Walter Boyne to Retire as NAA Board Chairman 

   Walter Boyne, who has served as Chairman of the NAA Board of Directors since 2005, announced that he will retire from the position effective June 30, 2014. We will provide more details in the next issue of the NAA Record.  

Marion Blakey Receives Wright Memorial Trophy

Marion Blakey receives the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy from NAA Chairman Walter Boyne.

   NAA established this award in 1948 to honor the memory of Orville and Wilbur Wright. The trophy is awarded annually to a living American for ". . .significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States."

   Since 2007, Blakey has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Aerospace Industries Association, the voice of the aerospace and defense industry. Before that, she served a five-year term as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. During her tenure, the traveling public experienced the safest period for air travel in nation's history, and she was a tireless safety advocate both in the United States and internationally. Under her leadership, FAA launched the Next Generation Air Transportation System − the shift to a satellite-based system that will modernize air transportation, save fuel, and decrease delays.

   Former United States Secretary of Transportation Norm Mineta provided the opening remarks of the presentation ceremony, commenting on Blakey's remarkable tenure of public service - focusing primarily on her tenure as Chairman of the National Transportation Board and her subsequent position as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

   In her acceptance, Blakey expounded on the importance of public service in her own career as well as the well-being of the nation. "Public service helps provide [that] preparation. It exposes you to people and circumstances you would never otherwise have encountered; it helps shape you, and encourages you to take on new opportunities and risks you never envisioned and. . .contribute to the common good."

   Prior to being named FAA Administrator, Blakey served as Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board. During her tenure, she led a number of accident investigations, including the 2001 crash of American Airlines flight 587, dealing with both the highly technical aspects of the investigation as well as the tremendous public interest in the accident. Blakey improved the Board's accident reporting process and strengthened its advocacy and outreach programs to promote safer travel throughout all modes of transportation.

   Including her service at the FAA and NTSB, Blakey has held six presidential appointments, four of which required Senate confirmation. She served as Administrator of the U.S. Transportation Department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and held key positions at the Department of Commerce, the Department of Education, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the White House, and the Department of Transportation.

Range of Outstanding Recipients

Honored at NAA Fall Awards Dinner

More awards are presented at the NAA Fall Awards Dinner than any other NAA event during the year. And so it was on November 12, 2013 that a wide range of outstanding individuals were honored for their accomplishments.

The highlight of the dinner each year is the presentation of the Mackay Trophy, awarded by the U. S. Air Force for the "most meritorious flight of the year."

Lieutenant General Stephen L. Hoog, Assistant Vice Chief of Staff and Director, Air Staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, presented the trophy to 13 crew members of Pedro 83 Flight, which executed a daring MEDEVAC operation in Afghanistan in 2012.

"These men are the real deal," Hoog declared. "They are the reason that soldiers know if they are downed behind enemy lines, someone will come and get them." 

Lieutenant General Stephen L. Hoog (third from right) stands with crew members from the Pedro 83 Flight.

 The Katharine Wright Memorial Trophy, presented annually to a woman for personal contributions to aviation, was awarded to two outstanding women by NAA Board Member Pat Prentiss, former President of the Ninety Nines organization of women pilots.

Kim de Groh (right) accepts the Katharine Wright Trophy from Pat Prentiss

Kim de Groh, a Senior Materials Research Engineer at the NASA Glen Research Center, was honored for her tireless efforts in mentoring young women for over two decades and for her numerous technical achievements in the advancement of materials durability in the space environment.

Mary Feik received the award for pioneering aviation maintenance during World War II and for her 60-year aviation career promoting aerospace education and inspiring generations of youth.

Mary Feik (center) accepts the Katharine Wright Trophy from Pat Prentiss (left) while NAA President and CEO Jonathan Gaffney looks on.

The Frank G. Brewer Trophy, awarded annually to an individual, a group of individuals, or an organization for significant contributions of enduring value to aerospace education in the United States, was presented by Debbie Gallaway, a Brewer Trophy Recipient in 2004 and currently the United States Delegate to the FAI Education Commission.

The recipient was Barrington Irving, the youngest person and only African American ever to fly solo around the world. He built a plane himself, made his historic flight, graduated Magna Cum Laude from an aeronautical science program, and founded Experience Aviation, an educational nonprofit organization, all before age 28.

The award citation noted that he was honored "for his passion and dedication in inspiring current and future youth to careers in aviation."

"I have discovered how capable people are of accomplishing amazing feats," Irving said of his experience working with youth to build airplanes and engage in other aviation projects. "Kids come up to me and say, 'This is the first thing I have ever completed in my life."

Barrington Irving accepts the Brewer Trophy from Debbie Gallaway.

The theme of aviation education was also reflected in the presentation of the Mervin K. Strickler Aerospace Education Award by Judy Rice, President of the National Coalition for Aviation & Space Education, which partners with NAA to offer this award.

The award went to the NASA "Smart Skies" Education Program, a mathematics education project for grades 5-9 that inspires and enhances student interest in careers in aviation and aerospace.

Project Manager Dr. Greg Condon accepted the award, explaining how "students become incredibly motivated to learn the math that goes into air traffic control," one of the areas covered in the program.

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the F�d�ration A�ronautique Internationale (FAI) Silver Medal to Art Greenfield, the NAA Director of Contests and Records.

The medal is "reserved for persons who have occupied high office in FAI or in an aeronautical organization in one of its member countries, and in the discharge of their duties have shown exceptional powers of leadership and influence, to the benefit of the whole international air sport community."

Art Greenfield (left) accepts the FAI Silver Medal from NAA Vice Chairman Skip Ringo.

To introduce the Public Benefit Flying Awards, NAA President and CEO and Awards Dinner emcee Jonathan Gaffney explained that "public benefit flying is one of the truly remarkable attributes of this wonderful industry we love so much. It is made up of individuals and groups who not only understand the value and importance of putting their aircraft, knowledge, and skills in service to the benefit of society and their fellow man and woman, but actually do it - every day and every week."

Rol Murrow, Chairman of the Air Care Alliance and the Executive Director of the Wolf Aviation Fund joined Gaffney to present the awards.

The Distinguished Volunteer Pilot Award went to Hank Stoebeneau, has served as a pilot, organizer, volunteer, and board member of Angel Flight East for more than 13 years.

The Public Benefit Flying Teamwork Award was presented to the ORBIS International's Flying Eye Hospital and FEDEX, which have partnered to bring together dedicated eye care professionals and aviators to give the gift of sight to people in developing countries around the world.

The Outstanding Achievement in Public Benefit Flying Award was given to two worthy recipients.

Aerobridge, a group of experienced aviation specialists who coordinate emergency aviation response during disasters, was honored for its work in response to Hurricane Sandy last year, flying 95 aircraft to New York and New Jersey to bring in over 50,000 pounds of specifically requested donations. In combination with its flying efforts, Aerobridge also coordinated truck shipments of more than 70,000 additional pounds of vital donations. Aerobridge Founder and President Marianne Stevenson accepted the award.

The Civil Air Patrol also received the award for its major role in managing the Hurricane Sandy relief effort by providing more than 158,000 digital images of more than 300 miles of coastline from Cape May to Cape Cod. Richard Cooper and Don Rowland of the Civil Air Patrol accepted the award.

The Champions of Public Benefit Flying Award was presented to the Air Safety Institute, a division of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Foundation, which joined forces with the Air Care Alliance and affiliated volunteer pilot groups to develop a free online course to provide appropriate and fundamental safety guidance in one place. The resulting online course, "Public Benefit Flying: Balancing Safety and Compassion," has become a one-stop source to increase the safety culture of this public service.

Machteld Smith of the Air Safety Institute and John Provenzano and Bo Bollinger of the Greater Washington Aviation Open accepted the award.

Five recipients of the Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award accepted recognition and trophies for "their efforts over an extended period of years, have made contributions of significant value to aeronautics, and have reflected credit upon America and themselves."

Honorees included:

Ralph Crosby, who for more than three decades has been involved in the management and leadership of aerospace at the highest levels in America. He served as Chairman and CEO of EADS North America from 2002 to 2009 and today serves as a member of the EADS Executive Committee as well as Chairman Emeritus.

Janice K. Barden, who leveraged her 16 years as a professional aviation psychologist to create Aviation Personnel International - the first female-owned and operated retained search firm designed exclusively to serve the hiring needs of private and business aviation professionals.

Hugh Risseeuw, who has been a leading advocate of military aviation as a pilot, corporate executive, and industry leader. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he amassed over 3,500 hours of flight time and 350 carrier landings in fighter and attack aircraft, including the A-4, F-4, and F-8.

Bruce Whitman, President and CEO of FlightSafety International since 2003. Under his leadership, FlightSafety provides more than a million hours of training each year to over 75,000 pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from around the world.

Matt Zuccaro, who has served as President of the Helicopter Association International (HAI) since 2005. Under his leadership, HAI has become one of the fastest-growing aerospace organizations in the world as well as one of the leading advocates of the rotorcraft industry. A relentless advocate of safety, Zuccaro has established a vision for the rotorcraft industry of 100 percent accident-free

Sponsors of the dinner included Rolls-Royce, North America; United Technologies; GE Aviation; LHD & Associates; and Wolf Aviation Fund.

NAA Chairman Walter Boyne (far left) and NAA President and CEO Jonathan Gaffney (far right) flank the 2013 Distinguished Statesmen of Aviation honorees.

The Challenges of 2014

   As we close the books (literally and figuratively) on 2013, we have a lot to be thankful for.  

   Despite some significant staffing changes, we were able to maintain our workload and responsibilities and even saw a dramatic increase in our aviation records work. Proudly, we were able to report to our Board of Directors in December our sixth consecutive year of operating a financial net positive.

   We have always understood, however, that we are a small (but important) part of an enormous worldwide industry of aviation and aerospace. Therefore, we will operate with the same focus and responsibility as the companies, organizations, and individuals with whom we work and serve.

   In that spirit, 2014 will be a challenging year for NAA. We have established a budget that has slightly decreased expenses from 2013 (and has frozen our staff salaries) and includes very conservative (but realistic) revenue projections. As in years past, it is a very conservative operating plan, but one we are used to implementing.

   We appreciate very much the support we have received from all of you - and we will work extremely hard in 2014 to maintain that level of trust.

Jonathan Gaffney

  NAA President and CEO

Rod Machado Honored with Crystal Eagle

Award by Aero Club of Northern California

   Aviation author, humorist and flight instructor Rod Machado was presented with the Aero Club of Northern California 2013 Crystal Eagle Award. The award is presented annually to honor individuals whose achievements are among the highest in aviation and aerospace.

   The annual Crystal Eagle dinner was held November 1, 2013 at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, California.

Aero Club of Northern California President Sandra Clifford presents 2013 Crystal Eagle to Rod Machado.

At the dinner, NAA certificates of merit were presented to retired Air Force U-2 pilot John V. Cabigas and retired airline captain Terry Rinehart, who was among the first women to fly for a major U.S. airline. NAA President and CEO Jonathan Gaffney presented the certificates.

   Scholarships were awarded to four students enrolled in San Jose State University's aviation program - Alejandro Ramirez, James Crawford, Antoinette Amaral and Adrian Ballesteros.

   Machado, a pilot since 1970 and holder of multiple ratings including airline transport pilot, is best known as an author of aviation books and seminar speaker at events such as EAA AirVenture, Sun 'N Fun, and AOPA Expo. His seminars include Defensive Flying, Handling In-Flight Emergencies, and Aviation Humor.

   Born in Oakland, Machado started flying at age 16 at Reid-Hillview Airport in San Jose. He soloed at age 17 and took his private pilot check ride with famed flight instructor and air show pilot Amelia Reid. By age 19, he was as certified flight instructor.

   Over the years, he logged more than 8,000 flight hours, most of it giving dual instruction. Machado has shared his humor and wisdom in books, videos and audio cassette albums, and in a monthly column, "License to Learn,'' for AOPA Pilot magazine.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

General Manager Speaks at AAC Luncheon

   The Atlanta Aero Club (AAC) luncheon was held on November 14, 2013 with guest speaker Louis Miller, General Manager, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Over 85 members and guests attended the Capital City Club in downtown Atlanta for this event.

AAC Directors Andrea Van Buren and Douglas Murphy at the November luncheon.

   The restaurant is located on the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport's runway. The Commemorative Air Force displayed a P-51D Mustang, FG-1D Corsair, SBD-5 Dauntless, LT6 Mosquito, and a PT26 Cornell on the ramp and members purchased rides at discounted rates.