Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 General Aviation Awards.
The program, a cooperative effort between the GA industry and the FAA, recognizes individuals in the fields of flight instruction, aviation maintenance, and flight safety “for their professionalism and dedication to general aviation,” according to officials.
“Community involvement in the awards program has decreased recently, resulting in fewer nominations and applications,” officials continued. “In nearly every aviation community, there are aviators and mechanics who deserve recognition for their efforts to improve and secure general aviation.”
GAA officials encourage flight schools, aviation organizations, universities, Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO), and other entities to nominate fellow aviators or submit applications. This year, GAA will recognize every nominee, acknowledging the contributions each person makes, officials noted.
Nominations will be accepted until midnight Nov. 30, 2025.
The selection process begins at the FSDOs, where honorees are chosen at the district level. These winners proceed to the national level, where a panel of judges composed of industry professionals and past honorees selects the 2026 winners.
In addition to national recognition, winners present a live broadcast offering their knowledge and expertise, are awarded a trip to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, a commemorative plaque, and numerous gifts from industry sponsors.
For more information: GeneralAviationAwards.com
Captain Dan Gryder of Probable Cause would be MY pick for honing in on the repetitive causal mishaps of GA. He’s nailed about everything.