DAYTON, Ohio — The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) has selected Mark Baker and Bruce Landsberg as the co‑recipients of the 2026 Neil Armstrong Outstanding Achievement Award.
Distinguished leaders in general aviation, Baker and Landsberg have each made profound and lasting contributions to aviation safety, education, and pilot advocacy, collectively elevating the culture of safety across the industry, according to NAHF officials.
Baker, the retired President and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), has dedicated his career to expanding access to general aviation and strengthening the voice of pilots nationwide.
An aviator with more than 10,000 flight hours, Baker advanced pilot engagement and safety through his leadership of AOPA, the AOPA Foundation, and the International Council of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Associations. His efforts to modernize industry outreach, promote airport and airspace protections, and grow the aviation community have helped ensure a strong future for general aviation, NAHF officials said.
Landsberg, retired Vice Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, has shaped the national culture of aviation safety through decades of distinguished service. During his tenure with the AOPA Air Safety Foundation and Air Safety Institute, he earned international recognition for advancing safety education, producing industry‑leading training resources, and delivering thousands of seminars to pilots nationwide.
With more than 7,500 hours of flight experience and a career spanning the U.S. Air Force, Cessna Aircraft Company, and Flight Safety International, Landsberg has been a steadfast advocate for data‑driven safety innovation and pilot proficiency. He is a recipient of the FAA’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition alongside Bruce,” said Baker. “General aviation is built on a shared commitment to safety, education, and opportunity, and I am proud to have contributed to that mission.”
“This award reflects the collective efforts of so many individuals dedicated to improving aviation safety,” said Landsberg. “It has been a privilege to serve a community that is committed to learning, improving, and making flight safer for everyone.”
“Mark Baker and Bruce Landsberg embody the very best of aviation leadership through their lifelong dedication to advancing safety, education, and advocacy,” said NAHF Trustee and Chair of the Awards Committee Pat Waddick. “Their contributions have strengthened the foundation of our aviation community and inspired generations of pilots.”
Baker and Landsberg will be honored at the President’s Reception on Sept. 23, 2026, as part of the 62nd Annual Enshrinement events in Washington, D.C.
About the Award
The Neil Armstrong Outstanding Achievement Award is a prestigious aviation award named after Neil Armstrong, the military aviator, test-pilot, astronaut, educator, and 1979 NAHF Enshrinee. The award is for exceptional aviation performance of national or international significance by a U.S. citizen or by a group, the majority of which are U.S. citizens. It may be given for a one-time event that establishes a new level of performance in an aviation activity, a demonstration of an exceptionally high level of personal skill in an aviation event, the development or demonstration of a breakthrough in aviation technology, or an enduring series of events that demonstrate life-long dedication to leadership in promoting aviation and the values of citizenship, dignity, integrity and service.
For more information: NationalAviation.org
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