Wichita, KS — The spirit of aviation excellence and achievement was alive and soaring at the Kansas Aviation Museum on July 11, 2025, as the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) hosted its much-anticipated 2025 Aviation Records Celebration, presented by Bombardier.
Held in the heart of America’s aviation capital, the ceremony brought together innovators, aviators, and industry leaders from across the nation to honor the record-setters whose accomplishments have pushed the boundaries of air and space travel.
As guests filed into the historic museum—an art deco gem that once served as Wichita’s municipal airport terminal—there was a palpable sense of excitement. Beneath the shadows of storied aircraft suspended from the ceiling, Amy Marino Spowart, NAA’s President and CEO, took the podium to warmly welcome the distinguished crowd of members, sponsors, and aviation pioneers.
“This celebration is about more than numbers or records,” Spowart said. “It’s about the courage to dare, the passion to pursue the skies, and the vision to lead aviation into the future.”
Her remarks followed an opening welcome from Chris Milligan, Vice President of Bombardier, the presenting sponsor for the event. Milligan underscored Bombardier’s deep commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in performance, values mirrored in the record holders being honored.
“Bombardier is proud to support the aviators and teams whose achievements inspire a new generation to reach higher and fly farther,” he said.
The program continued with an address by Greg Principato, President of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI)—the world governing body for air sports and aeronautical world records. Principato offered a global context to the day’s recognition, applauding the United States’ legacy and continued leadership in aviation achievement.
“Every record celebrated here today represents the finest traditions of global aviation and human ingenuity,” he noted.
Then came the heart of the ceremony—the presentation of official NAA and FAI flight record certificates. The honors were bestowed by Art Greenfield, NAA’s Senior Vice President of Contests and Records, a longtime steward of the U.S. aviation records process.
Greenfield presented each honoree with a handsomely engraved plaque, commemorating their achievement in style and performance. As each record holder came to the stage, they paused for a photograph and offered brief, heartfelt reflections on their journey.
Some were seasoned aviators with multiple records to their names, while others were first-time honorees whose stories of perseverance and innovation brought the audience to spontaneous applause. There were corporate test pilots, experimental aviators, military veterans, commercial crews, and passionate general aviation teams—each representing a unique chapter in the evolving story of flight.
Highlights included:
- A duo who flew a solar-electric aircraft across multiple states, shattering efficiency records;
- A team of engineers and pilots who set a speed-over-distance record in a new-generation turboprop;
- A university group whose lightweight autonomous aircraft exceeded altitude expectations;
- Several alumni from past NAA record celebrations who returned to be honored again for new accomplishments, some now holding three or more records.
One particularly moving moment came as a female pilot accepted her third plaque. Fighting back emotion, she shared, “It took me years to get my first license, and even longer to believe I belonged in this space. These records aren’t just about performance—they’re about possibility.”
The evening ended with a toast to the record holders and their teams, with champagne glasses raised under the nose of a vintage jetliner. Guests mingled, shared stories, and browsed museum exhibits showcasing America’s rich aviation legacy.
For many, the NAA 2025 Aviation Records Celebration was more than just an awards ceremony—it was a testament to the power of human ambition and a reminder that in aviation, the sky is never the limit.
About the National Aeronautic Association (NAA):
Founded in 1905, the NAA is the oldest national aviation organization in the United States. It certifies aviation records, promotes aerospace achievement, and administers some of the nation’s most prestigious aviation awards in partnership with the FAI.
About Bombardier:
A global leader in aviation, Bombardier designs, builds, and supports the world’s best business jets. The company continues to lead in innovation, sustainability, and exceptional aircraft performance.
About the Kansas Aviation Museum:
Located in Wichita, Kansas, the museum is dedicated to preserving the region’s rich aviation history and inspiring future generations of flight pioneers.
For a full list of 2025 record holders, visit: naa.aero
