The General Aviation Awards (GAA) Board of Directors, in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has announced the 2026 National Honorees. These prestigious awards recognize extraordinary contributions to the general aviation community in flight instruction, maintenance, and safety.
The 2026 National General Aviation Award recipients are:
- Mike Kloch (Bend, OR) 2026 Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year
- Roger Whittier (Phoenix, AZ) 2026 Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year
- Mike Jesch (Orange, CA) 2026 FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year
Honoring Excellence Since 1962
For over 60 years, the GAA program and the FAA have highlighted the vital leadership roles aviation professionals play in promoting safety, education, and professionalism.
The FAA will formally present the awards this July during EAA AirVenture 2026 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. In addition to being featured in national aviation media and receiving gifts from industry sponsors, each honoree’s name will be etched onto the perpetual plaque displayed in the lobby of the EAA AirVenture Museum.
“It is an honor to announce the 2026 National Honorees,” said Lauretta Webb, Chair of the GA Awards Board. “These historic awards highlight the critical role played by accomplished individuals in building a culture rooted in safety and education. The Board and our sponsors are thrilled to provide these professionals the public recognition they deserve before their peers at AirVenture.”
GAA Live! Featuring the 2026 Honorees
Continuing a tradition started in 2018, two-time past honoree John Teipen will donate his expertise and equipment to produce GAA Live! This hour-long broadcast will feature all three honorees sharing their insights and technical knowledge. A specific date and time for the broadcast will be announced soon.
