The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) honored aviation legend Clay Lacy and others at the fourth annual R.A. Bob Hoover Trophy Awards.
Actor and general aviation advocate Harrison Ford presented the 2019 Hoover Trophy to Clay Lacy, the record-setting air race champion, military test pilot, airline captain, cinematographer, and entrepreneur, during the ceremony held at the historic Terminal A lobby at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C.
Lacy, an airman from Wichita, Kansas, has logged 53,000 hours in more than 300 aircraft, earned 32 type ratings, set 29 world speed records, and flown more than 2,500 film missions from his adopted Los Angeles home. More than 50 years ago he founded a fixed-base operation at Van Nuys Airport that bears his name and today counts more than 500 employees. The entrepreneur was recognized by industry peers for helping fund aircraft maintenance scholarships; host open houses; and provide outreach, mentorship, and financial support to the next generation of aviators.
AOPA President Mark Baker noted that the trophy is presented to an “aviator who exhibits the airmanship, leadership, and passion for aviation and life demonstrated by Bob Hoover.” Baker recalled that Hoover “gave his heart and soul to America” and “represented the very best of us, not only as the greatest pilot in the world, but as a true gentleman.”
Hoover’s name was memorialized as a tribute to those who ignite a passion for aviation in others. He died in 2016 at age 94 after an illustrious aviation career. His videotaped message to introduce honorees was a moving moment for the ceremony's 230 attendees.
AOPA Air Safety Institute Executive Director Richard McSpadden, a former commander and flight leader of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, presented the second annual General Aviation Safety Award to ForeFlight founders Tyson Weihs and Jason Miller for delivering “exceptional performance in safety to benefit the entire general aviation industry.” See the video presentation here.
Hawaii state Sen. Kai Kahele (D-Hawaii), a commercial airline pilot and commissioned officer in the Hawaii Air National Guard, was presented the Laurence P. Sharples Award, named after AOPA’s first chairman of the board. The award recognizes those who have made “extraordinary contributions” to general aviation.
The Joseph B. “Doc” Hartranft Award, named after AOPA’s first president and former chairman of the board, was presented to Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). The award is presented to elected or appointed government officials for their significant contributions to the advancement of GA.
