Despite Extensive Industry Endorsement, Bob Hoover Passed Over For 2013 Wright Memorial Trophy

While I have an exceptional opinion of Ms. Blakey (one of the finest FAA Admins ever) and have no doubt that she should be so honored at some point, I do not know how many years we'll have in which such an accolade might be possible while Bob is in a position to appreciate the love, honor, and respect this community has for him.

I am incredibly disappointed in NAA... and truly believe that they have squandered an extraordinary opportunity to not only do the right thing but to respect the wishes of what appears to be most of the aviation community.

I respectfully protest their decision, ask for reconsideration, and feel that even Ms. Blakey (who has a better sense of aviation history than any 100 people I know in this biz... especially after living through some of its most tumultuous moments) would understand why this year's award should belong to Bob Hoover -- in recognition of his heroic service to a grateful nation and an even more grateful aviation community.

I do not know of any living aviator who deserves this consideration more at this time.

Period.

What say you?

FMI: Did NAA Blow It? Should Bob Hoover Have Received The 2013 Wright Memorial Trophy?