The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) recently announced the 2024 Public Benefit Flying Awards recipients.
Created in partnership with the Air Care Alliance (ACA), a nationwide league of humanitarian flying organizations, the NAA’s Public Benefit Flying Awards recognizes individual volunteers and volunteer organizations who utilize aviation for humanitarian actions.
Combining a love of flying and selfless devotion to humankind, pilots and other volunteers involved in Public Benefit Flying make a meaningful impact on communities and individuals in need. This altruistic form of aviation encompasses a range of vital missions, including transporting patients for medical care, supporting environmental and conservation efforts, and responding to emergencies and natural disasters. 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.
“Aviation can help save lives and support those in need in ways that no other method of transportation can,” said Amy Spowart, NAA President and CEO. “When the landscape is in chaos, literally or figuratively, lifting patients above any boundary is critical. The pilots who dedicate their time and talent in this way are heroes, and their selflessness deserves accolades and recognition. We are proud to provide these honors to them.”
The 2024 NAA Public Benefit Flying Award recipients are:
Distinguished Volunteer Pilot
John Jewett for altruistically giving his time, talent, and resources to transport hundreds of passengers to their life-saving medical care as an Angel Flight West volunteer pilot. Jewett has flown over 580 missions, helping passengers reach life-saving medical care.
Outstanding Achievement in Advancement of Public Benefit Flying
Mercy Medical Angels for helping patients to find “the shortest distance between home and help”, and for hope delivered daily. Mercy Medical Angels has provided over 53,000 trips to critical medical treatment for in-need patients across the country including over 6,300 flights and 47,000 trips with ground transportation.
Champion of Public Benefit Flying
Daniel Cheung for his dedication and unwavering support of charitable aviation. Cheung has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to charitable aviation through his tireless support and advocacy for Angel Flight West, raising awareness of the vital role of public benefit flying.
Mercy Medical Angels will receive the Public Benefit Flying Award at the NAA’s Fall Award Dinner on November 6, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Other NAA awards presented at the dinner include the Stinson Trophy to Irene Trowell-Harris, the Whitman Trophy to James Schenck and the Mackay Trophy by the U.S.A.F Chief of Staff. The event is open to the public, and tickets and sponsorships are still available. To learn more about the Fall Awards, please visit the NAA website.
Members of the 2024 Public Benefit Flying Selection Committee:
- Theresa Daly, NAA Young Leader Council
- Linda Daschle, Principal, LHD & Associates, Inc
- Lauren Haertlein, NAA Board of Directors
- Kristinia Luke, Executive Director, Air Care Alliance
- Lorrie Penner, Editor of Sport Aerobatics, International Aerobatics Club
- Greg Principato, Retired Aviation Executive
