Henderson Award

Nominations open through - November 30 each year 

About the Award

Since 1960 the Henderson Award for Achievement has been given 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.

The Henderson Trophy, named for Clifford W. Henderson is permanently housed in the National Air and Space Museum.


The award was originally presented in the 1930's to the outstanding pilot at the National Air Races.  Henderson was managing director of the National Air Races from 1928-1939.  He originated the concept and obtained sponsorship for the races and the Bendix Trophy Race, Thompson Trophy Classic and Powder Puff Derby.   A colorful figure in the early days of aviation, Henderson was a driving force behind the development of Los Angeles International Airport as one of three men who helped install the airport's first 1,200 foot runway and then persuaded the city to lease a 640 acre bean and barley patch then known as Miles Field which became Los Angeles International Airport.

Cliff Henderson stimulated a generation’s interest in aviation and his air races challenged the state of the art.  He was a showman, promoter, and real estate developer and his work typified the fact that not everyone who affects aviation change is professionally involved in the development or application of aviation.

The Trophy was retired for many years until 1985 when the National Aviation Club (part of NAA since 2003) reactivated it and changed the criteria a scope of the award to honor Clifford W. Henderson’s legacy.

Nomination Guidelines for the Cliff Henderson Award

Previous Winner Chronology