| National Aeronautic Association | |
| Abbreviation: | NAA |
| Leader Title: | Chairman |
| Leader Name: | James Albaugh |
| Leader Title2: | President and CEO |
| Leader Name2: | Amy Marino Spowart |
| Type: | Not for profit |
| Location: | Washington, D.C. |
| Purpose: | Aviation advocacy |
| Headquarters: | Washington, D.C. |
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is a federally recognized 501c3 whose mission is to advance and oversee the advancement of the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight. The NAA achieves this by fostering opportunities to participate fully in aviation activities and promoting public understanding of the importance of aviation and space flight in the United States.
In the early years of the 20th century, aviation was fascinating. Untouchable to most, the people who could engage in the pursuit were the wealthiest Americans of that time, like the Vanderbilt's, Glidden's, and Dodges, many of whom belonged to the Automobile Club of America. This group first chose to branch out into the fledgling aviation field in 1905, founding the Aero Club of America (ACA).
The ACA’s first goal was to promote aviation in any way possible as both a sport and a commercial endeavor. From its founding until 1922, the ACA grew in vision and scope and counted many successes in building aviation, including issuing all pilot licenses. In that year, a change was needed to accommodate the expanding business of the ACA, and the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) was incorporated as the Aero Club’s successor. The NAA continued the original group’s mission, including issuing all pilot's licenses until the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1926.
While the Aero Club of America was based in New York City, the NAA is based in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., where it continues to serve the same mission set forth by the best of the best in aeronautics.
In 1905, the NAA joined Germany, Spain, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, and France to create an international aviation organizationFédération Aéronautique Internationalewith the goal of fostering aeronautical activities worldwide. FAI is the organization responsible for establishing the rules for record-setting and competition, and also for recognizing international achievements in aeronautics and astronautics.
The NAA is the largest member of FAI and is responsible for appointing representatives to 15 major air sport and technical committees of FAI. The NAA also represents U.S. interests in aviation at the FAI’s Annual General Conference.
The NAA's mission is to advance and oversee the advancement of the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight. The NAA achieves this by fostering opportunities to participate fully in aviation activities and promoting public understanding of the importance of aviation and space flight in the United States.
The NAA's Purpose is to
The NAA has certified aviation and aerospace records in the United States since 1905. Its records database counts over 8,000 record flights[1] including those of balloons, airships, airplanes (land planes, seaplanes, amphibians, and very light jets) gliders, helicopters, autogiros, model aircraft, parachutes, human-powered aircraft, spacecraft, tilt-wing/tilt-engine aircraft, hang gliders, paragliders, microlights, space models, and UAVs. In addition, the NAA certifies various records, including altitude, time-to-climb, distance, speed, greatest payload carried, and efficiency.
As the U.S. representative to FAI, the NAA is the sole authority for overseeing and certifying all aviation records in the United States. On average, the NAA certifies 150 records each year. The NAA records process[2] is directed by the NAA Contest and Records Board and managed by the Arthur W. Greenfield, Senior V.P., Contest and Records.
The NAA acknowledges the accomplishments and achievements in aviation and aerospace through its trophies and awards.
Nomination period: May 1 – August 31
The Frank G. Brewer Trophy is awarded annually to an individual, a group of individuals, or an organization for significant contributions of enduring value to aerospace education in the United States.
Nomination period: December 1 – January 31
The Robert J Collier Trophy is awarded annually for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, or safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year.
Nomination period: April 15 – July 15
The Harmon Aeronaut Trophy is awarded for the most outstanding international achievement in the art and/or science of aeronautics (ballooning) for the calendar period of July 1 – June 30 of the previous year.
Nomination period: January 1 – March 31
The Katharine Wright Memorial Trophy is awarded to a woman who has contributed to the success of others or made a personal contribution to the advancement of the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight over an extended period.
Nomination period: May 1 – August 31
The Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesman and Stateswoman of Aviation Awards are awarded to outstanding Americans who, by their efforts over an extended period of years, have made contributions of significant value to aeronautics, and have reflected credit upon America and themselves.
Nomination period: May 1 – August 31
The Public Benefit Flying Awards honors volunteer pilots, other volunteers, and their organizations engaged in flying to help others.
Nomination period: September 1 – November 30
The Katherine & Marjorie Stinson Trophy recognizes a living person, male or female, for an outstanding and enduring contribution to the role of women in the field of aviation, aeronautics, space, or related sciences.
Nomination period: April 1 – June 1
The Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy is awarded to a living American for significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States.
The Clifford W. Henderson Trophy is given annually to a living individual or group whose vision, leadership, or skill has made a significant and lasting contribution to the promotion and advancement of aviation or space activity.
A nomination will be put forth annually by the President of the NAA, and a vote of the Executive Committee will confirm the recipient.
The Clarence Mackay Trophy is awarded for the “most meritorious flight of the year” by an Air Force person, persons, or organization.
The Trophy is administered by the United States Air Force and the NAA and is presented in conjunction with the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
The Bruce Whitman Trophy is awarded annually to outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation or aerospace in the United States and who, by working with museums and other institutions, have promoted an appreciation by students and the broader public of the sacrifices and legacy of members of the military service.
A nomination will be put forth annually by the Chair of the NAA, and a vote of the Executive Committee will confirm the recipient.
Within the United States and its Territories, the NAA has the sole responsibility of administering awards established by the FAI.
Air Sport Organizations (ASO) are integral to the NAA’s ability to fulfill its mission.
Many ASOs serve as the introduction or gateway to commercial and business aviation. They are also competitive disciplines to many Americans and lifelong hobbies to thousands more. To foster our relationship with ASOs, the NAA works closely with ASOs to encourage membership and help drive innovation. America’s ASOs constantly change and evolve as new technology and aircraft become available.
The many disciplines of flying are represented by a variety of Air Sport Organizations (ASOs), which are the heart and soul of aviation in America. Nearly half a million people belong to ASOs in the United States, representing aerobatics, aeromodelling, ballooning, gliding, hang gliding and paragliding, powered paragliding and paramotor, and parachuting.
Part of NAA’s mission is to encourage the sport of aviation, and it does so through its relationship with several United States Air Sports Organizations (ASOs). The NAA founded or helped form many ASOs and continues working closely with them all. ASOs are constantly changing as technology and aircraft evolve and as new air sports become available.
The Board of Directors has an intentional blend of representation from throughout the aviation industry. The NAA Board includes government officials, industry leaders, executives of air sport organizations, and representatives of prominent organizations.
The NAA Board provides strategic leadership to the NAA’s President and holds responsibility for the content and alteration of the NAA’s By-Laws.
The NAA is honored to oversee the advancement of the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight. Its mission is achieved by fostering opportunities to participate fully in aviation activities and promoting public understanding of the importance of aviation and space flight to the United States.
The support of the NAA’s Corporate Members is the cornerstone in achieving its mission of advancing the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight.
Part of NAA’s mission is to encourage the sport of aviation, and it does so through its relationship with several United States air sports organizations (ASOs).
NAA’s Affiliate Members represent a unique collection of aviation businesses and organizations participating in critical aviation issues, such as aircraft manufacturers’ liability, airline operations, historic preservation, etc.
Affiliating with NAA helps the aviation community by providing a shared forum for many organizations and associations.
NAA's Institutional Members represent institutions such as colleges, universities, museums, and other places of learning.
As spaces for learning, development, and research, institutional members support NAA’s mission to promote the importance of aviation to the general public and support the future advancement of aeronautics.
As Americas Aero Club, the NAA serves as a unifier for all regional/local aero clubs.
Aero Club Members differ from region to region, but almost all consist of aviation professionals and enthusiasts. Each Club has a distinct and distinguished history; activities and interests vary, but all support aviation in their communities.