Author/Editor Of 21 Aviation Books From Air Shows To Air Combat

Noted aviation author, photographer and documentary filmmaker Philip Handleman of Birmingham, MI received the National Aviation Hall of Fame's 2010 Combs Gates Award as part of Tuesday's NBAA2010 Opening General Session.

Philip Handleman Accepts Combs Gates Award

The award, which includes a $20,000 prize, is given each year to an individual or group for promoting or preserving America's air and space heritage. Handleman is being recognized for his upcoming book, The Rise of American Air Power, a 150-page, oversize, illustrated hardcover volume that is to be published in November 2013.

Handleman has authored or edited 21 aviation books spanning subjects from air shows to air combat, airliners and air racing. His photographs have graced commemorative postage stamps marking the 50th anniversaries of the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has been a pilot for 39 years and currently owns two vintage aircraft, along with a private airstrip, with his wife Mary.

The prestigious Combs Award grew out of a donation to the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) by the late Harry Combs, a 1996 enshrinee of the NAHF who was instrumental in the growth and development of business aviation. Five years ago the award was renamed to recognize the financial support provided by the Gates Frontiers Fund, which was established by the late Charles C. and June S. Gates. Charles Gates was a partner with Combs in several aviation businesses, including the Combs Gates FBO chain and Gates Learjet. NAHF has partnered with NBAA since 2003 to present the award during the Association's Annual Meeting & Convention.

Handleman accepted his award from several hall of famers, including former astronaut and the last man to walk on the moon, Eugene Cernan; business aviation pioneer and aerial cinematographer Clay Lacy; and Cessna Aircraft chairman emeritus Russell Meyer, Jr. Representing the late Harry B. Combs was his son, Harry "Terry" Combs, Jr., chairman and CEO of Integrated Airline Services, Inc., and Alan H. Hoeweler, president and vice chairman of the NAHF.

FMI: www.nationalaviation.org, www.nbaa.org