NAA's Robert J. Collier Trophy Up for Grabs for Meritorious Nominees

Time's running out to nominate exceptional aviation achievers for the Robert J. Collier Trophy, with submissions due January 31st.

The Collier Trophy is awarded annually "for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year." The National Aviation Association's duty to determine and celebrate the winners provides a timeline of aviation, as many of the awardees mark major events in the history of flight. Now, those who contributed to the body of aeronautical progress can be added to the historic roster.

Its sister trophy, the Katharine Wright Trophy, requires nominees by March 31, 2023. The Katharine Wright Memorial award was established in 1981 by the Gates Learjet Corporation, and continues today in partnership with the Ninety-Nines and the International Organization of Women Pilots. It aims to recognize any "individual 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," named in honor of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s sister, Katharine. It was her financial support that gave rise to her brothers’ endeavors. The nomination period has opened for the Katharine Wright Trophy.

The nomination period ends on January 31, 2023. Guidelines have been modified in recent years, with the specific requirements available on the NAA website. Letters of support are due with the nominations, with presentations to the selection committee running on March 30, 2023 for those selected finalists.

FMI: www.naa.aero