If you know of a volunteer or an organization that is doing outstanding work to promote humanitarian causes through aviation, the National Aeronautic Association wants to hear from you. The NAA, in collaboration with the Air Care Alliance, presents the National Public Benefit Flying Awards once a year, in five categories, and the nomination deadline is approaching — Monday, May 31. Anyone can send in a nomination, the process is fairly simple, and complete details are provided online at the NAA Web site. The categories cover both groups and individuals, a teamwork award, and an award for those who help to support the efforts of such groups. The winners are honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., held in September.
The Public Benefit Flying Awards have been bestowed each year since 2003. Past winners have included various medical-assistance groups, the Civil Air Patrol’s search-and-rescue efforts, Lighthawk, the pilots who flew various types of missions in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the nation’s air traffic controllers, AOPA, and many others who have gone above and beyond to help those in need or at risk, through aviation.
