Hail the Deserving Victor

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots have announced Julie Clark is to be awarded 2023’s Katharine Wright Memorial Trophy.

Clark stated: “The Katherine Wright Award means so much to me because I love to inspire and encourage young aviators. I know that Katherine Wright was a true supporter of her famous brothers’ endeavors, and always put their activities ahead of her own. She was a real compassionate and loyal sister! How very honored I am to be selected for this amazing award.”

Clark is being honored for her enduring contributions to aviation, the success of others, and the promotion of aerospace education.

Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots President Robin Hadfield set forth: “Throughout her life, Julie Clark has shown dedication, remarkable skill, and a passion for excellence. Her aviation journey stands as an example of what can be achieved when one combines talent with determination, making her a true inspiration to all.”

Julie Clark is known as a forty-year airshow pilot and one of the first female aviators to fly for a major airline. An original charter member of The International Society of Women Airline Pilots, Clark consistently and unreservedly contributes her knowledge and plies her support to the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS), which she serves in the capacities of board-member, chair of the Regional Satellite Chapters, and Aerobatic Competency Evaluator. Additionally, Clark serves as a mentor of the EAA’s Women Soar program, personally mentors young aerobatic pilots seeking careers as air show performers, and inspires young people to pursue careers in aviation.

NAA President & CEO Greg Principato remarked: “From the start of Julie’s aviation career to the present day, she has constantly sought ways to lift and inspire others. Many talk about giving back, Julie defines the term. She is the definition of a Katharine Wright Trophy recipient, great in her own right and making all others around her better. It will be our honor to present the Katharine Wright Trophy to Julie Clark.”

Established in 1981 by the Gates Learjet Corporation and named for Katharine Wright—sister to Orville and Wilbur and financial, emotional, and public supporter of her brothers’ aeronautical and business endeavors—the Katharine Wright Trophy is awarded annually, in partnership with the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots, to an individual deemed to have contributed meaningfully and over a protracted period of time to the success of others or made a personal contribution to the advancement of the art, sport, and science of aviation and space flight.

FMI: https://naa.aero