The first, second, and third-place winners in each category will now advance to the international judging round at the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, to compete against artists from around the world.
National Aeronautic Association
North Dakota teacher named 2025 Aerospace Educator of the Year
“Thomas has transformed aerospace education within our community,” writes his nominator and colleague Katie Brew, “sparking a passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and aviation careers in students across northwest North Dakota. Thomas’s innovative approach to aerospace education is evident in every aspect of his program.”
2024 Public Benefit Flying Award winners revealed
Created in partnership with the Air Care Alliance (ACA), a nationwide league of humanitarian flying organizations, the NAA’s Public Benefit Flying Awards recognizes individual volunteers and volunteer organizations who utilize aviation for humanitarian actions.
Sisters of the Skies win 2023 Clifford Henderson Award
“The growth of aviation as an industry and as a career is threatened by the lack of a broad pipeline for talent,” said NAA President and CEO Greg Principato. “Sisters of the Skies makes an incredible contribution to solving that problem. They are building the future of aviation. It is exactly this kind of passion and commitment that we seek to honor with the Clifford Henderson Trophy, and it will be an honor to present the 2023 award to Sisters of the Skies.”
2023 Katherine Wright trophy goes to Julie Clark
Clark is being honored for her “significant contributions to the art and sport of aviation, the success of others, and the promotion of aerospace education for more than a half-century,” according to officials.
Pulitzer Electric Aircraft Race postponed
Economic conditions and “a strong priority by the aircraft manufacturers on product development and certification hampered” the National Aeronautic Association’s ability to secure the necessary sponsorships to hold the race in 2023, according to NAA officials.
2022 Public Benefit Flying Awards honors volunteer pilots and more
“Each year, hundreds, even thousands, of pilots and volunteers use their aviation skill to assist others in time of need,” said NAA President Greg Principato. “From responding to disasters, to bringing life-saving treatments to patients, to bringing others to receive the care they need, these pilots and organizations serve their communities well and often without notice.”
Ever want to set an aviation record?
With the recent release of the most memorable aviation records from 2019 to 2021, it caught my attention that the National Aeronautic Association has a list of its Most Wanted Records. Curious as to what they are?
LGBTQ association wins 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.







