWings

      Del Reiff, Wings of Hope 

Awarded to an individual or individuals for outstanding public benefit flying service as a volunteer pilot. Awarded for performance that exceeds expectations and distinguishes volunteers and/or their effort from others.

 Distinguished Volunteers

      Debi Boies, Pilots N Paws 

      Larry Scheffler, Miracle Flights for Kids.

Awarded to an individual or individuals for outstanding service as a non-flying volunteer working in public benefit flying. Awarded for performance that exceeds expectations and distinguishes non-pilot volunteers and/or their effort from others. 

  Outstanding Achievement in Public Benefit Flying 

      Bob Showalter and Showalter Flying Services.

Awarded for outstanding achievement by an individual or organization that helped raise the standard of service of or contributed significantly to the overall advancement of Public Benefit Flying. Given for exemplary achievement or contributions by an individual, group of individuals, an organization, or group of organizations that significantly raised the standard of service, improved the state-of-the-art, or contributed to the advancement of Public Benefit flying overall.

   Champion of Public Benefit Flying

      Lightspeed Aviation Foundation.

Awarded to an individual, organization, or company who, while not operationally directly involved in Public Benefit Flying, has provided extraordinary support for such efforts and thus advanced the cause of Public Benefit Flying. This award is intended for individuals or groups not directly or primarily involved in public benefit flying, for extraordinary support and contributions providing fair winds beneath the wings of public benefit flying organizations and their volunteers.

   These recipients will be recognized at the "Above and Beyond" ceremony in on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on September 13, 2012. For more information on these awards and to nominate deserving recipients for the 2013 Awards click here.  

NAA Receives Grant from Hilton Foundation 

   In May 2012 the National Aeronautic Association was awarded a grant of $25,000 from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to support its current activities of certifying aviation and aerospace records, administering aviation awards, and working to support the continued growth and vitality of air sports in America.

   The grant was the direct result of the efforts of NAA Chairman Walter Boyne, who took on the responsibility of leading ongoing Board efforts to enhance the financial foundation of NAA for the years ahead.

   Barron Hilton, Chairman Emeritus of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, has long been regarded as one of the "Patron Saints" of aviation in the United States, being a strong financial and inspirational supporter of aviation progress for more than 60 years. In addition to wide experience as the pilot of light aircraft, jets, rotorcraft, balloons and sailplanes, Hilton has been a prominent supporter of aviation achievement from aerobatic competitions to the earliest attempts to fly nonstop around the world in a balloon. In 2010 he was awarded the F�d�ration A�ronautique Internationale Gold Medal for his lifetime of support to aviation and aerospace in the world.

   "NAA is greatly honored by this grant and for the work our Chairman put in to receiving it," said Jonathan Gaffney, President and CEO of NAA. "We will ensure that it is allocated to the cause for which Mr. Hilton has dedicated a great deal of his life - the advancement of aviation and aerospace in the United States."  

The Evolution of the

Annual Collier Trophy Selection Process

    Much has been written (and, hopefully read) about the 2012 Collier Dinner - where the 2011 Collier Trophy was presented to the Boeing Company for its remarkable 787 Dreamliner. For those who were not there, it was a wonderful evening which certainly enhanced the prestige and visibility of this wonderful 101-year old trophy as well as the credibility and history of the National Aeronautic Association.

    The most important result of this entire evolution, however, is the impact that it will have in the future for both the trophy and NAA.

    I have often referred to the Collier Trophy as the "Greatest Award in Aviation," and this selection and dinner certainly confirmed that. Going forward, therefore, I anticipate even more qualified nominations and equally impressive Selection Committee members. The process will continue to evolve into our goal for all nominees that "regardless of whether you win or not, it is certainly worth your time and effort" to be nominated and present your accomplishment to the esteemed Selection Committee.

    As President of NAA and the Manager of the Selection Process (a process, in which, I need to remind all, I neither vote, lobby, nor otherwise influence) I am actively searching for qualified nominations. If you have one (or know of one) I would like to hear from you [email protected].

    Have a great summer.       

Jonathan Gaffney

NAA President and CEO