Neil Armstrong proudly displays his Wright Brothers Memorial award.

For almost the entire history of powered flight, NAA has been the caretaker of many of the nation's and the world's most prestigious aviation awards. Part of NAA's mission is identifying and recognizing those who have contributed to the "art, sport and science of aviation and space flight."

The most famous of these awards, the Robert J. Collier Trophy, was established in 1911. It is awarded annually for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, as demonstrated by actual use in the previous year. NAA presents more than a dozen awards throughout each year to honor these achievements.

Below is an alphabetical synopsis of NAA’s awards.  For more information on each award and nomination guidelines, click on the individal award name to the left on this page.  If you have any questions, please contact NAA at 703-416-4888, or e-mail awards@naa.aero

FRANK G. BREWER TROPHY
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: May 1 – July 31

ROBERT J. COLLIER TROPHY
This historic trophy – which is on permanent display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC – 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." The award is presented at the Collier Dinner in late spring in the Washington, DC area
NOMINATION PERIOD: November 1 – January 31

FÉDÉRATION AÉRONAUTIQUE INTERNATIONALE (FAI) AWARDS
These are international awards given by FAI, the world air sports federation founded in 1905 by the Aero Club of the U. S. (NAA) and other original Aero Clubs. FAI is a non-governmental and non-profit making international organization with the basic aim of furthering aeronautical and astronautical activities worldwide. NAA works to identify worthy candidates and generate nominations for seven (7) FAI Awards. Nominations are submitted by NAA to FAI for the following awards Gold Air Medal, Gold Space Medal, Sabiha Gökçen Medal, Silver Medal, Diploma for Outstanding Airmanship, Paul Tissandier Diploma and the Honorary Group Diploma.
NOMINATION PERIOD: Open and must be submitted to NAA by April 30 for submission to FAI by May 31

HARMON TROPHIES
The Harmon Trophies are 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: July 1 – September 30

CLIFF HENDERSON AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT
The award 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 and is presented at the NAA Spring Awards Luncheon.
NOMINATION PERIOD: September 1 – November 30

KATHARINE WRIGHT MEMORIAL AWARD
This award is made annually 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 of time. It is presented at the Ninety-Nines Annual Conference in the summer.
NOMINATION PERIOD: January 1 – March 31

MACKAY TROPHY
Administered by the United States Air Force and NAA, the trophy is awarded for the "most meritorious flight of the year" by an Air Force person, persons, or organization. NAA presents the historic trophy in conjunction with the Chief of Staff of the Air Force annually at their Fall Awards Banquet
NOMINATION PERIOD: Only via U.S. Air Force by January 31 to Chief of Staff

PUBLIC BENEFIT FLYING AWARDS
Created to honor volunteer pilots, other volunteers and their organizations engaged in flying to help others. These awards are presented annually at the "Above and Beyond Presentation" at the U.S Capitol in September.
NOMINATION PERIOD: March 1 – May 31

STINSON AWARD
The award recognizes a living woman for an outstanding and enduring contribution, a meritorious flight, or a singular technical development in the fields of aviation, aeronautics, space or related sciences.
NOMINATION PERIOD: September 1 – November 30

WESLEY L. McDONALD ELDER STATESMAN OF AVIATION AWARDS
The Elder Statesman awards were established in 1954 to honor outstanding Americans over age 60 who, by their efforts over a period of years, have made contributions of significant value to aeronautics, and have reflected credit upon America and themselves. The award was renamed in 2007 in honor of former NAA Chairman Wesley L. McDonald and is presented at NAA's Fall Awards Banquet.
NOMINATION PERIOD: May 1 – July 31

WRIGHT BROTHERS MEMORIAL TROPHY
The trophy is awarded annually to a living American for "significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States." The recipient receives this coveted award at the Wright Memorial Dinner in December of each year near the date of first flight 12/17
NOMINATION PERIOD: June 1 – August 31