J. Randolph “Randy” Babbitt, who heads the FAA, will present the National Aviation Hall of Fame’s (NAHF’s) 2010 Milton Caniff “Spirit of Flight” Award to the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) next month.
The award, bestowed annually upon a group or organization in recognition of contributions made toward the advancement of aviation, will be presented July 16 as part of NAHF’s annual enshrinement weekend in Dayton, Ohio.
The President’s Dinner and presentation of the Milton Caniff “Spirit of Flight” Award kicks off the NAHF’s Enshrinement weekend. On Saturday, July 17, the Hall of Fame will enshrine its Class of 2010: Apollo astronaut and artist Alan Bean; aviation entrepreneur and cinematographer Clay Lacy; aviation lighting inventor Warren Grimes; and noted bush pilot and airline founder Noel Wien.
“NBAA and its members are honored to be recognized with this award,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “As a part of the aviation community, business aviation has a rich history of leadership and innovation that has been critical to the advancement of the entire industry. We at NBAA are most pleased that the National Aviation Hall of Fame will recognize those contributions with this award, and we are delighted that Randy Babbitt will present it to the association at the ceremony.”
NAHF’s Board of Trustees first announced the organization’s intention to bestow the award upon NBAA during the Opening General Session of NBAA’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Convention in Orlando, Fla. That announcement was formalized on Dec. 17, 2009, at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, as part of an annual celebration of the anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first controlled powered flight.
“Business aviation is a vital part of this nation’s economy, and the Hall of Fame is proud to help recognize NBAA, which has done so much to help this industry,” said Alan Hoeweler, president and acting chairman of the NAHF Board of Trustees.
For more information: NationalAviation.org or 937-256-0944 ext. 10.
