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Aero Club of Washington Awards

William R. DeCota Selected as Recipient of 2009 Engen Trophy

The Aero Club of Washington was originally founded to promote the Wright Brothers and their efforts. Their initial achievement defined aviation, established excellence as a standard and placed America in a role of global preeminence. The Aero Club seeks to commemorate the Wright Brothers' historic actions by awarding an annual Trophy for Aviation Excellence.

The Board of Governors of the Aero Club of Washington has selected the late William (Bill) DeCota, former Director of Aviation, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) as the 2009 recipient of the Donald D. Engen Aero Club Trophy for Aviation Excellence. DeCota served as the PANYNJ Director of Aviation from December 1999 until his death in September 2009, overseeing the world's largest airport system.

During his 27 year career overseeing the operations of John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, Stewart International Airport and Teterboro Airport, DeCota was recognized as a national leader who was passionate about aviation and the national air transportation system. His many achievements and work on behalf of airports, airlines, general aviation and the traveling public make him a very deserving recipient of the Aero Club's Engen Trophy.

The Trophy was presented to Sue Baer of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey at the Aero Club's November 23 luncheon at the Capital Hilton Hotel.

In 1999, after the tragic death of Admiral Don Engen, director of the National Air & Space Museum at the time, the Aero Club Board voted to present the Trophy to Don Engen posthumously. It was accepted in October 1999 by his widow, Mary Engen. The Board had also voted to name the Trophy after Don Engen, and at that same luncheon, the Trophy became the “Donald D. Engen Aero Club Trophy for Aviation Excellence.” The permanent Trophy resides in the National Air & Space Museum.

Past Recipients