THE DONALD D. ENGEN AERO CLUB TROPHY FOR AVIATION EXCELLENCE
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.
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.
Engen Trophy nomination deadline: March 31, 2026
2025 Donald D. Engen Aero Club Trophy for Aviation Excellence Recipients: Mary Miller & Pete Bunce
The Aero Club of Washington was honored to present the 2025 Engen Trophy to Mary Miller and Pete Bunce at an Aero Club Luncheon on June 26, 2025. Both Miller and Bunce have recently retired from their long-held and distinguished positions dedicated to advocating for general and business aviation.
“In deciding whom to select for this prestigious honor this year, the Aero Club Board faced an enviable dilemma — how to choose between two of the most respected, most accomplished, most admired, and most deserving members of the Washington aviation community in Mary Miller and Pete Bunce,” said Steve Morrissey, President of the Aero Club of Washington. “I’m pleased to announce that we did the only prudent thing under the circumstances and voted to award two Engen Trophies for Aviation Excellence for 2025. Congratulations to Mary and Pete, who each earned this recognition in their own right for their respective achievements over their distinguished careers.”