NAA Honors Marion Blakey for Aviation Leadership

Washington, DC, June 16, 2011 – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is pleased to announce that The Honorable Marion Blakey has been selected to receive the 2011 Cliff Henderson Trophy. Former Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, Ms. Blakey is currently President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association.

The Cliff Henderson Trophy, which resides at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, was established in 1960 by the National Aviation Club (now part of NAA) to honor the creator and Managing Director of the world-renowned National Air Races from 1928-1939. His work in our industry stimulated a generation’s interest in aviation and challenged the state of the art in aviation development. In that spirit, the trophy is awarded to “a living individual, group of individuals, or an organization whose vision, leadership or skill made a significant and lasting contribution to the promotion and advancement of aviation and aerospace in the United States.”

NAA will present the trophy to Ms. Blakey at the final luncheon of the 2010-2011 NAA Luncheon Series on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott. Jim Albaugh, executive vice president of The Boeing Company and president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes will be the luncheon speaker.

The National Aeronautic Association is a non-profit membership organization devoted to fostering opportunities to participate fully in aviation activities and to promoting public understanding of the importance of aviation and space flight to the United States. NAA is the caretaker of several major aviation awards, and certifies all world and national aviation records set in the United States. For information, visit www.naa.aero.