The National Aeronautic Association announced the recipients of the 2026 Public Benefit Flying Awards today. In collaboration with the Air Care Alliance, a nationwide network of flying organizations, these awards honor the significant contributions of volunteer pilots, non-pilot volunteers, and organizations leveraging general aviation for humanitarian service.
“Combining a love of flying and selfless devotion to humankind, pilots and other volunteers involved in Public Benefit Flying make a profound and significant impact on communities and individuals in need,” said Amy Spowart, President and CEO, NAA. “This altruistic form of aviation encompasses a range of vital missions, including transporting patients for medical care, rescue, and environmental support. The recipients of this year’s Public Benefit Flying Awards showcase the aviation community’s enduring legacy of generosity and commitment to making a positive impact.”
The 2026 NAA Public Benefit Flying Award recipients are:
- Distinguished Volunteer Pilot – Ace Ellinwood, for unwavering commitment and selfless dedication to serving passengers through hundreds of volunteer missions, embodying the true spirit of volunteer aviation service.
- Distinguished Volunteer – Brenda Walsh, for demonstrating the core essence of charitable aviation by coordinating the care, vetting, and air transport of over 2,000 unwanted pets to rescue, foster, and adoptive homes.
- Outstanding Achievement in the Advancement of Public Benefit Flying – Mark Hanson, for advancing public benefit flying nationwide through hundreds of volunteer missions, national organizational leadership, safety advocacy, and tireless outreach that expanded access to life-saving aviation services.
- Public Benefit Flying Teamwork Award – Project Airtime, for over 12 years of safely and successfully personalizing free training and organizing accommodating paragliding flights for individuals with physical limitations through dedicated volunteer efforts.
- Champion of Public Benefit Flying – Douglas Wohl, for over 15 years of volunteer service, flying more than 200 missions, mentoring pilots, and advancing public benefit flying through exceptional skill, leadership, and unwavering dedication to patients in need.
Also receiving this year is:
- 2025 Distinguished Volunteer Pilot – Rolf Wallin, for selfless service and volunteer leadership, donating time, skill, and aircraft resources to support environmental justice and conservation efforts nationwide.
The Public Benefit Flying Awards will be presented at the NAA’s Fall Awards Dinner on November 5, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The event brings together leaders from across the aerospace industry to honor extraordinary achievements in aviation, humanitarian service, and national aerospace heritage. Tickets and table sponsorships are available to the public on the NAA website.
To learn more about the Public Benefit Flying Awards or to reserve seats for the Fall Awards Dinner, please visit www.naa.aero.
