The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced that Doug Matthews has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Frank G. Brewer Trophy. The Brewer Trophy, established in 1943, honors significant contributions of enduring value to aerospace education in the United States and is housed at the National Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Past recipients of the Brewer Trophy include Edward Stimpson, Peggy Chabrian, the National Air and Space Museum’s docent corps, the NASA Spacelink Team, Barrington Irving, and the 2024 recipient, Glendon Fraser.
“The Brewer Trophy serves as a testament to Doug’s extraordinary educational achievements,” said Amy Spowart, President and CEO, NAA. “Doug’s unwavering dedication and commitment to providing sources of instruction to aerospace learners are truly inspiring. His ascent from learner to teacher and imparting knowledge at every step of his journey is a powerful demonstration of the transformative power of education, perseverance, and dedication. His dedication is nothing short of inspirational.”
For over 60 years, Matthews has committed himself to training, teaching, and educating the world’s aviation community. His innovations have spawned industries, improved educational methods and opportunities, and have trained people around the world. Matthews is one of the world’s top vintage aircraft instructors, with experience in aircraft such as the Dauntless SBD, North American P-51, T-6, and F-86, Lockheed T-33, Grumman F6F Hellcat and F8F Bearcat, Marchetti S-211, Aero L-39, and many other types. In 1984, he established the “Matthews Scholarship” for MBAs at the Goizueta Graduate Business School at Emory University in Atlanta. He also provides the foundational funding for the “Matthews Aviation Scholarship”, which supports several young pilots in obtaining their flying licenses and ratings through FAA Commercial, Instrument, and Multi-engine.
“I am incredibly grateful and honored to receive this extraordinary recognition,” said Matthews. “Receiving this award is a reminder of the amazing people in my life who have supported me along the way. It serves as a reminder of the incredible opportunities I have been given, and I am grateful for each and every one of them.”
“Matthews’ contributions to aviation education have left an indelible mark. His innovative training methods, comprehensive manuals, and rigorous classes have equipped aspiring pilots with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a fiercely competitive field, said nominator Lou Nemeth, VP Training Services, Chief Safety Officer (ret) & Director of Flight Operations, CAE. “His legacy is evident in the thousands of pilots he has trained, who continue to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism in aviation. We are deeply appreciative of his significant contributions.”
The members of the 2025 Brewer Trophy Selection Committee are:
- NAA Young Leader, Jennie Balzer, Republic Airways
- NAA Stakeholder, Jeanie Engle, NASA (ret.)
- NAA Aero Club Member Stephanie Griffith, Aero Club of Washington
- NAA Institutional Member Jim Remar, The Cosmosphere
- NAA Institutional Member Shannon Wiedekamp, Equus Flight Academy
- NAA Corporate Member Kara White, Hemlock Films
- NAA Young Leader Theresa Daly, Bombardier
The 2025 Brewer Trophy will be presented at the NAA Fall Awards on November 6, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Tickets are now available, and a sell-out crowd is expected. Secure your seats here.
For more information or to view a complete list of previous Brewer Trophy recipients, please click here.
