The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has selected NGPA — The Worldwide LGBTQ Aviation Community as the recipient of the 2022 Clifford Henderson Trophy.
The Henderson Trophy, which is in the collection of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, was established in 1960 to honor the creator and managing director of the world-renowned National Air Races from 1928-1939. Clifford Henderson’s work stimulated a generation’s interest in aviation and challenged the state of the art in aviation development, according to NAA officials.
The trophy is awarded to “…a living individual, group of individuals, or an organization whose vision, leadership, or skill made a significant and lasting contribution to the promotion and advancement of aviation and aerospace in the United States.”
Previous recipients include Lieutenant General James Doolittle, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Senator Barry Goldwater, The United States Air Force Academy, Tom Poberezny, Martha King, Scott Crossfield, The Ninety-Nines, and the 2021 recipient The Tuskegee Airmen.
The NGPA is the largest organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) aviation professionals and enthusiasts from around the world. Founded in 1990, it is dedicated to building, supporting, and uniting the LGBTQ aviation community. Through education, social events, and outreach, the association advances aviation safety, fosters equal treatment of the LGBTQ aviation community through advocacy and outreach, and encourages LGBTQ individuals to pursue careers in aviation.
Another way that the NGPA fulfills its mission is by providing scholarships for Private Pilot Certificate training, Airline Transport Pilot certification, college degrees, and advanced technical programs. To date, the NGPA has awarded more than $750,000 in scholarships.
“The Henderson Trophy has gone to so many who have worked to make aviation better, from James Doolittle to Scott Crossfield to Martha King, the Ninety-Nines, and the Tuskegee Airmen,” said NAA President Greg Principato. “So many have advanced not just the technology of flight, but also the idea that aviation’s opportunity should be fully available to all. The work of NGPA over so many years to build, support and unite the LGBTQ aviation community is in that proud tradition. Aviation is best when all can contribute to its advancement, and we are proud to recognize the work of the NGPA with the 2022 NAA Henderson Trophy.”
“To be honored amongst such outstanding individuals and organizations is truly humbling for all of us here at NGPA,” said Brian Gambino, NGPA’s president. “Our organization has been fueled by the selfless work of countless volunteers over NGPA’s 32-year history. This recognition by the NAA is further proof that inclusivity in aviation and aerospace is vital to the continued advancement of our industry.”
Unless you’re planning on joining the Mile-High-Club while flying, I fail to see how your “LGBTQ-status” is in any way, shape, or form relevant for an “aviation-professional”.
And with all due respect to NGPA, I can think of all kinds of other individuals and organizations who to a much, much greater extent would fit the description of “…a living individual, group of individuals, or an organization whose vision, leadership, or skill made a significant and lasting contribution to the promotion and advancement of aviation and aerospace in the United States.”
This is nothing but shameful pandering.
Count me out, GAN. This has absolutely nothing to do with aviation. It is yet one more attempt to shove the PC gay lifestyle in our faces. Adios.
I have worked in professional aviation for over 56 years, and like Rich Appling, I am also absolutely incensed that the Henderson Trophy has been so degraded!
The NGBA and LGBTQ movement has not accomplished “a significant and lasting contribution to the promotion and advancement of aviation and aerospace in the United States.” The NGBA and LGBTQ movement’s only goal is to try to convince everyone that their lifestyle is “normal” and “accepted”, which just is not true.
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has just insulted every past recipient of the Clifford Henderson Trophy.
I would love to see “The RAF” (theRAF.org) be recognized by them. You cannot get more grassroots rolling-up-sleeves-saving back country airports than that. They don’t care who or what you are as long as you are passionate about flying and want to get involved, which is what it should be.
Folks, you should also copy National Aeronautic Association, naa.aero with your thoughts. They are the ones who award these trophies. GAN is reporting it to the rest of us, otherwise, you may not know it even took place.
Someone (s) has to nominate a person or group to NAA directly, (It could even be someone within the organization.), as with other nominees, to be considered through a process. An NAA panel reviews the party’s nomination, which must include details of why they should be considered. This is not only for the Henderson Trophy, but their other awards, as well. I know because a while back I nominated Martha King of King Schools, and she received an award two years later, based on merit for the outline of that particular award.
AGREE WHIT CHEW
This is an aviation site. I fail to see why we have to discus liquor, guns, boats or tits. I’m tired of that being force down my throat.
Can non-NGPA members receive a scholarship?
No. You must be a member of NGPA to receive a scholarship award. To become a member of NGPA, visit our website. Student memberships begin at $20.
I do not identify as LGBTQIA+, can I still apply and receive a scholarship?
Yes! Everyone is eligible to receive a scholarship regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or status. We do look for involvement in or ways in which you have given back to the LGBTQIA+ community.
I agree with Mr. Appling and will also be unsubscribing from GAN, after many years of service.
Maybe if the Taliban succeed in flying and maintaining their new air force they too can can win the Henderson Trophy.
I am absolutely incensed that the Henderson Trophy has been degraded to become yet another avenue for the LGBTQ movement, and even more furious that GAN has decided to celebrate it. Despite what the political pundits try to force, the gay movement is NOT mainstream. Forcing the ideology on the general aviation community, while making it appear as “normal” and “accepted” behavior, has exceeded my limit of tolerance. The sanctity of your publication, and the aviation community in general, has been deeply tarnished, and I will not be subjected to such filthy trite.
I am unsubscribing from GAN, and will not be subjected to further forced feeding of this immoral movement that goes against God’s creation and all human existence.
👍 Right there with you.
I’m also with You, Mr. Rich Appling
If it was a religious group it would be great right. FFRF.org
Amen. More disheartening is the degradation of values in this country where you could juxtapose this group with what the Doolittle Raiders and the Tuskegee Airmen espoused. The latter promoted values that made this country and aviation great. True greatness. We must return to doing great things in this country and inspiring true strength in our youth, rather promoting false greatness and lowering the bar for all to aspire to simply because it’s fashionable to make the weak look and feel strong. You do no favors to the weak or the strong by pandering. Have you completely lost the ability to recognize and promote greatness…greatness founded in a universal truth?
Goodbye GAN. I pray you can eventually return to honor and cease degrading my fellow airmen of old with your defamation via association.
Amen, amen, amen, Mitch H
I’m tired of forced feeding of Religions.
I will not be subjected to further forced feeding of this Religious BS
Unreal…
So….you decide to finally post this one? And censor the other one? Consider this GOODBYE GAN. Communists.