Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award
The Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight
is an award presented annually by the National Aviation Hall of Fame to a group or organization that has made a significant contribution to America’s aviation heritage.
Previous Winners
US Navy Blue Angels – The US Navy’s Flight Demonstration Team – 2011
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) – 2010
APOLLO Crews – 2009
X PRIZE Foundation – 2008
The X PRIZE Foundation incites innovation by tapping into our competitive and entrepreneurial skills, rather than awarding money to honor past achievements or directly funding research. An X PRIZE is a multi-million dollar award given to the first team to achieve a specific goal, set by the X PRIZE Foundation, which has the potential to benefit humanity.
Flying Physicians Association (FPA) – 2007
Physician pilots promoting safety, education and human interest projects relating to medicine and aviation while enjoying the fantasy of flight.
American Society of Aviation Artists (ASAA) – 2006
Dedicated to the improvement and public appreciation of aerospace art.
Whirly-Girls – 2005
The Whirly-Girls are dedicated to advancing professionalism in helicopters, while providing women helicopter pilots a forum for the exchange of information and opportunities.
Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) – 2004
Aerospace Medical Association is the largest most-representative professional organization in the fields of aviation, space and enviromental medicine. AsMA membership includes aerospace medical specialists, scientists, flight nurses physiologist and researchers in the field.
State of Ohio – 2003
For its instumental role in the advancement of aviation.
American Eagle Squadrons – 2002
The 244 American pilots who voluntarily joined the Royal Air Force in the early years of World War II, the men of the 71st, 121st, and 133rd American Eagle Squadrons, became the highest scoring fighter group in the European Theater.
Society of Experiment Test Pilots – 2001
Association formed in1959 to support and promote the dangerous but essential work done by test pilots.
National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) – 2000
Founded in 1931 to ensure uniformity of safety measures, to standardize airport regulations and develop a truly national air transportation system responsive to local, state, and regional needs.
Flying Tigers/AVG – 1999
A volunteer group of very talented young men whose heroic efforts stemmed the tide of Imperial Japan’s aggression prior to America’s entry into World War II.
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) – 1998
Founded in 1953 by a group of men interested in building their own aircrafts, the association has expanded to include all types of aircraft and aviation enthusiasts.
Air Force Association – 1997
AFA is an independent, nonprofit, civilian organization Promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in defending America’s freedoms.
Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) – 1996
The first women trained to fly military aircraft, the WASPs flew training, ferrying, and a variety of other missions during WW II.
Air Crews of World War II – 1995
The pilots and crews of World War II whose aviation excellence defeated the German war machine and the Japanese Empire.
National Guard Bureau – 1994
Dual state and federal military force involved in both national security and response to emergencies at state level.
Doolittle Tokyo Raiders – 1993
The individuals involved in Jimmy Doolittle’s historic 1942 air raid on Tokyo, a definitive moral victory for a disheartened America.
Agricultural Aviation Industry – 1992
The pilots who serve to protect and promote America’s agricultural goods and service.
United Air Force Systems Command – 1991
Develops and delivers weapon systems to combat forces when and where they are needed.
United States Air Force Logistics Command – 1991
Ensures the readiness and sustainability of all Air Force weapon systems worldwide.
Voyager Mission Team – 1990
Voyager completed the first non-stop, around the world, non-refueled mission on December 23, 1986.
Tuskegee Airmen – 1990
America’s first contingent of African-American fighter pilots, who performed heroically during WW II.
Confederate Air Force (now known as the Commemorative Air Force) – 1989
An organization that is singularly chartered to preserve in flying condition an example of every combat aircraft that flew during WWII.
Civil Air Patrol – 1988
Founded in 1941, CAP is the auxiliary wing of the United States Air Force and, as such, performs the majority of the aircraft search and rescue operations in the continental United States.
Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager (Voyager) – 1987
The Voyager mission completed the first nonstop, non-refueled flight around the world on December 13, 1986.
Mercury Astronauts – 1986
The first seven men selected to be astronauts and to “test fly” America’s first spacecraft.
NASA – 1986
The National Aeronautic and Space Administration, founded in 1959.
Canadian Snowbirds – 1985
The Royal Canadian Air Force’s elite nine-man aerobatic team.
Ninety-Nines – 1984
Founded in 1929 by 99 licensed women pilots for the mutual support and advancement of aviation, and of the role of women in aviation.
Double Eagle II – 1983
The first crew of balloonists to successfully cross the Atlantic Ocean, arriving near Paris on August 17, 1978.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association – 1982
The largest, most influential aviation association in the world, focusing on advocacy, enlightened leadership, technical competence, and hard work.
USAF Thunderbirds – 1981
The Air Force demonstration team that emphasizes USAF technology and aerial skill.
